Outrage

(Note: This review is based off of a screener from November 2009. The released film may be different.) Christine (Katie Fountain), an aptly named Christian woman who has inherited a considerable amount of wealth, is on vacation for the weekend with her friends. What could have been a fun and romantic weekend turns to chaos when a deranged military man (Michael Madsen) and his redneck goons decide to take the group hostage, with no qualms about executing a few or all of them in the process.

Writer-director-actor Ace Cruz says that he is living the American Dream. I find that a reasonable expression of his success. While his films may not have wide acclaim yet, Cruz is still a rising star and with a little fine tuning here or there he might break into the major leagues. Keep your eye on him.

I have to call to potential viewers' attention the defects of this film. The special effects are particularly poor: a bad lightning effect, cheesy hillbilly teeth, and a horrible gunshot animation are notable examples. Also, the audio is not well-recorded, at times echoing and at others seemingly dubbed too strongly. These shortcomings can be blamed on the budget most likely, but finicky viewers will be bothered by them and it's important to be aware of this.

Those criticisms aside, this film has its strong points. The general plot is interesting and the action is high. The girls, particularly the one who plays Molly ("American Pie" veteran Natasha Lyonne), are hot (sorry to be sexist, but this helps a film). What I found to be the most brilliant idea of the film was a scene where the goons were attempting to find the cell phones in the house by calling from other cell phones. I have remarked in the past about how cell phones have become (understandably) ubiquitous in horror films, but this was the most creative way I've seen of removing them from the equation.

And, of course, the film's biggest draw: Michael Madsen. He may not have the star power he once had, but like Tom Sizemore he will still bring in a certain cult audience. With good reason: Madsen's sadistically evil, yet carefully measured performances rarely if ever fail. This is no exception -- every scene he has, he steals. And that is not a complaint; I could watch this man for hours on end. (Do I even have to mention how awesome Michael Berryman is?) I think this film is worth watching if you're into thrillers and hostage films, and especially if you're an aspiring filmmaker. Certainly, you could pick a more polished film to watch, but I think Cruz is an interesting director because he is growing, and watching his growth really reveals something about the craft of directing. And, frankly, as a critic I must confess that if I directed I wish if I could make something of this caliber.

Accountability or heartbreak? I choose accountability.

I was the little girl. It wasn't my decision to make this film.

Imagine a film depicting your life story, Imagine this film being Outrage 'Born Into Terror' and imagine it was made without your consent for someone else's personal gain? How would you feel?

This story is my personal life story. My truth and my real story to tell about my heartbreak I have lived with and always will. I have told very few people of my story and it is up to me who I decide to convey my story to and who I share it with. So let me share that story with you now.

When I trusted a producer with my story as a close person in my life I never felt that I would be betrayed by having my story edited, used and developed without my knowledge. I never thought they would do this let alone without any thought for how I survived the horrific heartbreaking events and how I managed to rise from the flames of this harrowing existence (more harrowing events than depicted let me add) .

Today I am strong. The strongest. Stronger than ever before as I turn my story and my heartbreak of this betrayal into a story of accountability

So here is my decision. To let you know how this story was mine. My truth. My life.

I'm telling you as I chose to tell you this. On my terms and by my own will of engagement with you. I overcame the experiences depicted within the film. I became stronger than just being named a 'victim'. I became a survivor. I am stronger that just being a nameless person somebody once again taken advantage of and betrayed.

I am in control of my destiny and I always will be. With the click of posting this review I take back my dignity, my story, my truth and I void that betrayal as i choose to and move along and soar above the previously burning feeling of frustration from the betrayal. That is the true story of how I survive. Survivors don't stay static. Survivors don't stay silent and we have every right to correct any wrong done against us. We become stronger by not letting anyone harm us mentally or physically and stand up for our own self worth.

My self worth is today and forevermore will be incredibly high. This film has no true worth to any survivor of such painful experiences of sexual abuse and torture. I would reccomend anyone thinking of watching who may feel triggered to think again about pressing play. You don't need to relive a story told without the true survivor ending and without portraying the true emotional reconstruction and strength of my ability to overcome these horrific events to becoming the strong woman I am today. Able to stand up to anyone. Looking at you P.D, looking straight through you.

Yes the story to me seems like revenge. Revenge from someone I truly once loved. However I have now told my story. On my terms.

The producer of the film indeed talks about karma but karma isn't heartbreak and trauma. Karma is accountability. Karma is me being able to take what you used and correct people about your misrepresentation of my life.

I am not that little girl anymore.

My words. My decisions. My happiness. My strength. My life

For now I shall continue to soar.

Love to you all.

The movie had good effects. I thought it was a cross between "Ghost" with Patrick Swayze and "The Hills Have Eyes" Very interesting the way the story line denoted a positive image theme.

This movie is worth a watch. You are either entertained with the suspense and fun chase scenes of the movie or be enlightened by the words of wisdom the movie projects.

This film is a filled with exciting suspenseful moments and a spiritual message we should all live by.

What we have in our hearts is what we attract in our life.

I give it a thumbs up.

Hey, I saw this film and I know it had a very limited budget.There are some very mean-spirited comments about 'Outrage' on this page. They sound very personal.If these folk have an ax to grind with Ace Cruz, they should talk to him. As far as this being one of the worst films since Ed Woods, then they never saw a film directed by Charlie Band.Madsen keeps the creep factor on high. His soldiers are obvious military(follow orders)drones.The sound and cinematography are clean and the action/stunts are professional.Hey critics, you fall down a waterfall and make it look as good.In the living room after they take control of the house,the scene is intense, the editing,sound,lighting and timing are spot-on.When you get to the end of the film, if you don't get "it" or have some kind of emotional response. The you are either dead inside or 10 years old and just don't get "it". Billy is the vehicle that ties the story together. All men are born evil, some learn to be good, some don't.The humanity in this film is huge.If you don't get it then I feel for you.

Before attending the AOF International Film Festival, I was not sure what to expect with Ace Cruz's newest film "Outrage". After viewing the film though, I was actually quite impressed with the overall production quality, as well as the message of the story. At first, I felt it was going to be another action, suspense thriller, but halfway through the movie, I realized that Cruz cleverly integrated some aspects of his spiritual background. Cruz has proved that no budget is too low to secure working mainstream actors such as Michael Madsen and Natasha Leone.It seems that writer-director- actor Ace Cruz has the innate ability to successfully make a film, regardless of the budget. While many wannabe directors in Hollywood claim they can make a film, Cruz not only delivers but has consistently done so for many years.