Stitches

This is the last thing from Full Moon that I thought was worth a damn. Previously, "Vampire Journals" stood out,not so much because of its run-of-the-mill story, but for its beautiful location settings, photography and fine Gothic atmosphere. I also enjoyed the better entries in the Subspecies series. But "Stitches" surpasses them and is arguably the finest feature ever from Full Moon. An omnipresent atmosphere of lurking doom and dread hovers over the hapless characters like a dark storm cloud. Mrs. Albright is a truly sinister harbinger of evil who preys on people's weaknesses, exploits their inner longings, and strips away their surface vaneer of moral rectitude. Setting the story in some undefined point in the early 20th century, when people were more repressed, was a masterstroke. This is a taut psychological chiller, subtly crafted, and not for those in search of cheap thrills, gore, or manic action.

This really could have been a lot better. Instead, it turned out to be one boring as hell movie, with absolutely no thrilling moments at all in it. NONE!! Come on, at least TRY to scare us when billing a movie as a horror. Please!! I passed on watching "Godzilla vs. Mothra" to watch this. I should have watched Godzilla, at least there would have been some action!!

A charming old lady named Mrs.Albright guests at a New England Boarding House.She hides a dark secret,because beneath her stitched-on human skin lurks a demon from hell bent on capturing the souls of unsuspecting occupants and imprisoning them for all time in her hideous book of paper dolls.One by one,the residents receive Mrs.Albright's special attention and she is really effective at her job.Admittedly the premise of "Stitches" is quite good,unfortunately the performances are mostly mediocre and the special effects are lame.The lack of nudity is also disappointing.Still the film sustains a pretty creepy atmosphere and the script by frequent Full Moon scribe Benjamin Carr offers some surprises.Give it a look,just don't expect a masterpiece.6 out of 10.

Full Moon features used to excel at these movies: small morality tales with good performances and captivating stories on a budget. And puppets. HIDEOUS and HEAD OF THE FAMILY always come to mind when I think of their best offerings, but I think OBLIVION is also worth including in this list. I'm pleased to say that STITCHES is another worthy film to add to the list.

If you enjoy Rod Serling's TWILIGHT ZONE and other classic science-fiction/fantasy programs, I think you'll like this.

Other reviews have complained about the pacing. The pacing is perfect for the story they're telling. This is NOT a thriller, nor a suspense movie. I was never bored--in fact, though I intended to have this on in the background, I couldn't help but get sucked in.

As for the performances, all are competent; however, Elizabeth Ince's performance stands out. She's a wonderful antagonist.

Full Moon has a reputation for eroticism and nudity, but there is none of that to be found here.

Finally, I wanted to comment on another review by the production designer. No one attached to this movie needs to apologize for anything or defend it. It's wonderfully made and very entertaining. The cast and crew should be proud of this film.

Watch this one! The writer, casting person, director & actors delivered. Great idea for a film. Manipulation is an art as one will see. You won't be disappointed. This may well become a cult horror classic.