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wingslacrosse27
Reviews
Emo Pill (2006)
-- Insanely Brilliant --
I had the privilege of seeing Emo Pill a few days ago and I was truly amazed and blown away by this film. It was a short, running around 15 minutes or so. I also never thought that a film that has no words would speak such volumes. I will try to avoid spoilers, but I have two opinions on this film that I would like to share.
The film shows the lead character, Miles Nelson, walking around on a day to day basis in a drug-induced state that is brought on by his own brother and others. He goes about his life, in solitude and without saying a word; while having no clue just how beautiful the word truly is that is passing him by. He sees everything in black and white ... because that is all he knows. However, a presence comes to him and leaves him a pill. I first thought that the presence that visited him was Miles Nelson's guardian angel, but by the end of the film, I thought he could have been the grim reaper coming to claim another soul. However, that is for you to decide on your own after you watch this powerful and moving short.
This pill that he eats shows him how life really is, in bright color. He sees the beauty and the smiles and his friends and family for the first time. Although this time is short, he ultimately must decide which fate he wants to accept. One of solitude and drugs or one of life and happiness? The closing minute of this film left my mouth wide open and I was shocked. The ending let me, as a viewer, decide on what Miles Nelson's fate was, or is. The open-ended question at the end of Emo Pill was brilliant, Period.
Emo Pill will leave you scratching your head, while motivating anyone that is down in the dumps, depressed, or in a drug & alcohol state to see the light at the end of the tunnel; and to better themselves. There is help! There is a better place! You just have to be willing to fight to get there, and accept the help and the hands that guide you there. Do not give up, for a quitter is a nobody, and a winner is a somebody!!
Hatred (2006)
The final film in a 3-part series ends with a bang!!
There isn't much I can say that hasn't already been said about 'Hatred.' It is the third film in a three-part truth series and it does an awesome job at closing out the series, but it also leaves a lot of questions. In the second film 'Unstable,' Bobby is killed and leaves many wondering what was really going on? 'Hatred' picks up a year later and shows us how different people react and change over time due to consequences that they may or may not have been able to control. Sit back and watch how the story comes to end ... An end that will leave you with your mouth draped open. Anthony, Steve, Garrett, Paul, and others each react differently and are often persuaded by others to make decisions they don't have the heart to make on their own. Do you have a dirty little secret? Are you easily manipulative? Then make sure you check out 'Hatred' to see what can ultimately happen if you are too damn selfish.
Aftermath (2005)
Speechless!!
I called in sick to work this morning and told them I would be about two hours late so I could stay home and watch 'Aftermath.' And I do not regret it one bit. You see, this movie moved me in a way major Hollywood films haven't in a very long time. 'Aftermath' touched on a very scary and real topic that I haven't found addressed like this. The thought that there are people out there like that of J.P.'s character is not only disgusting, but also vile. Without giving too much away about the film, just try to picture this. Imagine you find out someone you have done something with is going around doing this same thing to other people, with little or no remorse?! And what they are doing could end up killing you and people you know personally, sooner or later!! If it was me, I'd probably go crazy and who knows what else I would do that I would not be held accountable for when the day is over.
The acting in this film is top notch. Becky delivers an emotional performance. She seems like such a free spirit when the film begins and you are introduced to her character. But then, her world comes crashing down and I felt so sorry for her. I was ticked off that someone would do that to her and not tell her. Every possible character is in this film. You have the jerk that starts causing trouble after the secrets are out (Jim), the character that tries to keep everyone in line and keep the mood light (Steve), the character that seems so perfect yet has their world come crashing down on them (both Brad and Becky), the villain that has no remorse (J.P.), and the best friends that ultimately get their friendship tested by a secret that could destroy them both (Ben and Anthony.)
I came to work today thinking about this film all the way here. As I type this, I can't help but think about leaving work early and going home to watch it again. On a much grander scale than 'Unstable' ... 'Aftermath' delivers a fresh topic that hands down will blow you away. If this film doesn't make you want to watch it again, then I don't know what will. Kudos to everyone involved on this project. Thank you for the edgy topic and treating it with the honesty and balls to the wall approach it should have been treated with!!
Unstable (2005)
Speechless ...
I watched 'Unstable' last night after receiving it in the mail on Monday. Going into the movie and knowing what the film was generally about, that being a hate crime, it took me a few minutes to clear my head and go into the film with an open mind. This film truly pulled at every emotion I have. It progressed gradually from happiness to confusion to shock and disgust. The confrontation between the two focal characters came across flawlessly. You could see the hatred building as time progressed. Others around it tried to have a good time but they just couldn't help defending the one being pushed around. The ending came out of nowhere and my mouth dropped as the closing credits rolled. I highly recommend this film to anyone and everyone that is or knows anyone that is considered a minority. The struggle that Anthony had to go through in the movie is just too unbearable to watch. I can't even begin to fathom what he must have been thinking. The confusion of defending a friend versus blaming the friend of a crime is something I have never been a part of. A definite must watch film that will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions! Thank you for creating a film like this and to open my eyes more on the horrors and hatred that run wild in this World that we live in.