Dark Woods

When I first popped this is my DVD player I have to say I wasn't expecting all that much, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this story. Of course like any movie it has it's flaws but there was a point about a third of the way through when it got really good. The acting is also well done for an "indie" (especially the young girl and James Russo). And the cinematography is especially outstanding. Of course, the locations seem limited because it's an indie flick, but I found that to not take away from the story too much, especially since it's shot so beautifully and a lot of it out in nature in the beautiful woods. I give this movie a solid 7 out of 10.

I saw this movie recently. Don't know if its out in theaters or when it will be but it should be. Movies like this, especially independent ones, sadly are not made anymore. Its all horror and really lame (almost sad) "comedies". This movie is a hauntingly beautiful tragic story which has some scenes that I would compare to "happiness". A movie that I love but is so disturbing for its realistic and never talked about content (that's really inspiring!). And that's the same journey that this film takes you through. Every character is so desperate for some kind of connection with their surrounding characters and does not achieve their goals! Awesome. Because that is what's real. A lot of filmmakers are not this bold and I tip my hat to the director. I encourage everyone to, if this ever comes out, GO SEE IT!

I had expected more from this movie, a whole lot more actually. But hey, maybe it wasn't just my type of movie.

The story deals with a couple that goes into solitude as Susan (the woman) is dying, and they want to be together. Then while jogging, Henry (the man) stumbles upon a young girl in distress. He rescues Alicia and brings her into their cabin. Then from there, the story becomes one of human emotions, desires, struggles and inner turmoil. Enough said about the storyline without giving too much away.

Even though the storyline had potential, I wasn't entertained by it. The movie crept forward in a very, very slow pace, and I found it to be mind-numbing. Had the story moved forward faster, with more things happening, the movie would have been all the more better. For me, the movie took way to long to get from A to B, and that killed the movie for me.

The people in the movie were unfamiliar faces, to me at least. And I found the movie was carried by Tracy Coogan (playing Susan Branch) and Mary Kate Wiles (playing Alicia Larch). I didn't find John Muscarnero (playing Henry Branch) to really fully be in character. There was a single familiar face in the movie, though having only a supporting role, and that being James Russo (playing sheriff Demming). There are relatively few people in the movie, and it works well enough actually.

One thing that stands out in the movie was that they managed to put together a decent enough movie with a fairly small budget. And that was cool. Always nice when smaller companies put together something out of the ordinary, just a shame that the movie was slow to get anywhere. And also the scenery and sets were nice, I especially liked the feeling of isolation in the forest.

Overall, I found "Dark Woods" to be a below average movie. It is listed as a thriller, but there were hardly any thrills in the entire movie. And I think that actually was what lead me to pick up this movie, so I was expecting thrills and excitement. Having seen "Dark Woods", I can now honestly say that this movie, for me, doesn't have enough watching value for a second time.

This movie is also known as 'Dark Woods' which is a terrible, unforgettable title. The film itself is certainly watchable and enjoyable, though the themes of terminal cancer and a crazy teenager, don't at first appeal. The story actually works very well and has a brooding atmosphere throughout. There is a spartan appearance by James Russo (playing a local sheriff), which adds to the quality of the whole production. Worth seeking this one out.