detour1945 Reviews

Deadly Reunion (2016)

Ummm...had potential

[3/10 · 30 October 2019]

Seriously, the initial premise seemed interesting and I was curious where they would go with it.

Unfortunately, the narrative becomes a jumbled mess and the acting by one and all is high school atrocious at best.

But this film really goes off the rails during the finale.

I won't spoil it here, if I could even give the description justice, but if you do start this one, hang in for a head-scratching, 180-degree turn out of nowhere ending.

Dead List (2018)

I'll meet you in the middle

[6/10 · 10 April 2019]

To balance out the 1-star and 10-star reviews, a little extreme on both ends, I'm giving it a 6/10.

Uneven effort, but technically accomplished, with decent acting all around.

The story had potential, but I think the "gimmick" of having the five deaths written and directed by five different people (treating it almost like an anthology) didn't quite gel.

Some of the deaths sequences were written and handled quite well, while a couple were a little too jumbled and felt like they belonged in another picture.

Overall, however, an admirable independent effort.

Hesher (2010)

Offbeat, engaging film

[8/10 · 19 April 2016]

I thought the acting from all the main cast members was solid. Kid actors are always hit-or-miss, and I felt Devin Brochu did a great job in his role.

No one questions Hesher's presence in the house because they are dealing with other issues, the father his crippling grief over the loss of his wife, and the grandmother is dealing with not only that, but her own terminal illness.

As for the "lost nut" scene, I came away from that with the feeling that Hesher was saying to TJ and his father, "You've lost a mother, but you still have a father, and you've lost a wife, but you still have a son."

I found the "casket walking" scene to be cathartic for the characters, and touching to watch. They were taking that last opportunity to do something with someone they love. A chance that was snatched away from them when their wife/mother was killed.

That's what I took from the film and enjoyed it.

But, I feel Natalie Portman's role is a little underwritten and her performance a bit bland. A minor quibble in an otherwise offbeat and entertaining film.

Salvage (I) (2009)

A solid independent effort

[7/10 · 11 July 2010]

SALVAGE is a solid, independent effort

Definitely worth the view for horror/suspense fans.

The film keeps the protagonists and the viewer guessing as to what is going on, which adds to the tension for all.

I would have to disagree with other reviewers, who have called the film and/or acting low-budget.

The production values and acting are well within Hollywood-type expectations.

Though not the most original story, this film keeps you interested and entertained for its entire 70+ minute running time.

Star and Flower (1979)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

[7/10 · 7 February 2010]

This animated short is a cute, sad rendering of the old saying, by East German animator Otto Sacher.

A man on the ground desires a shining star in the sky. He reaches for it, stretching, but it stays out of reach. Subsequent attempts,using a stool, ladder and the roof of his house, are as futile. The star remains elusive, in the heavens up above.

Meanwhile a man in the clouds covets a beautiful flower that blooms on the ground. From his perch high above, the man leans down, stretching his arm towards the Earth, straining to reach his desire. But for naught, as the clouds are too high, the Earth too low.

Unable to gain their wants, the frustrated actions of each man results in sadness for both.

This is available on a collection of East German cartoons that is worth seeking out.