“Memory Lane” DVD (director: Shawn Holmes)

Flawed indie sci-fi

This indie sci-fi/thriller goes in some interesting directions, for sure, but ultimately doesn’t seem to capture the intensity the subject matter deserves. “Memory Lane” follows a troubled war veteran who meets a lovely lass just as she is about to commit suicide. He ends up in love with the mysterious girl (whose full name he never even knows), even going so far as to buy a ring and a house to share with her. Well, when she ends up dead in a bathtub, he convinces himself that she was murdered, and somehow receives visions or flashbacks when he himself attempts (and fails) his own suicide.

He, with the help of his friends, revisits death (via garage-bathtub-electrocution) to reconnect with these visions, hoping to solve the mystery of his love’s passing. It’s a fairly cool premise, but I failed to feel much for the protagonist and his lover, or their predicament. 

Director Holmes definitely has some skillful flourishes as a filmmaker, and some vision, but the overall execution here fails. Editing needs some work, cameras are overly jerky and lighting/dialogue are obscure and sometimes meandering. The acting here is average, but the film’s pace and cinematography made me lose interest quickly. Yes, this one was tough to sit through.

Wild Eye Releasing

“Sexina” DVD (director: Erik Sharkey)

Mild and unimaginative b-film

Why films like this get made I really cannot explain nor understand. Lacking any unique angles or interesting characters (everyone here is a bad stereotype), this mild indie pseudo-trash film (I hate to say “B-movie”) offers no sex nor nudity, despite what is implied by the title.

Starring the fetching but unmemorable Lauren D’Avella as teen pop star / private investigator Sexina, this micro-budget indie comes across like a bad late-night TV movie, and fails to rise above. Hammy acting, a lame storyline, and deceptive packaging — Adam West does appear, but only in voice until the finale, and Davy Jones of the Monkees DID sing the theme song, but Annie Golden (of "Orange is the New Black") is only on a minor supporting role, rather than second billing as on the packaging. So points off for borderline false advertising on several counts.

In this miserable film, Sexina intervenes at a high school, undermining the cliques at a high school and championing an underdog, all the while fighting the “evil empire” of Glitz Records and manufactured boy bands.

This is a terrible movie, through and through.

Wild Eye Releasing

"Unsolved" DVD (director: Lance McDaniel)

Well-done college murder/mystery

This is a suprisingly well-done murder/horror film from director Lance McDaniel, who the cover says directed "Children Of The Corn", though the trusty imdb says otherwise. It stars the attractive Lezette Boutin -- or Jane Bunting, depending on whether you believe the packaging or the actual film credits. Hmm. Despite all the typos or misinformation, "Unsolved" comes across with solid camerawork, good cinematography, and reasonable enough acting. 

The story is shifting and interesting, too. Boutin/Bunting is convincing in her role as Amanda, a law student who is assigned to investigate an unsolved murder at her own university 15 years ago. Her investigation gets her into trouble with school officials and seedy characters alike. All the while, her tag-along boyfriend shows himself to be little more than a conniving and unfaithful diversion.

Being a product of the Oklahoma City University film department, there's little sleaze action present, unfortunately, so you won't get an abundance of breasts or blood. The charm here is in the "Clue"-style mystery of it all. Could there be something to do with Amanda's prick of a boyfriend, or does the case involve important elected officials? 

Overall, not a bad film by any means. 

Lost Empire Films

Unsolved Trailer #1 from Patrick Kirk on Vimeo.

"Hong Kong Confidential (aka "Amaya")" DVD (director: Maris Martinsons)

Charming but flawed indie film

This oddly charming little indie film centers around a lonely and unhappy Hong Kong housewife named Amaya (played by the impeccable Kaori Momoi), who meets a charming English expat named Paul (played with a subtle woodenness by Lithuanian musician Andrius Mamontovas). Well, before you think "romance", it doesn't really go there. It's really a sort of subtle character study, where Amaya discovers herself in the context of her own culture, through Paul's outsider influence.

The cinematography here is quite nice, as the scenes around Hong Kong are both colorful and memorable. I would've liked a little more emotion though, especially as this is a sort of comedy/romance/drama hybrid. Overall, "Hong Kong Confidential" is a decent indie film that doesn't prove stunning, but certainly has something to offer.

MVD Visual

"Brick And Mortar And Love" DVD (director: Scott Shuffitt)

This feature-length documentary examines the legendary Louisville, Kentucky indie record shop (and sometime-music venue), Ear X-Tacy, and holds a special place to me, as well as anyone who recalls the shop's heyday. Featuring interviews with owner John Timmons, plus other employees, customers, and other indie record shop owners, "Brick And Mortar Love" is a kind of love letter to the now-closed hub of Midwestern indie culture.

The shop's struggle to stay profitable is profiled here, and director Shuffitt follows the store from it's heyday to the final day. His "there on the scene" camerawork is a definitive document of the store and what it meant to local business and the scene itself. Changes in the industry, and the emergence of big-box retailers and online sales, despite a massive public outcry and support from Louisville local artists, weren't enough to save one of America's best-loved and best-known indie record stores. "Brick And Mortar And Love" is a moving testament to what we have now lost.

As a one-time Louisvillian, I spent considerable time in Ear X-Tacy, and purchased a number of items there (I recall picking up Throbbing Gristle's "Part Two - The Endless Not" there, among others). This film touches home, and is quite recommended for anyone who has pleasant memories of this piece of Louisville history. 

MVD Visual

Brick And Mortar And Love site

"Joint Body" DVD (director: Brian Jun)

This well-done crime drama stars Mark Pellegrino (best-known as Jacob from "Lost") as an ex-convict who, upon release, is abandoned by his ex-wife and estranged from his daughter. In trying to find his feet in the real world, he meets troubled stripper Michelle (played well by the lovely Alicia Witt), and together they get mixed up in another, umm, legal debacle. 

Director and writer Jun does well leading us to empathize for both Nick and Michelle, who are both strong and likable characters, despite their histories. With a minimum of violence and sex, "Join Body" remains gritty and realistic, and subsequently, an exceptional indie film with heart and spirit. I enjoyed this one all the way through! (40 West/Level 33 Entertainment)

"Port City" DVD (director: Andy Brown)

This charming, warm-hearted indie comedy succeeds in weaving a tapestry of characters that are likable, sensitive, and very very human. Starring Matt Lutz as the lead character David, "Port City" depicts his friends and acquaintances -- from his outwardly gay neighbor to his sister (who is nagged by both a creepy stalker ex, and an offensively sexist boss).  We also get to see his well-intentioned co-worker Nancy's growing resolve to give her deadbeat husband the boot. And, we meet a mysteriously alluring older woman who works her way into David's life.

In-between all that, there's plot twists involving a pet goat and a troubled hitman. Riotously funny? Not necessarily, but director Brown has assembled a solid cast and a clever storyline for this sleeper. This is what indie films are about -- not glitz nor glamour, but with a genuine human element that seems real, plausible, and possible. I enjoyed this one. (MVD Visual)

"Truth About Kerry" DVD (director: Katie Torpey)

This indie film set in Ireland casts the lovely Stana Katic ("Castle" & "Quantum Of Solace") in the lead role, and she shines well. Portraying Emma, an American whose best friend was mysteriously found dead in Ireland while on vacation, Katic herself becomes entangled in the small Irish fishing village's secrets. She singlehandedly sets out to solve her friend's death, meeting a series of locals who point her in confusing directions. As well, she befriends a bartender who gives her support, as well as plenty of Guinness and whiskey shots.

It's a solid film, well-shot and scripted, though some of the locals seem slightly wooden in their deliveries. As stated before, Katic is wonderful in her role, and the scenery is breathtaking. Director Torpey spins a fine mystery without much glitz nor glitter, but plenty of heart. This is a fine indie film worthy of a look. (Video Services Corp via MVD Visual)

"Anywhere USA" DVD (director: Chusy)

This is an odd little indie that features a cast of mostly non-actors from small towns. As a distinctly American portrait, this one is packed with backwoods rednecks, trailer-park denizens, shaggy stoners, racists, and damaged children. But that's not to say that director Chusy is judgmental. On the contrary, "Anywhere USA" cuts through the stereotypes and shows all the fragility, naivete, and tragic figures that exemplify the American landscape, whether we're proud of it or not.

The film consists of 3 short tales, all unrelated aside from looking at the underbelly of mainstream society. It's a well-shot, well-directed set of vignettes with heart and humanity (and definitely a sense of humor) And with a hip indie rock soundtrack (including Devendra Banhart), this one was surprisingly endearing. Worthy. (MVD Visual)

"The Quiet Arrangement" DVD (director: David C. Snyder)

This small-time indie film may not be perfect, but certainly shows some vision and skill. A tense action crime thriller ripe with treachery and murder, "The Quiet Arrangement" begins with a simple abduction and ransom, but gradually morphs into a befuddling and twisty ride. Featuring a cameo from Public Enemy's Chuck D, this one has some outstanding cinematography, decent acting, and a fine showing from the alluring Christina Simkovich, who plays abductee Sharon Briggs. Stylish and inventive, this is one micro-indie that's well worth a chance. Here's hoping Sundance or IFC will pick it up. (MVD Visual)