Residue

Residue is a film I first heard of when I saw the film Candiland, which has the same writer and director, Rusy Nixon. Candiland was one of the most bizarre films I have ever seen. It definitely had its ups and downs but I really enjoyed the overall product. After seeing Candiland, I was interested in seeing what Rusty Nixon would do next which happened to be this.

The first half an hour of Residue is perfect. It intrigued me and I loved the mystery noir style mixed with horror. What also stunned me was how good this movie looks. It looks way better for a low budget movie than it has any justification too. Not only that but maybe about fifteen minutes in, there is a fight sequence that is helmed amazingly. I could tell everything that was going on and it looked 100 percent convincing. Also, the early scenes with Mr. Fairweather played by Matt Frewer were super entertaining to watch. If the whole movie had been this good, it would be one of my favorite movies.

Frankly, the movie does have some series issues which stop it from reaching its full potential. James Clayton plays the lead character named Luke Harding. He was clearly shooting for the cool going detective but at times it just doesn't work. In some scenes, he came off awkwardly robotic. He wasn't necessarily bad but I feel he missed the mark. Also, one of the main plot points between Luke Harding and his daughter just didn't feel played up as well as it should have. The climax hinges on the plot point so it just doesn't have the impact it should. Also, I feel like the climax just doesn't get enough time to breathe which takes away some more of the effect it could have had.

Apart from the first half an hour, however, there is still a lot to love. Jacob (Costas Mandylor and Boston (Michael Matic) have several scenes where they are keeping an eye on Luke Harding. There is a lot of comedic relief and dark humour here which is highly enjoyable.

This film is flawed but I think it could find a cult following. It's not for everyone and plenty will dislike. It's also a bit confusing and hard to follow but I appreciate films like that sometimes because it allows you to think. Despite its issues, I still really like this movie and it's originality and style make it memorable. I would recommend this film for anyone who wants to see something different and likes films that are out there. A lot is unanswered in this film but I heard there may be a sequel called The Pain Doctors. Support this low budget film. Just remember that it isn't for everyone.

Amazing, as engaging and fresh as Pontypool. I watched countless indie horror / thriller / sci-fi movies, but never seen something like this one. The concept of haunted book is nothing new (Evil Dead and such), but here it's done in a different way.

The cast is great, although Clayton looks too young to be a father for a 18 year old girl. Williams B.Davis is spot on, too bad he doesn't have much on-screen time.

I got kinda confused at the end, but the movie successfully evokes emotions throughout, and while it is thick with plot at some moments, you're interested enough to put down whatever else you're doing and pay attention. That's a win, for me.

So, fair warning, the first 20-25 minutes of this film are pretty brutal to watch. The acting, the editing, the directing; all brutal, BUT! at about the 25 minutes mark, the plot gets REALLY intriguing and the story starts to make up for much of the low production values, which themselves also improve significantly from the terrible opening. The ending is a bit soft and a little forceful, but wraps up the story especially well. Definitely give this a shot if you're a fan of bizarre cosmic horror, but please be willing to wait past the weak opening.

Well, you have to survive the beginning. Some, ahem, not very believable acting skills from a couple of actors will make you want to stop watching. However, I gave it a chance and was pleasantly surprised. The story is interesting. Could have been done better but hey, you can say it almost about everything in this life, so let's not be perfectionists. Nice appearances from Matt Frewer, Costas Mandylor and William B. Davis (the Smoking Man from the X-files). If you like strange, mysterious stories give it a go, it will keep your interest despite an occasional cringe moment. BTW, felt a bit like 90's films, you know, Naked Lunch, eXistenZ and such :)