House of Temptation

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.

I like the way Director Dr. Zee found a way to make room for a more complex narrative. Where as many others supernatural thriller forgo character development, Director Zee used his actors to the fullest allowing room for a more complex tapestry to be woven.

Though the movie uses a contemporary device of cinema verite its also interestingly paced like a slow-burn thriller of yore, it keeps getting better.

The unique somewhat unexpected and surreal twists keep one wondering what will happen next; it was a refreshing addition to this genre. I wish Dr. Zee would make a follow up.

Lead actors Jenna Hunt's character Maya and Johnnie played by Julian Larach where complimented by a strong ensemble performance.

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.

House of Temptation is not what it at first appears. This film is actually full of fun surprises. With some particularly strong performances from Jena Hunt as Maya, and Julian Larach as Johnnie, House of Temptation takes its characters on a mysterious journey that is much more personal and poignant than one would expect from an ordinary horror flick. Director, Hassan Zee, is not one to let camp get in the way of a human story. Rather than going for cheap scares, Zee focuses on the breakdown of a family in a surprisingly intimate way through the eyes of their teenage son. I wish more big budget Hollywood films could be this personal. Looking forward to seeing what Doc Zee does next!

The movie is more of a suspense film than horror film. There are no jumping "boos" waiting in the corner to "get you". With that said, the story and plot are well written. The film is thought provoking. Overall the movie is well done. It was fun to watch. The writing is well though out. The movie is the perfect length and there is not one scene that is not necessary to the plot. The film is well edited and flows smoothly. The actors are good. I enjoyed the son's acting and thought that his performance is very good and realistic. The father's role is well acted. The evil temptress has a wonderful evil laugh, is pleasing to the eye and is perfect for the role. The other actors are good. I enjoyed everyone's performance. I enjoyed the camera work. I liked how the effects are real, not overdone and not over-the-top. I enjoyed the "message" of the film and how it is interwoven into the plot. I recommend this movie. Enjoy . . .