Whispers from a Shallow Grave

Retelling the true crime story of former Los Angeles Raiders cheerleader and model Linda Sobek who was murdered by photographer Charles Rathburn. Combining real-life trial footage and news interviews with fictionalized recreations all told from the point of view of Sobek's spirit (Trudi Jo Marie Keck), this film definitely takes a unique way of telling the story.

However 'unique' only goes so far. The constant flash-backs, flash-forwards & splicing of real footage with acted performers is jarring and doesn't really work. Keck can't hold the film together as her acting in this film is atrocious. The editing equally bad and Newsom's directing of the whole film is rather dire. And on a nit picky note, the box cover states "Based on the True Story that shocked the Nation" while I, keeping fairly abreast of the news, haven't even heard of the case. Even when I did find out about it (through this film) and research it, I can't say I was shocked in the least. Saddened, yes. Heart gone out to the family, definitely. Shocked, not so much. This film does a great disservice to her memory though.

My Grade: D-

Where i saw it: Instant Netflix via my X-box 360

While I can't disagree with some of the 'bad acting' comments about my performance as Linda, I do applause the script, ideas, and directing. Ted Newsom's idea's for the movie were far bigger than our budget, but we made due. It was a labor of love. We were both very passionate about the story. We worked with some amazing talent. I was certainly the least experience in acting, and it showed, but I fit the role. And on these low budget labor of loves, you press on with what you have. That being said, I was in awe of the talent from the other performers in the movie. Gerald Brodin, Scott St. James, and a slew of others who gave performances that were very real. It was a great experience for us. We did really want to tell this story and I'm grateful we did. It took us several years to get it out on DVD. Anyone who produces a project that means something to them, with budget constraints will understand. Like it our hate it, thanks for watching. Trudi Keck

"Pay no attention to him, he's from Barcelona."

--Basil Fawlty (John Cleese) in FAWLTY TOWERS

In point of fact, Trudi Keck was pretty brutal when it came to editing her scenes. I edited a lot of it as well.

I have been known to successfully direct traffic in my distant youth.

Sorry your wife didn't like it. I've noticed that almost universally, guys don't, but the 2 reviews by women seem to dig it.

I tried to figure out a way to include a big car chase, a hoard of marauding zombies, the threat of a nuclear explosion and some CGI effects in the story, but somehow, it just didn't fit. I'm sure the movie would've been much better with them, but we felt we had to stick with the facts.

If you hated this, you'll love THE NAKED MONSTER. More laughs.