The Entrance

Independent films need to push boundaries. With limited budgets, often times little known lead actors and a small chance of distribution, these are the films - of any - that need to 'stand up and be seen', by delivering to the audience something exciting and exceptional. When it comes down to it, the domain of the independent film is one that is ripe with boundary pushing potential; we expect the independents to come in armed with an edge, much more so than their big budget Hollywood Cousins.

The central issue with The Entrance is that it's an independent film which wants to have an edge, and wants to present us with something we haven't seen before -- but in spite of its ambitions, it essentially falls flat. In spite of a somewhat original story, the potential for a good scare or two, an attractive and appealing lead actress and the promise of supernatural horror, we're left with no pay off, even after all of these elements are introduced into the film.

As a prime example of the film's difficulties in translating horror into terror for the audience, we're presented with a number of scenes --a strange woman alone and crying in a creepy, abandoned parking garage, a weird, freaky, wide-eyed old man speaking in strange tones, even people being snatched up and dragged away by an unseen demonic force... But none of these elicit anything from the audience, as there is no edge (little blood, little real suspense and virtually no mood) in each. The audience is left waiting for an eye popping moment, but will likely be unable to do much but shrug as the films slowly progresses.

Another issue lies in the use of the lead actress, Sarah Jane Redmond. While Sarah Jane is a more than competent actress, and delivers the only watchable performance of the film, she is not used to her full potential. There is a certain sensuousness emanating from Sarah's character, a certain sexuality which, as the film alludes to, has been shaped by past events. But this is never explored, and the film largely plays the character as a straight cop, with no deviations. This is not to suggest that Sarah's character needed to get nude, but that different aspects of her physical self and mental self should have been explored - they should have given her character an edge, which she lacked throughout.

More than anything, what really stands out for me was the lack of focus in this picture. In a film with an edge, you'd expect much more of a narrow focus, a certain direction. As this film seems to wander from one scene to the next, and leaves scenes open ended, you never get that razor focus you'd expect in a competent horror film, such as Saw.

Ultimately, the indies need that edge - and this film, though coming with seemingly all the right elements, fails to deliver with any kind of edge at all. It's a shame, considering the energy and work that went into it.

If you are looking for a no-brainer, slasher, nudity laden horror flick - don't waste your time on this one.

After seeing some of the comments, I didn't expect too much - but was glad I gave it a chance.

Excellent performance by Michael Eklund as the drug dealer (look him up - this guy has no problem finding gigs); fantastic range in his performance.

The cinema-photography was excellent! Good sound track. All around good production values. Good cast and acting.

I loved the mystery of it; don't expect the "expected". Very good script; nicely layered; loved the way elements unfolded. Just when I kind of thought I knew where things were going, delicious little "twisted" twists were added. I liked that I was required to pay attention, to be patient and observant. Yes, the uneasy pacing - kept me off balance; added to the tension. And, I even experienced a couple startlingly scary moments; doesn't happen much for me anymore; such a treat.

I even liked the ending - unsettling as it was.

Well worth a coffee shop chat after viewing this film - so much going on; so much left to the imagination.

OK... right off, there is no gore, no explosions, no nudity, very little action/violence... the 'demon' only shows it's ugly face in a couple of quick flashes. So, it's not for the short attention span crowd. Also, it's also not for the crowd who need everything explained in nice clear expositions with a pretty bow tying it all together at the end.

For the rest of us... it's not a bad little thriller. 'Little' both in that the budget is obviously tiny (most of the cash probably went to hire Ms. Redmond) and there's no world-threatening conspiracy. Most of the movie takes place at night and it has the feeling of an intimate little tragedy. Only when the sun comes up does the mood come somewhat undone... I would have preferred the story keep to the cover of darkness.

The only real disparaging thing I'd say about it is that the casting/characters/direction are as bland as a sack of oats. Not that the acting is bad... it isn't... but the folks they chose are so blandly 'thespian'. For a pack of evil sinners and demons they a pretty ordinary looking (for Hollywood) bunch... no one is too pretty or too ugly or too old or too young... none of the performances are noticeably weak or inspiring (though Ms. Redmond has the heaviest sack to carry so props to her). It's a decent/interesting story but it could have used some more imagination in the casting and character dialogue and direction and... well... it generally could have used more imagination... and I'm not equating 'imagination' with FX or action or gore... just some more flavor to the faces, words, performances.

Still, I enjoyed it... and if it really is the first of a trilogy I'll be sure to be there for the next one.

Great performances by a remarkably talented cast will tend to make a good script great. Happens every time. Written and directed by Damon Vignale, "The Entrance" showcases the importance a director should place on getting the most from his cast. In this case, Mr. Vignale started with great talent and managed to get, in my mind, award-winning performances from them. They, in turn, took the script and and ran with it very effectively. From beginning to end the pace of this film is consistent in its flow. The audience is drawn into the bizarre set of circumstances which befall a young female detective after interviewing a visibly upset felon. She embarks on a journey which ultlimately challenges her own humanity while forced to revisit a crime she was victim to in her childhood. Unfortunately, much of the subject matter of the film precludes it's being something for your kids to watch. Nevertheless, The Entrance should be on everyone's list of "should see's". A great piece.

Detective Porhowski (Sarah-Jane Redmond) has dinner with her father and he invites her to administrate a clinic that he has just purchased since he is worried with the dangerousness of her profession.

Porhowski returns to the police department and she is informed that a man called Ryan James (Michael Eklund) wants to talk to her. He tells an unbelievable story that he has been abducted and forced to play games against four other men, selected for their sins, in a parking garage. In the end of the game, the sin committed by the loser is projected and he is killed by a supernatural forces.

Ryan has succeeded to flee with the support of the janitor Joe Balberith (Ron Sauvé). Porhowski does not give credit to his story and finds that Ryan is a drug dealer. When she returns to talk to him, she finds that he has escaped from the interrogation room. Detective Porhowski drives back home but she is kidnapped by Ryan that was hidden on the back seat of her car. He tells that made a deal with the supernatural force that agreed to trade him for Detective Porhowski. What is her dark secret from the past?

"The Entrance" is an intriguing low-budget horror movie with an original story. Unfortunately the movie does not have end and wastes a great story. Was it lack of budget to complete the movie? Or does the director and writer Damon Vignale believe that he has made a movie with open end? My vote is five.

Title (Brazil): 'Punidos pelo Demônio" ("Punished by the Devil")