Gallows Road

Here we have a ghostbuster and a ghost booster in the same travesty of a movie. The really - and only - relatable circumstances are the unfortunate but no less in reality anchored facts about revealed (sic) hypocrisy, simulated modesty and humility, overt bigotry, self-righteous condescension and concealed meism that the "morally superior" worldview only rooted in religiosity proves to be in its but self-elevating hierarchical mentality.

Kudos to the writer, producer and what not director for yet again, though probably unintentionally, managing to unveil the lengths of cloying adulation the religious are willing to go to make a buck at the expense of the wellbeing of others, volunteers or not. Since, however inconspicuously and how much you'd ever want to, you can't successfully slap your own back, can you?

Generally I can't sit through a movie with a Christian theme, but somehow it was done here so it fit in neatly with the Texas setting. A movie without Jesus in the Bible Belt would be like a movie about India without a Hindu. The Christian theme was light enough to not rob the movie of vitality. So, maybe I would call it a family drama set in a still violent, sometimes racist Texas.

The story kept me on the edge of my seat, rare for me since all but the better movies put me to sleep. I didn't even get up for a bag of licorice sticks.

I enjoyed the sets, the Collins brother's antique store was particularly fascinating and worth a few still captures to enjoy the detail.

The friendly relationship between the black Collins boy played by Isaac Smith and Puck, the blond daughter of a broken down drunk, played by Megan Dalby, given the racial tensions in the movie, scared me from the first. This is Megan's first movie, and as the previous reviewer said, she lit up the screen in every scene.

Greetings again from the darkness. Film Festivals are often loaded with passion projects from filmmakers who have scratched and clawed to get their movie made – usually on a shoestring budget with the help of friends and family. All of this holds true for this film from writer/director Bill McAdams Jr, who delivers a Christian faith-based message movie … not one that preaches, but rather tells stories through its characters.

With a seemingly wonderful life – a beautiful wife, two terrific kids, and a new business started with his brother – Bob Collins (played by Ernie Hudson) experiences the worst tragedy imaginable in the form of a hate crime from a couple of local racist brothers (Rett Terrell, Frank Mosley) who call themselves "the Brotherhood". In response, Bob declares that he is "done with God", and quietly drops from society and isolates himself in the country.

The film's themes include faith, family, and forgiveness while also dealing with deep sorrow, anger, racism, revenge, alcoholism, and entitlement. It also reminds us that each of us has challenges in life, and periodically we need support or assistance. Maybe it's the little girl with a split lip, or the wife whose husband drinks too much, or even the angry young punk who lacks a proper role model.

The messages and approach are admirable, though the scenes featuring Ernie Hudson are clearly a step above all others. His expressive eyes hide nothing, and his transformation from happy father/husband to broken man provides a seminar on fine acting. Other supporting work is provided by Kevin Sorbo, (director) Bill McAdams Jr, Mary Jean Bentley (the director's real life sister), and Marcus Mauldin. With numerous child actors, it's young Megan Dalby as Puck who steals each of her scenes. Here's hoping Miss Dalby sticks with the acting profession.

From a film that lists Jesus in the closing credits under "Thanks", it's not surprising that nuance and subtlety are mostly absent from the script and especially from the score (which is entirely too prominent for the story). Still, the messages are worthy and quite welcome given the times and issues we face. It should also be noted that the post-screening Q&A was moderated by the energetic and always likable Stephen Tobolowski, who made clear his admiration for Ernie Hudson and the movie.

The acting is great! I really enjoyed the performances of the actors. The real problems are in the storyline. It's full of plot holes. If you're going to take on heavy topics like racism and murder, then you have to follow through. It seems that the writers either didn't know how to address legal issues or were too caught up in the idea of forgiveness to realize that you must also deal with justice. The ending leaves me completely befuddled because it does not address a few of the major issues that take place during the movie. I think the writers weren't up to the task, which is unfortunate because the movie had potential. I found it very frustrating at times to follow the plot. It didn't make sense.