Methodic

Let me start by saying, this film is not what you think it is. Despite all of it's thematic references to John Carpenter's Halloween, Methodic is NOT a rip off in any way. Methodic writer and director, Chris R. Notarile takes all the wonderful elements and themes that we've grown to love from Halloween and all other late 70's - early 80's horror movies and has woven them into a brilliant tapestry of suspense, horror and drama.

Methodic starts slow. If you're looking for a popcorn body count movie with mindless wanton slaughter of moronic horny teenagers, this is not the movie for you. Methodic is instead incredibly story driven. So much so that there are actually moments in the film that if you don't pay attention to, it is very certain you will not understand something later on. I like this. I find it rare these days, especially in independent horror movies where people actually need to pay attention to a movie. Usually the story is simple, intoxicated coeds get taken out by a silent masked maniac.

Now granted, Methodic does sport the classic silent masked killer stereotype, but fortunately, with very good reason. The Dollman is instantly classic, from the look of his mask right down the (no pun intended) execution of his actions. I would also like to bring up the wonderful gimmick deployed with this film, and by that I am referring to the "basher" term used to distinguish the film. Believe it or not, Methodic actually is the first basher film and that's actually a pretty clever thing to do. In a world where everything is being remade, its always refreshing to see something new come along. I predict we will be seeing more "basher" movies as time goes on. Let's just hope they are on par with this film.

And now down to the technical "stuff". This is Mr. Notarile's directorial debut, sort of. Apparently he has a large number of short film credits to his name, but I believe Methodic is his first feature. Not a bad way to start a career if you ask me. For a first time feature director with what appeared to be a very large cast, I think things were handled more than admirably. I won't lie, some of the acting in the film was a little on the campy side, but I suspect that is usually the case with most low budget horror films. The shots were great. Most of the film really gave off a larger than life feeling and though it was limited, the action and the killing scenes in this film were very fun and intense.

As for performances, most of the cast and more importantly, those playing the main characters, were very convincing. I enjoyed the natural flow of the dialog as well as some of more candid moments between characters, specifically the stakeout scene with Dan and Colin and the "chick flick" scene with Lana, Melissa and her husband. Great stuff.

All in all, Methodic is a wonderful first film and great gateway piece into what looks to be a very promising career from Chris R. Notarile. I wish him well and cannot wait to see where he goes and what he does next.

I was invited to see a private screening of Methodic the other day and WOW, what a cool idea for a movie. I've read what everyone else has posted and I think they're pretty spot on with how the movie was. It's no joke that it starts out as a slow place, but it totally pays off in the end. Chris Notarile and Brandon Slagle wrote the script which was based on a remake script Chris had made for Halloween. And when you watch the film, at first you're thinking to yourself "okay, where is he going with this?" Then about half way in, you think you might have figured it out and are calling how it will end. Yeah, that's when the film takes a crazy left turn and totally throws you off track. What starts out like a Halloween movie completely becomes something entirely different, and it works. The 3rd act is what makes this movie so fun and original. The Dollman is more than meets the eye as is the story. And it really makes you think. So yes, watch this movie. Its worth it.

Very low budget effort from a director who has made a name for himself in fanfilms. Frankly, this is more of the same, a thinly veiled remake of Halloween. Why, when given the chance to do something original he fell back on the tried and true is a mystery and a bit of a shame as there is considerable talent on display. Even casting a family member as the lead worked out as she is one of the better actors in the film.

The reviews here are suspiciously high, I have to assume they are from friends and cast members. (Ironically, I found out about this film due to a feud the director is having with another filmmaker who does the same astroturfing!) Knock it off guys! My advice to Mr Notarile would be to do something entirely new. he has shown he can make a good film based on the ideas of others, now take that and do something we haven't seen!

Ever sense I watched the trailers of this film on YouTube years ago I've been hooked. The film takes the famous John Carpenter classic Halloween, but instead of having bad stereotypes (dumb blonde, the "happen to be there" people, stupid know it all etc.) and gives off a new set of people (with characters who actually have a brain, deaths with blunt objects (although the film only uses its target weapon (a sludge hammer) once \=( , and a killer who will run if he needed). In my opinion its a film that gives low budget filmmakers the idea that they can make more then just a standard YouTube quality video and not have to go to Hollywood to make a film. My only problems with the film are; some over- used F-Bombs (not as bad as Rob Zombie's Halloween)(Yea I know its a non-rated, rated R film but it could be turned down a slight bit) (personal preference) and a specific transition that could be changed in the film. In conclusion the film is a great film to check out and if you can't be Michael Myers this year for Halloween, go as his adopted brother Dollman.

I found this movie to be pretty good for being a low budget. Methodic to me is basically a halloween "Michael Myers" movie, It felt that way to me. I enjoyed watching the actors work their magic to make this movie deceit but overall I give it a 10 for allowing me to watch the entire movie with turning it off. I especially enjoy Rachel Robbins performance. Director Chris R. Notarile keep up the good work and look forward watching more of your films.