Freezerburn

I almost never comment on movies, but I saw the 5 glowing reviews of this "movie" and decided I had to weigh in with my own review. An instructor of mine received this film in the mail, mixed in with his Academy screeners (AMPAS, aka the guys who vote on the Oscars), and was so floored with how terribly constructed this movie was that he brought it in to our class to demonstrate to us how NOT to put together a movie.

This film has no plot, the scenes are horribly, horribly edited (oftentimes using faux "24" style picture-in-picture techniques), and the performances (particularly the lead, who even fails at acting like a bad actress) are for the most part, obnoxious. Someone truly failed to understand the point of an introduction, namely, the setting up of the plot. There is no setup! Halfway through the movie neither myself nor the rest of the class knew what this movie was supposed to be about. The opening crane shot, which sets up some kind of murder, is never addressed, and now that I think about it, was possibly meant to be a flash-forward, with the rest of the film being a flashback, but it cuts from that scene directly to the next without any indication as such.

Bah, I could really go on and on. At the very least, this movie gives me renewed confidence in my own film-making ability.

A most original and entertaining movie with a big budget feel. A great script with twists and turns you will never guess. It has some amazing shots and scenes that I will never forget, they really hit the jackpot ! The humor is black at it's darkest and of course funniest. It breaks the mold and is refreshing in every way. Great casting with some classic performances from old school and new school stars.The movie is a great mix of black humor, science fiction,science fantasy, horror and narcissism. The roles played by Rochelle Balin and Robert Hays are such a reflection on stardom and it's affects, is scary. If you work in the industry, see this movie ; you'll get it. There is no business like show business.

What a fun romp! Lots of twists and turns -- quite the roller coaster ride. I kept watching to see what was going to happen next. I can't wait until I can watch it again. There are so many little hidden details.

Lots of great technical stuff -- if you know anything about movie making you'll appreciate the Director's vision.

The cast was great. Lots of familiar faces. I'm a huge fan of Dick Van Patten and Hal Linden. It was fantastic to see them in the same movie.

The tivo type moments were really unique. I thought it was a great way to track the time line.

I hope we get to see a lot more of Melissa Balin's work.

Melissa Balin and Company (...and Family) really put their heart and soul into this true gem of a film. Rogan R. Marshall's script is executed with finesse and excellent pacing, and the editing is superb. The cinematography lends itself well to the style of this picture and the narrative structure they have chosen to employ.

Though it could be classified as 'experimental' it is quite accessible and enjoyable on many levels, even for the most hardened film fanatics among us (...and, BTW, this review is coming from a professional cinematographer not affiliated in any way with this production, but VERY much impressed). Anyone who has ever worked on a film, or been privy to an insiders view of the process will immediately appreciate the nicely crafted layers of wit and sarcasm relating to the sordid details of the processes (and characters) that make up production in L.A.. This film is dead on right down to the 'pro' jargon! It is true comedy.

The characters are well developed, the acting is first rate, and the plot, while not of your everyday Hollywood 'formula'(and not for the faint of heart), is a romp that will curl your toes in laughter and anticipation, right to the end.

This is one to see in the theater, and then BUY on DVD for keeps.

Congratulations Melissa!

Well-directed, well-acted, and most definitely well-written, Freezerburn is a triumph for independent cinema, and a fabulous representation of what a determined female director can do, and what a writer can do when said female director chains him to his computer and said writer decides to put his all into it. Melissa Balin and Rogan Russell Marshall are a daring, creative, and, most importantly, brilliant team. I applaud their film, their respective talents, and am delighted to be one of the first people to view this fabulous movie.

Thank you, and Bravo to Melissa, Rogan, Rochelle, and all the actors and crew of this wonderful film.