Change Your Image
jmb7705
Reviews
Werewolf Cabal (2022)
Beware of the Lycanthrope!
I watched this as I'm a great fan of the classic "American Werewolf in London" and I have to say, although it falls way short of that film, overall I was impressed. You could see the filmakers had a limited budget but they delivered a interesting story helped by good acting and adequate special effects. The werewolf transformation was simple but effective aided by the lighting sheen chosen by the cinematographer.
Overall the performances were good but the standout for me was the actor (Jon Paul Gates) playing the priest who manages to keep his cabal members together with subtle manipulation and dexterity.
Nest of Vampires (2021)
A Vampiric Treat
This is an interesting mix of genres: Vampires & Espionage. I love that a British secret agent, seeking revenge for his wife's murder, pursues a human trafficking ring who turn out to be Vampires! But the real pay-off is that MI5 agent is a Vampire himself!! The storyteller adheres to Vampiric tradition: he introduces Lapis Lazuli & asserts Adrenochrome is a Vampyre aphrodisiac.
Cinematography is excellent and the performances are solid. The lead character (Tom Fairfoot) does a good job but I particularly liked the Italian hitman (Jon-Paul Gates) who seemed to take great 'pleasure' in his work.
Yes, it is micro budget but the narrative is there and it's refreshing change to most Hollywood horror franchises.
The Haunting of Borley Rectory (2019)
An interesting version of Borley
It's definitely the best film Steven M. Smith & Jon-Paul Gates have done so far. Nice pacing and the story unfolds well and while it's a microcosm of the Borley story ( I didn't know Maryanne Foyster had an affair with an American soldier) it was educational, so I could see the Borley saga from another perspective.
I see it more as a polished drama though than a genre horror film.
Dragon Kingdom (2018)
Better than Knights of the Damned
I think the production team did a much better job than their previous film, Knights of the Damned. Visual effects of the Dragons and the monster costumes were a visual feast and the fight choreography was adequate. Perhaps they had more budget this time.
The acting of the principal performers is strong although some of the subordinate characters are weak. The story is now becoming full circle and I'm looking forward to seeing the Prince getting his just deserts.. Speaking of which, I thought Jon-Paul Gates was really awesome as Favian and the scenes between him and his father are intense.
The look of the film is more glossy which makes me wonder if the producers shot on celluloid this time. Ok there are a few issues with modern day items not been removed but this did not adversely affect the entertainment factor and even blockbusters I see obvious continuity errors as well.
Red Army Hooligans (2018)
Much better than most Hooligan films
Unlike previous films in the Hooligan genre, this film had a heart about a former hooligan who sustained a brain injury and not only does he not know who did it but also he can't recognise his own family. All hooligan movies glorify violence, this does not, it's about the terrible consequences fighting others over a football match may bring. My own father suffered from Alzheimer's and I though the actor did a good job capturing that emotion.
Hooligan Escape The Russian Job (2018)
awful, terrible....
How did these so called film-makers get the money to make this tripe?...honestly my 5 year old has more talent...please DO NOT make a film again!!! Shame I had to give it 1 star...it really doesn't deserve that