Residue

I didn't know what I was getting into here when I sat down to watch the 2017 movie "Residue" from writer and director Rusty Nixon. All I knew about the movie was that it had an interesting enough cover that had caught my attention.

Let me say that this movie is odd. Good odd or bad odd? Well, that is definitely up to the individual viewer. There is something of a "Naked Lunch" feel to the movie, so that should give you an indication of what you are getting yourself into when you watch this movie.

While the movie was watchable, I found it to be a bit too weird. I like strange movies, sure, but when it comes to the point where it starts to make little sense, then I am off the bandwagon.

"Residue" definitely benefits from having a group of nice actors and actresses on the cast list, which includes the likes of James Clayton, Matt Frewer and Costas Mandylor. I must admit that I was rather thrilled when Matt Frewer showed up on the screen, because he is just wonderful and he played nicely in this movie as well.

I am rating "Residue" five out ten stars. While the movie started out nicely, the bizarre storyline just lost me along the way, and I sort of just gave up towards the end with about 20 minutes left of the movie.

So, fair warning, the first 20-25 minutes of this film are pretty brutal to watch. The acting, the editing, the directing; all brutal, BUT! at about the 25 minutes mark, the plot gets REALLY intriguing and the story starts to make up for much of the low production values, which themselves also improve significantly from the terrible opening. The ending is a bit soft and a little forceful, but wraps up the story especially well. Definitely give this a shot if you're a fan of bizarre cosmic horror, but please be willing to wait past the weak opening.

Well, you have to survive the beginning. Some, ahem, not very believable acting skills from a couple of actors will make you want to stop watching. However, I gave it a chance and was pleasantly surprised. The story is interesting. Could have been done better but hey, you can say it almost about everything in this life, so let's not be perfectionists. Nice appearances from Matt Frewer, Costas Mandylor and William B. Davis (the Smoking Man from the X-files). If you like strange, mysterious stories give it a go, it will keep your interest despite an occasional cringe moment. BTW, felt a bit like 90's films, you know, Naked Lunch, eXistenZ and such :)

When Residue began, I was sure it was going end with my demanding my ninety, or so, minutes back. I was wrong. It was a bit cheesy and there wasn't a great deal of money spent on FX and the story was mind-boggling. But I liked it! This is one of those crazy movies where you wonder what's really happening and why? It's all about a book. You're not supposed to read it, but when you don't read it, you're already reading it! I know right! The craziest part is, it knows you, feeds off of your fears, and slowly plunges you into a darkness you can never escape from. Because you're around the book, the essence, the residue becomes a sort of vortex that sucks you're soul from you.

Residue, is a low budget movie that you want to dislike, but you're literally swept away! Yes, the FX are so cheesy you shake your head while watching. The acting, though okay, make it feel more comical than horrific. Then the story itself is kooky-creepy, like Creepshow or other 80's spoofs. It's not one I'll be adding to my movie collection, but if I was bored on a Friday night and looking for something on one of my movie channels, I'd watch it again! You'll just have to check it out for yourself Residue 2017 Written and Directed by Rusty Nixon Produced by Motorcycle Boys Productions Stars James Clayton, Taylor Hickson and Matt Frewer

This film had a bunch of elements of 80's Carpenter and Cronenburg, and it included Max Headroom and The Smoking Man from X-Files. The lore is pretty solid, the practical FX are a very welcome throwback and look great. I loved watching this film, was one of the more original I've seen in the genre as of late.