BuckwildeArt

I actually auditioned for this film years ago and did not get cast. I remember speaking with writer/director Oren about the story and the characters and I was engaged simply by hearing the words. I have only now been able to watch the finished product and I have to say that Oren and his team did a fantastic job. Given the independent budget and production for this film, it does not feel that way at all. What you get on the screen is a product of noticeable quality.

For the most part the performances are strong and grounded. The camera work is visceral and immediate. The editing comes together nicely to make you forget you are watching a film. Given that the brutal fist fights are the keystone of this story, the fight choreography is arguably the most important element and I am pleased to say that it woks extremely well. I found my self watching their every move, my teeth clenched, and my face occasionally wincing with each crunch sound effect.

Given that this is not a big budget film, one should not go into it expecting Fight Club or Warrior. This is an indie film through and through, but it is one of the better produced indie films. Keep that small fact in mind when you sit down to watch this thriller and you will not be disappointed.

As I've mentioned in previous reviews, I critique Independent Films as just that, independent productions. I do not mistakenly look at these films through "Hollywood's Critical Lens" as many self-proclaimed "film critics" often do. That said, on to some thoughts...

Here we have Ripple and Don returning to doing what they do best, inventive and innovative film on a limited budget. In their sophomore production together, they make numerous improvements over their previous film, "Harvesters." Let it be said though that a number of these improvements are in the technical department, not necessarily the performance area.

Kudos are due to the Timewarp guys for the biggest improvement: much more frugal use of CGI as opposed to "Harvesters." Albeit the CGI machine in the beginning was a little too much, the personal device that Steven King's character uses was done very well. In addition to not only know WHEN to use CGI, the group also has learned HOW to use CGI. This is evident in a few scenes where computers were used for disintegration effects and gore effects (although the ally massacre shot could have used some color balancing).

In regards to the acting quality of this film, the performance strength was better than that of 'Harvesters,' with a leading cast of stronger actors than before. Only problem is that those actors are the only strong ones with weak performances from a great majority of the supporting cast.

If 'Harvesters' was a film that Independent film makers should watch for inspiration of what a small company can do, 'Stakes' is an extension of the idea with even greater reinforcement power.

I give 'Stakes' 7.5 out of 10.

I'll waste no time and spare misunderstanding and start by saying this: This work is an INDEPENDENT FILM, not a Hollywood production. With that said, let it be known that all opinions and critiques that follow are based NOT on "Hollywood's Standard," but rather the appropriate Independent Film Standard.

Small town artist and Independent Film cult icon Don Dohler follows up his cinematic return ("Alien Rampage," or, "The Alien Factor 2: Alien Rampage") with his first project shot entirely on Digital Video. Based loosely off his 1987 horror/thriller, "Blood Massacre," "Harvesters" depicts the classic situation of two sets of baddies unwittingly pitted against each other.

This film (despite being shot on Digital Video, I will refer to this as a film) for all it is worth is a great effort and compared to most independent works, this work is something to be respected. For the resources at hand, director Joe Ripple and Don make do very well. Albeit the use of Computer Generated Imagery was over done, and a selection of the actors' performances was sub par, the film itself successfully puts the message of tension and conflict well enough. The physical make-up effects used were for the most part believable.

Although "Harvesters" may not be ready to go to Oscars or be penned in history's books as a great, it is still worthy of mention and of viewing, especially if you are an aspiring film maker.

I give this film a 6.5 out of 10.