Model Hunger

I saw this when it was being screened at film festivals, and me being a super fan of Rochon at the time, I was all about it. Until the movie started. The movie itself is very poorly shot, lit and acted (except for Lowry, who shined in her role). Lowry's performance alone was not enough to save this movie. People were falling asleep in the theater, and endlessly checking their watches. After the show was over, there was a Q&A with Debbie, and it was pretty much crickets. No one really had anything to say. She knew I was probably her biggest fan in the audience, so she asked me if I had any questions, and I just drew a blank. I felt like a jerk for not liking the movie, but I'm not going to pretend I did just because I was a fan of the director. Perhaps Debbie would have done a better job directing her own screenplay/story. But after this movie, I'm not really in too big of a hurry to find out.

I first saw this when it premiered at Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival. It was quite the surprise! Since then, I have watched it several times, and each time I see more and more of the through its layers. This film has heart and works on so many levels. Debbie Rochon truly puts her experience as a horror icon and her love for the genre into every frame, making a true homage, both visually and thematically, to films from the grindhouse to Scorcese. It is a dark comedy worth getting immersed in. There is a reason that Lynn Lowry is so fond of it and views Ginny Reilly as one of her best roles. Ms. Lowry is a powerhouse here! And Tiffany Shepis is amazing as she weaves through an intense and emotional role towards the final confrontation. See this film!

A former model who has spent decades musing on what might have been loses the plot and becomes a serial killer in her old age. Although she rails at men, she directs her anger at women too, murdering both with impunity. True, this is a fairly original idea, but so is gravy mixed with ice cream; you wouldn't want to consume that either. "Model Hunger" is overacted, certainly by the lead, and somewhat underacted by other characters.

These low budget horror films were once a novelty, but that novelty has long since worn off. It's difficult to believe this was even nominated for a prize except perhaps in jest, much less that it won any.

Debbie Rochon's directorial debut is a hilarious and thought-provoking horror movie with a stellar cast that reveals more with each viewing. The script by James Mogart not only had me laughing throughout, but it is also a great social commentary on how society views women as they age. Ginny (played by the incredible Lynn Lowry) lures young women into her home and cannibalizes them in many unforgettable scenes that manage to be horrifying as well as funny. Tiffany Shepis plays a new neighbor dealing with mental issues who becomes obsessed with her new neighbor eventually leading to a showdown. I especially loved the TV show the whole town couldn't stop watching, Suzi's Secrets, where Babette Bombshell is featured as lingerie model encouraging women to love their bodies. Lastly, I was very impressed by how talented Debbie Rochon is behind the camera. Please direct more, Debbie! With 9 wins and 18 nominations, it's obvious that many others loved this film as much as me. A must see for any true horror fan!

A woman who was once a desired model has been long since forgotten and lives by herself. She has a habit of taking young girls into her house and ends up eating them or serving them in dishes to the neighbours. A couple move in next door and right away the wife wonders what is going on in that house.

Lynn Lowry plays the older lady. I met her and she is the nicest person you could ever meet so that personality is how she coaxes her prey into the house and then she does a 180 and starts cutting off your genitalia. She does an amazing job in this one. Tiffany Shepis plays the detective neighbour who has a few issues of her own. I enjoyed this one and liked the way it tells people to be yourself.