THE LAST EXORCISM, TAKERS,

ONE LAST SUNSET

September 2, 2010

THE LAST EXORCISM

Just a few things you need to know to begin with. Firstly, this movie is filmed similarly to a documentary, as in Paranormal Activity and The Blair Witch Project (which isn’t bad in all cases.) Secondly, the film is PG-13, so don’t expect it to be overly gory. And finally, and this is most impressive, is that those moves you see the girl (Ashley Bell) make are not CGI - she is indeed that limber and talented. (Re the preacher, do you agree that not all men of God are exactly what they seem?)

Anyway, Miss Bell was most impressive, and perhaps my favorite part of the movie. My only complaint is, the ending, for me, fell flat. But please, enjoy the rest of the movie, it’s a nice, simple, creepy story with a nice slimy undertone that keeps you guessing what is what. - CLAM

Ever since the unprecedented success of The Blair Witch Project, documentary style fiction films have proceeded to make their own little niche in Hollywood. The one thing this one holds over most is an actual cameraman craftily worked into the plot with an actual film camera, as opposed to a random character with a camcorder. It plays out like someone tossed The Blair Witch and The Exorcist in a blender and hit puree. The story is slow but gradually builds momentum as it races towards its finale. Entertaining and unpredictable to say the least, and watching the “possessed girl” contort herself with the aid of no special effects is eerily worth the price of admission. - CHAINSAW

Photo: Ashley Bell in The Last Exorcism

TAKERS

I hereby christen this movie “the Ocean’s 11 for young ’uns.” Now don’t get me wrong, that’s not a bad thing. Every moment of this film is filled with crime caper fun or some kind of attitude from someone, not to mention the fun in creating the perfect robbery. All of the cast, and it’s a long list, bring something to the table as the Ocean’s Crew did, only they’re more modern and hip. What I enjoyed most about the gang is that how polite they are and how much they try and avoid casualties not tied in to the matters at hand.

With that I say, no Los Angeleans were actually harmed in the making of this film - but some were very sore. It’s a fun story with lots of action and a little heart here and there. Check it out. - CLAM

Photo: Michael Early and Chris Brown in Takers

The perfect crime is executed time and time again by a group of notorious criminals (including Paul Walker of Fast and Furious fame). Who work together combining their talents to pull off flawless robberies. All goes well until of course the last “big hit.” At this point Matt Dillon flexes his acting muscles as the hard-assed detective bent on solving these clueless crimes. The dialogue and camera work leave much to be desired. There’s not a memorable line or decent shot in sight. In addition, it plays out somewhat poorly for a heist film, focusing more on a stylish appearance than the plot. Not bad if you enjoy this genre but a matinee on a rainy day makes the most sense. -CHAINSAW

ONE LAST SUNSET

One of the things I enjoy about this job is being invited to premiers of talented local film makers. This past weekend, Peepin Tom Productions screened their latest film, One Last Sunset, a story of two sisters who struggle to exist after a apocalyptic virus has turned the entire human population into flesh eating zombies.

I will be first to say this story has been done a lot in the movie world, but this film focuses more on the human aspects of such an event as opposed to all the blood and gore that I am used to. There is some of that in the movie, but it does not overpower the theme. Director Kevin Richmond, ironically enough, a man I had worked with many years ago when he was an actor, describes the vision of his company by saying “When it comes to films, I aim to continue producing strong, character driven films that provide a glimpse of the undercurrent of emotions that harbor in all of us as human beings. This latest zombie picture, One Last Sunset,  is a prime example.”

I wholeheartedly agree that this is exactly what they accomplished with the film. Leads Brandy Brown, Jaime Pierce Miller and Clemeen Connolly take us to a place where, not only is it a fight to stay alive, but it is a constant battle not to lose their humanity in a world gone mad. Of course, everyone has their own idea of just how to cope - and that adds wonderfully to the overall realism. Adding to the tension is a wonderfully produced Elementary School scene introducing young talented (and eventually very creepy) actress Alma J. Hill. The film will be making its way around North Carolina on its way to eventual widespread distribution. You can go to their website, www.1lastsunset.com, to watch the trailer.

Kevin graciously sent me a lot of information I did not have room to use, I do apologize, but if you would like to know more about the film maker and his visions and inspirational creative journey - drop me an e-mail and I will share. - CLAM

If you have questions or comments - please feel free to e-mail us at clamsaw@yahoo.com