Rows

Title of this review is an apt summary. The cornfield is lovely and intriguing in ts vastness any mystery, but beyond the occasional look at its vast landscape, there is NOTHING here if interest. The "plot" is a mishmash of undeveloped ideas with no character development. Fake reviewers giving it pumped-up rating should be ashamed of themselves...bu they obviously have no shame.

Rows is a most imaginative Indie film inspired by Grimm's Tales and the disappearance of two sets of girls years apart. The second set of girls apparently returned but remembered nothing of who they were or where they'd been, according to the makers of the film.

A dark, modern fairy tale of an enchantress casting a spell upon protagonist Rose and her friend, thereby leaving them lost seemingly forever in a cornfield, doomed to repeat horrific events until they can figure a way to escape by finding answers to these strange happenings and breaking the spell.

The cinematography is excellent and there are some unusual shots that add to the surreal atmosphere of the film. The music is outstanding and the sound effects create tension and a creepy, unsettling feeling. This film definitely succeeds in what it sets out to do as a fantasy thriller.

After watching this movie several times it was investing and uninteresting at the same time. There is something unclear about the story because of several plot holes. One in particular when the main character's friend turns out to be aligned with the deranged lady and grounds keeper, but there isn't any build up. Nothing is mentioned about that girl. Could she have pretended to kill the lady she stabbed? No, but it was clear that she did. The characters were not interesting to watch, and it leaves you not caring what happens to them. The performance the actor's gave wasn't too bad, but a little stiff at some parts, when the two lead actresses are about to go check out the abandon house, they don't feel really vested. And maybe they did take it a bit too seriously, it was good overall. Not saying the actors did not do a good job, but it's close to being monotone.

While the premise of a mystery inside a haunted house is a good set up for a traditional horror movie, it is not without its flaws. The whole story is not entirely about the house, but on what is going on in a cornfield, which makes sense, given the name is pretty self-explanatory. Either way, the movie tends to focus more on the suspense of what is going on in the corn field, maybe there is supernatural elements taking place, but nothing is explored entirely about what is going? Why is this happening? And who is really pulling the string. Another thing I want to make notice of. This movie uses a lot of cues to emphasize suspense. Not to sound nitpicking, but the music does not fit the tone, a little, but not at all, because it would probably fit a more undercover C.I.A. hidden treasure type of movie. And yet with its faults, in my opinion, it was a good indie flick. It was fun to watch, and would recommend it to anyone I know.

Rows is really really scary...but don't take my word just watch the trailer, if you can. I swore I'd never watch another cornfield scene after Joe Pesci gets it in Casino, but Rows tops that and somehow made me break my word and sucked me in...the setup is naturally paced and draws you in, and then the house and creepsters and those rows...rows and rows of corn stalks and the crazy stuff starts building...I won't spoil it but if you are a fan of the genre do yourself a favour and see Rows. Production values quite amazing for an Indie film, this could be a $15 million budget and you wouldn't know the difference, very professionally shot I'd say and a booming soundtrack (when needed). I was blown away by Rows and I'm not a huge fan, to tell you the truth, of the genre, maybe it effects me too powerfully, I'm the type that doesn't get to sleep after Texas Chainsaw Massacre etc., so I sample only occasionally, and Rows delivered...

Ok, this might be totally my fault. I like to knit and stuff whilst watching anything so its entirely possible i just didnt pay enough attention. But, a cornfield is really a difficult thing to make interesting. I mean, its definitely been done before, but this time... This would be immensely improved with tighter editing and maybe more as a 45 minute episode of a tales from the crypt type deal. Its interesting enough that i stuck to the end waiting for answers, but the journey was pretty boring and the end still befuddled my stupid cracker mind. It was really difficult to have any sympathy for the 2 female leads as there was no development and no insight into anything they were doing. It did have a dream like kind of quality to me, like when you're dreaming and weird stuff is happening and you just roll with it, but other than that its pretty non memorable.

I tried, dang it!!!!