Ashes of Eden

I noticed a lot of bad reviews on this film. What's more interesting to me is that all of the authors of the one and two star reviews have blank profiles. Also, all of those IMDb profiles were created in July of 2014 and all the poor reviews seem to say the same thing, just written slightly different to give the appearance of a new and independent review. I'm not saying that, without a doubt, this is the work of one person (who claims in one of his reviews to be a still photographer and DP). I am saying it's possible that there is a hater out there who's simply doing his best to discredit his competition by writing false reviews. Don't be fooled by phony profiles and inaccurate information. I've worked on a couple of projects with the folks from Collective Development and they have always exceeded my expectations with the quality of films they produce. I recommend everyone watch Ashes of Eden and 40 Nights (soon to be released) and make your own decision. Much like ourselves in Yuma, AZ, the Ashes of Eden production team are local people who are doing everything they can to produce high quality films on a very small budget. They're doing it for the love of filmmaking and arts, not to get rich. Please take a few moments and watch these movies and give them your own honest review.

I wanted to like this movie, but I just couldn't. I am all from promoting locally made movies, but this one is so hard to watch I just can't, in good conscience, recommend it. The story is predictable and weak. The acting leaves a lot to be desired. The whole thing seems sort of haphazardly assembled without any real thought. Worst of all it is so obvious that they didn't have much money to shoot it. So everything looks like it was filmed in the nearest spare room they could find. (That gives it the look of a cheap porno movie where they try to make you believe that the action takes place in a real school or a bar) The acting is stiff and completely unbelievable, which is due in part to casting quite a few "twenty somethings" as teenagers.

Exciting to watch. Kept me interested the whole time. Movie was not too long or too short. I thought the acting was very good by the cast. The directing was well done. I think it shows the cast worked very hard to get the film right. Overall I thought this was a great movie and I would recommend others to watch it. Good job Ashes of Eden!!

What moves me about this film is the work ethic and the dedication made by many to support an individual, who not only stepped to the edge, but JUMPED, and put his words and thoughts out there for everyone to see.

Prior to watching the film I discovered that several cast members were moved by the story line and the true meaning behind the writer/director, (Shane Hagedorn's) vision. Shane took his personal feelings and beliefs, forged them into a story, and was led to begin the journey of producing a secular based film, despite the obvious resistance.

I wasn't very familiar with the film industry in Lansing Michigan. From what I understood the city is/was in financial trouble. Obtaining support and financial security had to be almost impossible. It's very inspiring and motivating to see an individuals desires come to fruition.

From what I understand some of the actors in this film have had some pretty successful careers and some pretty recognizable roles. When I heard that these same individuals were giving their time and talent to support Shane and his beliefs, I couldn't help to be humbled. To me this is what the film industry in many levels may be lacking.

This movie shows heart, faith, desire, and imagination. This film should be a platform for ANY and ALL actors, producers, writers and directors. This film should show case the endless possibilities one can achieve with just a little bit of Faith. I can't wait to see more of Shane's visions. (The sound track is NUTS!!!!)

The tone of the film was consistent, the story was something I followed to the very end. It wasn't all over the place, it was focused. I felt emotion while watching it. You know? It makes the viewer feel something, even if at first they don't understand what. Perhaps its the underlined naivete of your lead character and the mother's love and predicament as an officer of the law. This wasn't shabby or forced in it's conception. I also appreciate your eye for camera shots. It works. I watched it to the very end. Very good scene work with Melissa Anschutz and Bello Pizzimenti. For one person to have written, co-produced, directed and edited this film its a testament to the human spirit of determination. That as well as the film, deserves applause.