House of Temptation

Since the dawn of motion pictures, people have used the medium to tell stories, stories of many genres and types, but the kind that has always been associated with is spirituality and faith, whether they were subtle or very straight forward. Stories not to be scowled or scoffed at, they speak to us a very deep fundamental level. The battle of good and evil, light and dark, and the relationship between God and man (and the fight for his soul). Whether we're talking about films like The Exorcist, The Rite, The Shawshank Redemption, Se7en or 8MM - They all tell tales of good (but ultimately flawed) characters who must fight for their souls, who must try to remain decent in the indecent and dark environments that surround them and torment them. These are the stories in motion pictures that are important to tell, the overtones (and undertones) that must be examined. Not just within the confines of the film, but examined within ourselves. That is what films, great films, do. They make us ask questions instead of provide us with answers. Through all the thrills and chills of House Of Temptation, at the core of it that is what this film does, as well as examine faith and family. When all is said and done, through all the supernatural and horror, all that is left at the end of the movie is faith and family, their road back to redemption and the road back into the light.

I was very much impressed all throughout the film with the presence of Maya. Jena's finesse brings the film to life, enhances the performances of the other actors, and helps them find their roles. I really enjoy Michael's performance as well. His entrance to the production rings of charm. From start to finish, he carries a swagger about him that attracts the viewers attention and locks them in to the unfolding plot. In his role as Aug, he displays a handsome energy that is impetuously magnetic in nature. As the pastor, Chris shines as evil progresses and develops itself through the infection of his community. I admire the message that Jeremiah stands for among his colleagues. I had thoughts to myself upon my first viewing of the film that said, "I agree. Bravo. This is very much real."

San Francisco Doctor turned Director, Hassan Zee, has diverged from his usual palette of films with his latest endeavor, the horror film 'House of Temptation', an engaging ride that simply demands audiences look deeper into the intertwining folds of its narrative.

Having cut his chops on dramatic storytelling, often inspired by his own Pakistani background, Doc Zee chose to expand his filmmaking skills in a new direction, crafting 'House of Temptation' into a film that carries the dramatic punch, but quickly delves into a tale ripe with horror. We follow the struggles of a family as seen through the eyes of Johnnie, a 15 year old aspiring filmmaker and son of Jeremiah, a beloved pastor both by his congregation and his wife, Annette. The film pulls its first trigger when Jeremiah is suddenly let go from his position, and lands its first hit when the mysterious character of Mia is introduced, who offers the family a place to stay in her late grandparents aging home during their transition from Pastor's housing. Mia begins to offer more than just her home, however, and soon becomes a respite for Jeremiah as his faith in The Lord begins to waver.

The theme of Faith, it's inherent power in tandem with the family's struggles to keep it strong, reigns throughout the film, driving the plot forward. To build this theme, the film hearkens back to tales of religion, primarily the story of Abraham and Ishmael as it's basis. All of this benefits strongly from its cast not only being top notch, each one seemingly stealing screen time from one another as the film progresses, but for debuting one of its strongest leads, the house itself. The power of faith finds it's antagonist in the framework of the house, which quickly becomes a metaphor for the evil that exists within us all, and the threats that evil can pose. It's a film viewers delight to witness the actors push their characters through the temptations the house has to offer, the danger that Mia presents, and the ultimate battle of good versus evil, finally waged not with an action set piece, but set within the minds and hearts of the film's leads.

'House of Temptation' sews in a variety of engaging plot twists and side characters into its primary yarn to keep things fresh throughout the film's runtime, which Doc Zee crafts into an incredibly potent package. His skills since his previous effort, the award winning Bicycle Bride, have evidently expanded, and his approach to the horror genre is not to be missed. Viewers are likely to come for the surface level drama, like Annette's struggle to keep her faith against Jeremiah's everyman descent from grace, but House of Temptation is truly strong with its deeper layers that evoke conversation and further thought beyond the cinema. For instance, be sure to look for clues into Mia's true nature, even after the film seemingly wraps up. In a city often known for its ripe potential as a setting for film, but not to always breed its own craftsmen, it's refreshing to know that one of San Francisco's most inspired inhabitants has taken it upon himself to be both a strong voice and a strong hand in making films that matter. If his previous films are any indication, and if House of Temptation is a sign of what's to come, San Francisco is certainly lucky to have Doc Zee.

Hassan Zee has a new horror film called "House of Temptation". It's a film about one man's conflict of faith and the temptations of a house of horrors. My favorite characters were the main priest, Jeremiah and Maya. I liked Jeremiah and watching him deal with his inner conflict and Maya was a delightfully wicked character. Actress Jena Hunt was recently seen in Falling Uphill (another Bay Area feature film) and it was entertaining seeing her play a completely different character. Quite a range. Without revealing too much, the film has nice twists and I liked how the main family's story was left open-ended. I prefer it when the filmmakers leave it open to the audience to decide what happens next. Overall, a nice change of pace from the usual generic slashers and found footage that makes up much of horror cinema these days.

In House of Temptation, which was filmed in Bodega Bay in Northern California, Director Doc Zee uses the device of a teenager filming his family with his new video camera to bring the audience into the story and it the audience connected and engaged throughout.

The actors are given a wonderful vehicle in which to shine. Newcomer Julian Larach, who plays Johnnie, is a natural and the camera loves him. He is real find. Totally natural, totally relaxed, and totally believable.

Jena Hunt as the sexy lead is a gorgeous and talented actress. I look forward to seeing more of her work.

The suspense builds gradually and is sustained. One of the ghosts is a young boy who is clothed only in his underwear. It is odd, unseemly, and the result is that the audience starts to get very uncomfortable but doesn't really know why. And the action builds from there.