Deadly Sanctuary

Having not read the Kendall O' Dell series prior to seeing the film I was not sure what I was in store for and I was not let down; the story was fantastic. I would have loved to see a slight more focus on the mystery because those scenes were quite captivating, however it was not a drawback for me. The film had some well known names who did not disappoint including a stellar performance by Eric Roberts, and fairly new names such as Marco Dapper, who I am looking forward to seeing more from after seeing this film. The score fell a little flat for my liking but did feature fantastic songs here and there. I loved the scenery, and thought the art direction was great throughout. Overall my only complaint was that I felt as though Kendall's character deserved a better performance. I would love to see another Kendall O' Dell movie be made.

The lead actress cannot act, which puts her a level above everyone else, the director thinks rural Arizonans speak with southern drawls, no one memorized their lines, everything is one take, and the interior sets are all the same. Tack on a plot that makes no sense, makeup by the Addams Family, costumes from a pop up Halloween store, a small town newspaper with a huge staff, and constant embarrassing references to the beauty of the lead actress and you have a laugh a minute.

Reading the reviews you are good to be confused. First, this is no way this movie is a 10. Interesting that the 10-star reviews are all from people that only wrote 1 review (this movie) or rate EVERYTHING a 10, and even then only gave this movie a writeup. That said, there is enough here that it neither rates a 1, by people that have way too many 1-star reviews, unless you have real bad luck picking movies.

OK, reality check. The cinematography and sets are pretty good, so at least the people behind the cameras know their stuff. The actors are hit and miss. Some really know their stuff, other much less so. And finally, my hot button, the script. Yeah, it could use some work, or a lot of work. Each time someone opened their mouth you weren't sure if you were going to get something moving the plot along, or something cringe worthy.

I have to give kudos where due, but be warned that the script prevents this from getting even a 3 star in my book.

The acting was horribly amateurish, unfortunate and unbelievable. I've seen better performances in grade school plays. Over acted, under acted and poorly acted. Yes, the scenery was great but, that does not a watchable movie make. Not even worth talking about the plot or writing.

Arizona has not been hospitable to the film industry. But Sylvia Nobel choose it to because of the incredible scenery which she features beautifully in this incredible film. Kendall O'Dell played by Rebekah Kochan the red haired reporter seems distracted, not quite there, but is brought to attention by Marco Dapper playing Talley, the handsome cowboy we learn to love and trust. Eric Roberts is great as the editor as is Bobbi Jeen Olson as the head of the home for runaways. I read the book so was not surprised but intrigued at the alternate ending with excellent acting from Paul Greene, Daniel Baldwin, and Dean Cain. All in all I found it exciting and thrilling and have watched it over and over finding more to love each time! Now I hope she makes Devil's Cradle , her 2nd book in the series, into film! I think it would translate very well and is a timely topic!