Impulse Black

All I can really say to start this off is that I was extremely surprised at how good this short was. I have spent a lot of time watching short films since I moved to LA and I've never really come across one that was done in this fashion. I am actually surprised to be the first one reviewing this, but I am also happy to have the opportunity.

I did some searching and found a lot of interesting information regarding the film. A magazine article featuring interviews with both the Director (Kelly O'Moren) and Lead Actor (Jordon Hodges) revealed some things that I wouldn't have expected. Turns out that this was the first film that the duo did out in Los Angeles and it is actually O'Moren's first film EVER as a Director/Writer. I think the Directing was really quite impressive for a first timer and Hodges performance was also great for someone so new to the game. Not to mention that the film itself only had a budget of around $15,000 or so.

With that being said I really have to give props here. The film has a lot of interesting elements to it and I found myself being pulled in to a story that has a lot of potential to turn in to something more later on. Whether you like Government Conspiracy, Drama, Suspense, Thriller, or Action this one has a bit of everything. I DO wish the film had a bit more action in it, but I think it most likely wasn't within the budget. However, I don't think the lack of a lot of action takes away from the film itself.

The film as a whole really makes you think about what was really behind a lot of what has happened over the past hundred years or so involving politics and war. And of course with great performances by Robert Miano as Dr. Osbourne (Donnie Brasco) and Marcy Rylan as Skyler (young and the restless) and my favorite Will Brunson as Ruffalo ( A Proper Violence) this little film really delivers.

The only issues really have to do with wanting to know more with the story. I understand it is a short, but I really hope that these guys are planning on doing another or trying to make a film out of it or web series.

If you watch the film while keeping in mind that it had a small budget and was created by new film makers then this should be a very enjoyable watch!

First off, I was wondering why they called this a short film when it was 50 minutes. I realize a feature is normally 90 minutes, and a short is normally 5 - 20 minutes. This one falls into a different category though. Anyways that has nothing to do with the film.

First off if you read my reviews you will no I'm not one of the people that write a 10/10 for one title and that's it. I watch and review a lot of movies. - OK now that all thats' out of the way.

Last year a movie called "ink" came out. This was probably one of the best low budget films I have seen in years. Impulse Black is probably going to be my favorite for this year (Under 100k). I actually saw it on their Vimeo; I was watching the trailer and the next movie up on their Vimeo page was the movie. This movie doesn't follow a typical heroes journey, and there is not an inciting incident, or at least there wasn't one that I could point out. It basically throws you right into the action. At times it's day dream / to reality gets confusing. The acting is very average, the lead "Riley Cole" does a decent job, but 80% of the cast need to be switched out if there is a remake (Also I would switch Riley out if there is more money put behind it). The Voice Over gets very annoying, and I would almost suggest that they trim it out; as most people in Film Schools learn Voice Overs are only used to tell what you can't with visuals - or to lead you into a flash back. I think the Director watched to much Dexter, as I can see it rubbing off greatly in the style and writing.

The camera work at times was very progressive. While it's not anywhere near the Caliber of Lars Von Trier, it is a big step away from the Classical technique we have all become so accustomed to. The best thing about this film is the Concept, The Director, The Execution of the Idea. The Things that are holding this film back - Money, Good Acting, Back Story (Rewrite of the script), and the Director needs to better understand the Principles of classic film making (I've never seen so many breaking of the 180 Rule in my life). He has a great eye for a good shots, but I feel like he's lacking in the principles.

This film was also over color corrected. My best guess is that it was shot on a 5D Mark ii, and a lot of people over color correct with DSLR's, which is a shame because with light color correction you get really beautiful shots. This entire film needs to be re-shot and the director needs to take a step down and AD under a person with a bit more experience. I would say if he had been able to pull better performances out of his cast, this movie might actually win some awards.

All and all, it's worth checking out. I doubt most will make it past the first 10 minutes, and with a bit of money, some better acting and directing this movie could have been on shelves and in theaters. "Great concept, and you can tell they poured their heart into this film, just not enough money to make this a contender"