SBTwo9's reviews

I don't know that I've ever rated any project a 10 before, but I honestly would've rated this even higher if possible. We hear stories from time to time that we think, "Wow, this would make a great movie", but once in a while you stumble across a story so powerful, so uplifting that it needs no fiction, no creative licensing. The story of Gloria Jean Merriex is just that. This is a prime example of why documentaries are so important.

This woman was a pioneer, an innovator, a risk taker and every bit of a HERO. Gloria Jean Merriex was a teacher from an underfunded school in an impoverished community in Florida. She quite literally gave everything... every ounce of herself into her students and their education.

She realized that the standard... "generic" curriculum would not be effective for her students. Her unique and innovative tactics to reach these at risk youths was nothing short of brilliant. No spoilers here, I strongly suggest you watch this. Regardless of your upbringing, culture, socioeconomic status, etc... this miraculous story of human triumph, perseverance and ingenuity will amaze you.

This story had to be told and it had to be told precisely the way it was. HUGE praise to Boaz Dvir and the entire team that's responsible for this doc. Thank you for sharing it with the world. Gloria Jean Merriex was truly in a Class of Her Own.

This is a wonderful short film featuring a perfect blend of passion, levity and heartfelt drama. Izah Neiva turns a powerful and brave performance as a woman struggling to find her independence and her power after her husband leaves her for a younger woman. The cinematography beautifully captures the moments of both beauty and isolation. This story is raw, beautiful and emotionally captivating. All of the elements are beautifully woven together as it finds a positive and uplifting message through a devastating circumstance. I easily rate this film a 9/10 with well deserved honors for the lovely Izah Neiva.

True crime fans will love this but I anticipate that anyone that watches it will become instantly invested. This film was well executed from pretty much every aspect. The production design is spot on for a story that takes place in the late 90's. The film is brilliantly shot by DP Trevor Wilson. The casting was also spot on, very powerful performances throughout led by the captivating Pamela Fields.

Darren Burch seamlessly developed this true story into a narrative, not easy to do. He also has a cameo in it, not as himself, but still a nice touch to further add a personal feel to this story. Again, as an audience member it was easy to get invested into the story, my only complaint is that I wanted more which is precisely what any filmmaker strives for with their audience. I confidently rated it a 9. The production team should be proud of this!

True crime fans will love this but I anticipate that anyone that watches it will become instantly invested. This film was well executed from pretty much every aspect. The production design is spot on for a story that takes place in the late 90's. The film is brilliantly shot by DP Trevor Wilson. The casting was also spot on, very powerful performances throughout led by the captivating Pamela Fields. Darren Burch seamlessly developed this true story into a narrative, not easy to do. He also has a cameo in it, not as himself, but still a nice touch to further add a personal feel to this story. Again, as an audience member it was easy to get invested into the story, my only complaint is that I wanted more which is precisely what any filmmaker strives for with their audience. I confidently rated it a 9. The production team should be proud of this!

This type of film will feel familiar at first, not in a bad way as there's a reason these film noir type crime drama/thrillers are so popular, particularly among film buffs. The choice to go black and white seems like a no brainer but many would be surprised at how often filmmakers over think this choice and end up compromising the integrity of this genre of film. I applaud the production team and, in particular, writer/director Justin Brewster for leaning into this classic filmmaking style. Everything works, the art, casting, wardrobe... everything. It's shot beautifully, scored wonderfully and probably most impressive, they were able to tell their story in less than 8 minutes. My favorite part is the ending, I definitely won't spoil it here, but I didn't see it coming... not even sort of. Overall, this short is a very successful entry into film the film noir genre.

"Lost and California" is a Docuseries that grabs your attention from the jump. It centers around struggling entrepreneur, Timur Bey II. In the first episode, we are introduced to Timur as we begin to learn about his struggles as a young entrepreneur. His journey begins on the east coast, but as the title suggests, his struggles lead him to California as he attempts to deal with yet another obstacle.

No spoilers here, but I will say that it was easy to become invested in Timur's journey. He is clearly a bright and driven young man that is determined to stay positive and focused regardless of the chaos happening around him. It reminded me of a profound perspective that many of us have heard before "Life is only 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it".

I'm inspired and excited to watch future episodes and see how Timur's journey progresses.

Jonathan Nolan launches this series perfectly with a thought provoking and, at times, intense look into the theory that there is a cult that believes the great red spot of Jupiter is a space arc that contains the souls of the dead. No spoilers here, but Nolan does a fine job of immediately grabbing your attention as the story jumps off in Episode 1 The Night-Adapted Eye.

As with most entries into the sci-fi/horror genre, the suspension of reality needs to be balanced with the possibility that it could indeed be real. Nolan does a great job of achieving this through the perspective of our heroin played wonderfully by Katie Anderson.

Episode 1 of any series is vital to keep the viewer's desire to continue with the series and Nolan achieves that. I'm already excited to continue with the series. I recommend checking it out!

This anthology follows normal, every day people whose lives get disrupted and really get exposed by the residual effects of the pandemic.

The stories appear to have a loose connection at first but as it progresses it ties together both beautifully and powerfully. Writer/Director Yan Cui masterfully navigates the ship while giving a harsh, at times gut wrenching, but real perspective of many who struggled through being isolated, even trapped due to the pandemic and its restrictions.

It's an honest and realistic perspective of loved ones being forced to confront the flaws in their relationships brought to the forefront from the lockdown.

The ending is very creative and powerful, no spoilers here, you'll have to see it for yourself and I believe you'll be glad you did.

The cast/crew/production team collaborated wonderfully to bring this powerful project to life. It's definitely worth the watch.

Bradley Hawkins and his team did quite well on this project. As a filmmaker, one of the hardest things to do is pull off a period piece without compromising authenticity and Calf Rope does it masterfully.

The story itself is heartfelt and timeless. It centers around a young boy and his grandfather in the mid 1960's in Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. This wonderful cast is led by youngster Lukas Barnett who shines as Brandon, a young man obsessed with cowboys and his Grandfather. The Grandfather, Mac, is played brilliantly by Gorman Ruggiero. The entire cast understood and flawlessly executed the vernacular from that time.

While watching this film, the same word kept popping in my head throughout. Authentic. From the props, to the wardrobe... really the entire production design was spot on. Again, a tall task when attempting a period piece. Exemplary work by Lyndsey Hinkle.

It's quite difficult to find really any flaws with this film. Cheers to Bradley Hawkins and his team.

The team goes back to Brodhead to focus more on the second floor. This seems like a smart move as this location certainly has eerie paranormal vibes. It takes its toll on the team, in particular Jenni and Jenny. Of course, they fight though it giving the audience the paranormal experience we are waiting on the edge of our seats for. I won't give spoilers, you'll have to watch for yourselves and you'll be glad you did!

On the technical side of production, it's clear this team has honed its craft over the years. The production value is high given the genre, but nothing seems forced or over the top which is always a delicate balance with these types of documentaries.

I rated this a strong 8. Three seasons in, this team has upped their game and I wouldn't be surprised to see them continue on this trajectory for several more seasons. I hope they do because I'm here for it!

This was an easy watch. A wonderful ensemble cast brings this heartfelt comedy to life beautifully. The characters are well written and developed. Kudos to writer Paul Pender developing these characters in an engaging yet authentic way, nothing feels forced. Pender and Katie Santacroce seamlessly collaborate as Co-Directors and it's clear that their vision was in sync.

The technical side of this film is equally impressive. There are no frills, just a bare bone character driven story that does a wonderful job of not trying to be something it's not. The sound, the score, the pacing are all on point. The cinematography is flat out brilliant. The drone shots do a fabulous job of bringing you in to this charming Irish hamlet. I've personally always wanted to go to Ireland myself, so I was all for the beautiful and unique landscape shots captured in this film. It made me want to call up my "lads" and grab a pint.

CHEERS to everyone involved with this project, they should be very proud of this piece. I highly recommend it.

This short film has all the elements needed to be a successful feature (maybe even a franchise) in the horror/thriller genre. A great mix of timely subtext fused with the traditional horror/thriller staples that the devout fans of this genre demand.

No spoilers here, but once you watch this you will want to see more. The production value is what you'd expect for a lower budget indie short but you hardly notice as the score and editing compliment the story perfectly to keep you engaged in the filmmakers concept.

This film is brilliantly executed by writer/director Francis Han. The cast is believable, easy to engage with, but the star of the film is Han. I highly recommend checking this out and, if you see what I see, you'll be anxious to see what Han could do with a proper budget to make 503 a feature. Well done to all of those involved.

BDE is an experimental film shot very much like a mockumentary. It centers around Vladimir(Cooper), former Russian KGB, as he tries to uncover the truth about BDE (Big Dick Energy). In his quest to get to the bottom of this phenomenon he interviews fictitious characters from around the globe.

These characters are outlandish; ranging from a female body positive professional fighter to a woman currently in a "looney bin" with some celebrity impersonators, a talk show host and a very attractive scientist thrown in for good measure.

In the end, I believe Cooper and their team achieved what they set out to do in this latest Weird Loop installment. The cast, Cooper included, were entertaining and different enough to keep your attention with some of the talent playing multiple roles.

Those with abnormally large pick-up trucks, spaceships and especially BMWs... may want to pass on this one. For the rest of us that don't feel the need to overcompensate, it's a fun ride worth checking out.

This was a lot of fun. Hats off to Adam Barta and his team. The Dish plays as a mockumentary of a production team trying to get their reality TV show off the ground. The pacing is perfect. The graphics and score is spot on and certainly helps the production value. Tan Mom and Mama June add a great punch to the overall absurd comedic tone that is both fun and clever. You get the feel at the end that you want to see more, that there is still so much left that it unsettled. As an extended teaser or a pilot, it delivers by establishing these wacky characters and a glimpse into the hilarity of the story lines. Definitely worth checking out!

This animated short was well executed and is certainly a trip(pun intended). It has a Bob's Burgers feel only it's even more raunchy. I immediately see this as an ideal vehicle to launch into a series, all the elements are there! Kudos to writer/director Matthew Tretola, very well done.

Mona is a fun sci-fi comedy with the right amount of supernatural suspense. Lori Mae Hernandez shines as the star as well as the writer/director. As the latter, she steers the ship admirably with a cast of first time actors, but you won't be able to tell that they're amateurs by watching them. The entire ensemble works very well together and keeps you engaged. Also, there's a cute dog and we all know that you can't go wrong adding a talented pup to your supporting cast.

The editing, score and VFX are all spot on. Mona is fun, quirky ride that I recommend checking out.

This was an enjoyable ride that hits you in all the right places. I laughed, I got choked up a bit and multiple times I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was coming next.

Matt Steele showcases a brave performance as the nervous, emotional teen trying his best to shine the brightest in his high school play. A wonderfully balanced performance bringing to life a clearly unbalanced character.

The supporting cast is wonderful as well featuring a stand out effort by Jayson Bernard who delivers a heartfelt performance as the overzealous failed actor turned teacher/director that tries to vicariously live through the main character and turn him into the star he himself never became.

The music, production design, wardrobe hair and make up are all very well done. A lot of work clearly went into this production and it shows.

The writing, direction and pace are spot on.

I highly recommend this family friendly comedy that's safe for the kids but also a movie adults will enjoy.

WOW...just WOW. I have yet to see a bad film by Julian Grant and this one may be the best one I've seen so far. Brilliantly shot with plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested. Graham Jenkins is phenomenal as the lead "Benji". He does a fantastic job of guiding the audience along his troubled and intense journey. Hannah Phelps is very strong as "Trish". It was wonderfully cast, but the real star of this film is writer/director Julian Grant. His vision and style is quite unique and this project is a prime example of that. He is a master at character driven pieces that still have a strong thriller and suspense aspect to them with just enough gore to keep the horror fans happy. I STRONGLY recommend watching this film.- Shannon Brown