Hobbs End

First off, this is not a slasher movie. It's not even a horror movie.

As another review mentioned, this is more of a stage play featuring a single location and only two major characters.

I'm having a hard time judging this movie as I feel it is a bit unfair seeing as it was mismarketed and it isn't the filmmakers fault. That being said, it is NOT a good movie even for what it is trying to be.

The two leads are irritating, the soundtrack is very annoying, especially the stupid duet that plays over the credits. There are multiple plot lines that go nowhere.

In short, those watching for something akin to the cover will be upset, and those wanting a lifetime style thriller won't watch because of it (nor is it even worth it).

The first half of this movie is like a big black hole. It left no impression on me at all. It's neither bad nor good, but exists eternally in a sort of quality limbo.

Fortunately, the second half picks up, and it gets bad enough to provide a few laughs.

Another problem is that the effect of the film's first big surprise is somewhat mitigated by the fact that the copy on the DVD box gives it away completely. On the other hand, it was a pretty lame attempt at a surprise anyway.

One can see why this one sat in the can for over a year (copyright 2000, released 2002) before finally being dumped to video.

As the film opens recently widowed Lacey is desperately trying to insist to her friend, Cindy, that she doesn't need another man in her life. However later that same day when she accidentally runs into someone she believes to be the new handyman, she invites him into her house to make amends to this guy who reminds her so much of her husband somehow. Meanwhile the radio is issuing an urgent message about a dangerous convict on the loose. Are these two events linked somehow? You bet your sweet ass they are.

Oh where do I even begin to tell you what was wrong with this film. OK, right off the bat, the whole issue with the cover being so VERY misleading (there's no chainsaw, the population is a bit higher then depicted) has been said over and over so I won't repeat it here (oops just did). Then there's another character that's in the film skulking around Lacey's property that's never really explained. The sheer lack of chemistry between the two leads makes the first 20 minutes are so supremely implausible at best, and a big F you to the intelligence of the audience at worst. Also later in the film when a certain character is portrayed as crazy, the whole film turns into a (unintentional) comedy of errs. To round things off, I hated the soundtrack and the person who did the editing for the movie must have been legally blind.

My Grade: D

Where i saw it: Instant Netflix via Xbox 360

...But then, I had to buy it because of my name in the credits. Yep, I was the "key medic" in this travesty of film. And they didn't even list me in the "cast and crew." Bummer! But you know what the best part about this movie is? We all had a blast making it and you get to see the back of my head as I walk with my "family" across the parking lot in the beginning and then again at the end (I'm the guy in the blue "medic" outfit.) And yes, the scenery is majestic, I do forget sometimes since it's in my backyard and I see it every day. The craft service was the best -- I gained about 20 pounds during the shoot -- and they put the food right next to the medic station. I haven't seen most of the cast and crew since, but I still think about all, OK -- some, of you occasionally. Hey Buxbaum, if you ever get to Sandpoint again, call me! And I think you told me you could teach me to barefoot ski....

The acting, particularly Cat's, is pretty wooden and predictable. To me she always looked like she had something really distasteful in her mouth when she talked and couldn't quite spit it out. Maybe it was the never-ending dialog. The best actor on the set by far was Rosie the dog (although I can't remember if she's in the movie and can't bear to watch it again to find out.) As for the plot of this movie -- it's pretty transparent, BUT I'D URGE YOU ALL TO RUSH RIGHT OUT TO BUY OR RENT IT so you can actually see my name in the credits and Polestar can recoup some of the house payments they paid me!

Lacey Cole,a beautiful young widow living in an isolated cabin in the forest of the great American Northwest,is forced to fight for her very survival when she lets a stranger into her life.Michael Bodine,an escaped serial killer and demented genius with bizarre psychic powers takes on the personality of Lacey's dead husband,lulling her into a state of open trust and romance.When Michael reveals his true identity,a life and death struggle begins,pitting Lacey's ingenuity against a consummate evil genius.The above synopsis of "Hobbs End" sounded pretty good for me,unfortunately the film itself was quite mediocre.There are some nice visuals and the snowy location sets provide a little bit of atmosphere,but "Hobbs End" is too long and quickly becomes dull.The acting is surprisingly passable with a beautiful Catarina Conti giving a likable performance as the lonely widow.Not a great amount of blood either.Give it a look,if you have nearly 2 hours to waste.6 out of 10.