Method to Madness

It is very commendable when people get together to create a project for the public to view. As an artist, I know this is a process that can be extremely tough to endure. That said, and seeing that my cousin, Scott Hart, is in this film, I was curious to see the end product.

I will give them an "A" for effort, they put themselves into this production 100%. The story, "based on a true story" as well as the video quality, made me wonder if this was to be another "Blair Witch Project." Fortunately, this film did not take that route, instead intent on telling the tale of two brothers who lived alone on an isolated stretch of mountain highway. Heather Mahuron as Karen, has her car break down near this location and wanders into the brother's home not realizing exactly what she is walking into, but soon finds out, paying the price with her life. Cut to the credits and then to a group of people (2 men and 2 women) planning to rob two people of their satchel of cash. They get away and of course drive right up the same mountain highway and *surprise* running low on gas, *another surprise* end up at the home of Hinrich and Rotwang. The body count soon starts to grow until in the end, there is only one.

Greed and deception drive the characters in this film as each of the characters involved with the bag of money try to come out as the one who walks away with it.

I did enjoy the fact that these people were really into the production of this film, but the dialogue, editing, and I am sorry to say, acting were not what I call "good." Bradley Kell, Scott Hart and Rex Malone held their own through a majority of the film, but Rachel Thompson, who shares a credit as Assistant Casting Coordinator, did not fare as well in that department. Wooden and forced were my thoughts through most of her scenes.

The language in the film was crude and unnecessary and the one sex scene involved made me laugh out loud. When you see it, you will understand. That scene wasn't the only thing that was odd in this film;continuity was off in this film as well. Just watch for the blood smear to move on Karen's face as she runs in terror through the trees, desperately trying to flee her fate.

I hope the people involved with this production continue to hone their craft as there is definitely potential in this effort. It is worth a look, but I only give it 3 out of 10 stars.

I found this film to be highly entertaining. Granted, there were some plots holes and some jumping in the storyline--plus it was a very predictable story--2 guys, 2 girls--car breaks down near the homicidal maniac's house. However, the dialogue was a little dry and crude and the acting could use a touch of work. I've seen more convincing scenes in college theatre classes involving one person and a piece of lint. There were some good camera angles and excellent editing that kept the suspense going. It was a good first-time effort and I hope to see more out of Jason McKenney. He has loads of potential and is on the right track. I can't wait to see what is next.

Going into this film, I had absolutely no preconceived notions that it would deliver in any way. I rated this flick a ten because it completely lived up to everything I expected. Bad writing, directing, and cinematography. And then, there was the acting... There should be a "Style Nouveau" dedicated to this film called "Method To Madness" acting, a half-breed, step-child of "Method" acting. To use it in a sentence..."Dude, Keanu totally used that "Method To Madness" acting technique in "The Matrix." I didn't believe for a second that he was a computer programmer." There was, however, one exception to this list. The character of Conrad was played by a polished actor who made it apparent that the others had no business sharing the same lens while working his craft. If any money is ever made from this film, all proceeds should be given to that kid as he was the only reason I made it to the end.