The Lady of the Lake: The Legend of Lake Ronkonkoma

So I gave 2 stars because I am from the area. The movie is watchable but plot and acting were weak. Definitely B movie but I enjoyed seeing the story brought to the big screen.

I grew up in the town and at the lake. It was a big resort town for the rich in the early 1900's (first toll road in America built by the Vanderbilt's so they could get to the lake from NYC) then everyone else in the 40s-60s. People began living there full time after and it became Suburbia. The hotels, pavilions, and bars faded away and the quality of the lake suffered.

We grew up hearing about the legend and it happened quite a bit. Stories told that it was connected by underground tunnel to the Great South bay and other stories were told.

Great place to grow up in the 70s and 80s with working class people (many NYC cops and firemen) who commuted to work everyday.

Chris Roach, very funny guy and he has always promoted the Lake. Good standup of times growing up there.

Weird America on Youtube has a great documentary about the curse.

I.

As someone who grew up there, and spent my teenage years partying at the lake, eating at the deli and partying at Parsnip I know a thing or 2 about the Legend of the lake. Some of what they stated was true, however, no one has died in years. Rumor is that it is bottomless. People stopped going in it many years ago. Okay- about the movie, it is boring and focuses more like a coming of-age and going away to college movie. Def. Not scary and pointless. They could've done so much more with the material. If they wanted to make a teenage movie, they could've done better. There were so many other things they could've focused on and it was just boring imo.

Watching from across the country in Los Angeles, learning about this actual legend of Lake Ronkonkoma was an incredibly exciting experience. The small town full of culture and character, with its gorgeous scenery and natives, are all beautifully captured to help viewers understand the history and tight-knit community behind Ronkonkoma.

I was particularly drawn to the music and sound design that allowed for an intensely eerie setting. I definitely felt that I was being watched by the lady of the lake from my own room (and might have even looked over my shoulders a few times while watching).

These intense moments were softened, though, with light-hearted ones sandwiched in between. Following the event of a tragic loss, this film reminds viewers that platonic, familial, and romantic love/support can help individuals through periods of grief.

This film is a must-watch in many circumstances, as the story contains elements bound to appeal to any viewer: history, horror, diversity, romance, comedy, and themes of family. Watch and enjoy with loved ones, or alone (if you dare)!

As a local, I was curious to watch this movie. I should've stayed curious. I really wanted to like this, I was rooting for it. But wow....

HOW did Seth Gilliam agree to do this??? I'm actually stumped. He's not an unknown actor with no credits.

I've been in pretty bad movies myself as a local actor, but this is by far the worst movie I've ever seen. I've seen high school projects that are better than this. Between the acting, the dialogue, the writing, the music... it's all so unnatural and so cheesy, so bad, that it feels awkward to even watch. I'm actually embarrassed for them.

I will say- there are a couple scenes that aren't as bad, and some interesting camerawork, but overall it's just not good. E for Effort?

I personally love the scenery of where the town and the lake itself are filmed. It brings back feelings of nostalgia for small town life and I really love that. I also can tell the younger actors have a good deal of passion for their work. I am a huge fan of Seth Gilliam. He and Julie Dove are my favorite actors in this film. My only critique is I wish the movie had been a little more frightening or even more thrilling but that's just a personal preference. Other than that I thought it very interesting. Especially if you enjoy stories of local legends and folklore. Also the camerawork was excellent.