Spook

Spook is a dark thriller that takes us down the conspiracy theory highway, behind the eyes of a sketchy 'Nam Vet. It's got a bit of a love story in it too, pretty good action, and lots of dirt on Canadian companies who did a lot of 'Catch 22' type of business and made a bundle on the war in Vietnam. There's a ton of irony in the information about Canada in Vietnam, but I'm not going to snitch. Levy does a lot of stuff from the Vet's point of view that is really trippy, and there are lots a great things to say about the editing and the music. Two great songs in it too, but I'm not sure what band did them. The acting is great too. It's his directing debut and, although it's not perfect, it really stands up as a very solid first movie. If you liked 'Jacob's Ladder', 'Conspiracy Theory', and 'The Deer Hunter', then you'll rock on this.

SPOOK offers an absorbing, chilling, and suspenseful story line with powerful acting, particularly by Barry Levy but well supported by other character actors. Although filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, the film used well spaced flashbacks to give the experience of the Viet Nam jungle as well as historical memories of the various characters. Interspersed with a very cryptic script, these flashbacks added to the suspenseful telling of the story and in some instances were illustrated with shocking, haunting, almost mystical visual effects. Watching this film was like watching jigsaw puzzle pieces slowly evolve into a picture that had been left off the cover of the box. I was riveted to the screen until the credits rolled. SPOOK presented new & shocking information revealing Canada's role in Viet Nam. I left with a changed opinion and a new slant on the Vietnam war. I recommend this to any conscious thinking adult with an open mind.

I saw Spook at a small showing in downtown Vancouver a little while ago and found this film to be a very important work of art; not only for Canada, but for the whole world. Not only is the story a top rate action-packed thriller, it also exposes a truth that was living in hiding for way too long. Excellent character portrayals by Mr. Levy, Peter Lacroix and Rachel Cronin, and Hollywood's makeup was great!

Great work Mr. Levy. Hopefully we will see much more from you in the years to come...

"The Truth Will Set You Free..."

"Spook" is a riveting and thought provoking feature length film from writer, director, and actor Barry Levy. The film echoes certain films such as "The Deer Hunter" and "Rambo: First Blood." The film deals with themes such as trauma and pain and how people try to cope from it. The editing and cinematography are incredible and resembles David Fincher's style. Barry's performance as Kick is haunting and memorable. The on-screen chemistry between Barry and the female lead, played by Rachel Cronin, is subtle, very moving, and crystal perfect. The supporting actors all shine in their roles. The music in the film is very moving and powerful. The action scenes, whether they are the war battle scenes or the big finale shoot out at the end, is fast paced, haunting, very emotional and exciting. I highly recommend "Spook" and Barry's new documentary "The 40,000."

I caught this film at a festival with no idea what I was in store for. I had not seen any trailers or read anything about the film. Being a US citizen and a bit on the young side to remember too many details of Viet Nam I had never given any thought to how the war might have played in Canada--except it was a place where people headed to if they wanted to stay out of the fight. Well, getting to see this film definitely changed all that. It's a griping and gritty story that prompted me to want to study up and find out more about Canada's involvement in the Viet Nam. Kudos to filmmaker/actor Barry Levy for undertaking such a massive and controversial story in a bold and brave way! I would imagine they could be a quite an interesting film about the making of this film.