rnbrewer
"The Weird Only Child" by The Weird Only Child Show - Reviewed on January 17th, 2012

Splendid! When I suggested this fight I did so under the pretense that people would come up with something truly original. Really, I just wanted to see how many people jumped on the horror bandwagon. You guys stayed away from horror and went with something bit more on the melodramatic side. I like it. Nay! I love it.

The narration is superb and story great. I found myself able to relate to the character even though I've never had a special needs date that went wrong. :)

Great shots. Lot's of wide angles help give the perception of this guy being all alone. Personally, I love the ending. It wasn't too over the top. In fact, it's exactly the kind of ending I would expect from a movie featuring a lead character who's entire life is the sum of numerous mistakes and lack of social skills. I mean, after all that he just wants to find some bacon. Sounds like the kind of ending fitting to the character. Overall? A+

rnbrewer
"Beans" by Mega Black Suit Productions - Reviewed on January 17th, 2012

Not bad at all. I liked how the two balls were sort of his companions but that they've been falling out of favor some time. He talks about how the one ball wanted the other ball dead and that he was just doing what he wanted. Good action with good dialogue.

One thing to look at in the future is the lighting. Like others have pointed out, it did get a little too dark at times. While understand what you were going for, it can be a bit distracting.

Acting was good, but perhaps a little forced at times. The gunshot at the end was a wonderful, albeit depressing ending. Personally, I like these kind of endings for their truthfulness. However, I would have at least tried to show him blowing his own head off. It has more of an affect on the audience to actually see it.

Overall? A-

CraigBoyd
Replied on January 22nd, 2012

Thanks for the review!

rnbrewer
"Alone" by ADxTxFilms - Reviewed on January 17th, 2012

This one actually fell right into the same direction I was originally going to take my Alone film in. Alas, mine never saw the lens of the camera as we were unable to shoot. Having said that, bonus points for "great minds think alike" factor! ;)

I really enjoyed the shots and the use of props to help tell the story. The picture was touching and added a level of drama that is much needed in these types of films. Overall? A-

Why an A-? Honestly, I ranked this one low because it didn't really do it for me in terms of originality. Like I said, I had a similar idea and I imagine we aren't the only ones. I hate to use that as an excuse to dock a point, but I was really hoping to see more different stories than this.

rnbrewer
"the exhibit" by HemlockCinema - Reviewed on January 18th, 2012

I loved the contrast lighting. Was this supposed to indicate that the sun was getting too hot for humans to survive? I am perhaps a little confused about the story. However, part of me really wants to love this movie.

I wasn't expecting the drastic change in the light when he oppened the door. That was the point in the movie in which I became truly intrigued and wanted to know more. I must say though, the ending left me with something to be desired. Was he the the exhibit? Who was the narrator?

My only other suggestion is that you perhaps bring the brightness down just a tad. It got to be a little overwhelming towards. Overall B+

HemlockCinema
Replied on January 22nd, 2012

Thanks for your comments. After a bunch of folks have seen this, I've redone some parts for clarity.

In the opening sequence, he is writing on a map. The trails that he has already marked end in a large rectangle on this map (it should have been clearer). Basically, the premise is that he is in a fish tank along with a large chunk of San Diego in a display on some alien world (or vice versa). The light goes on at exactly the same time every day (hence the countdown). He is used to the schedule. He is also frustrated that he cant find the exit or where he is and he keeps on coming up against reflective glass. He was in an exhibit along with other planet samples.

The narrator was the announcer in the room of the exhibit.

There is also a reference to "I am Legend" in the film. Surprised no one mentioned it.

rnbrewer
"Searchlight" by Two Guys and a Camera Films - Reviewed on January 18th, 2012

Bollocks on the sun and it's unpredictable ways!! Lighting can be tough, especially when shooting outdoors. Personally, I almost didn't notice the changes in lighting towards the end. It seemed to happen fast enough for me to miss.

I loved the tension and the buildup. The guy seems truly terrified at times which only helps sell the effect even more. The use of the flashlight was great. In a way, the flashlight sort of became the story teller and that's a good thing. You turned an inanimate into a character and that's not an easy task. Don't misunderstand me or read too much into that, it still could use some work, but I loved it all the same.

Unfortunately I do have one major gripe about this film: the ending. I realize that were using the tension and the destruction of the stereo as a punchline build up, but honestly the way you did it left me expecting something very different. This film had the potential to scare the bejeezus out of me but instead let me down in it's final moments. The tension and the buildup were perfect! The creepy shadow that ran by him earlier in the film made the hairs on my arm stand up. It was brilliant!! But then came the teddy bear and the whole hide n'seek thing. Pardon the comparison, but for me it was a lot like stopping just before orgasm while having the best sex with the hottest chick I've had the opportunity to have sex with.

Overall I give this one B+. It would have been an A- and it would have got my vote for 1st place too, but I just can't get past the ending.

MilanSwagers
Replied on January 18th, 2012

Well... Thanks for thinking of my video as 'the hottest chick you've ever had the opportunity to have sex with'. And maybe, next time if you treat me to a proper dinner instead of going to that local snackbar I will take you all the way!

All jokes aside. Thank you for your very lenghty review, it's greatly appreciated. I think the ending is a matter of taste and I can totally see how you didn't like it. I am glad you enjoyed the first scene however. Thanks again.

rnbrewer
"River" by SnBallFilms - Reviewed on January 18th, 2012

Don't fret, buddy. The story line was fine by me. I will see that the bottle in the water left things open for interpretation, but that's a good thing. Make the audience use their brains, I say.

Good shot composition. Wonderful lighting and color correction. I personally couldn't have asked for more... accept I do. Literally. More. It could have used a little more time to breath, but overall I found it to be quite stimulating.

Overall A-

rnbrewer
"ALONE (inside)" by Redhand Studios - Reviewed on January 18th, 2012

Tell me again why this one wasn't a heavyweight. Seriously, I didn't see anything other than (maybe) the dog but I think that would be nitpicking.

I loved this film. Some great shots and in the short span of time we were able to learn more about this character than in most short films of it's kind. Seriously, this one deserves to be a heavyweight.

Overall A+

rnbrewer
"Alone" by FINO-BIS PRODUCTIONS - Reviewed on January 18th, 2012

I can only assume that the only reason this one didn't make heavyweight is because it's a little unclear as to WHY he's alone. Personally it didn't really make much difference for me. I enjoyed the film as it is. I liked the music and the cinematography was astounding.

I have to agree with everyone on the sense of loneliness. It really stands out which is great for this fight. Keep em coming guys!

Overall A-

FINO-BIS-PRODUCTIONS
Replied on January 18th, 2012

Why he's alone we personally wanted the viewer to make there own mind up about it, we thought it would get the audience engaged and thinking more as to whats happened in his obviously troubled life. Thanks for taking the time to watch and review as the feedback is second to none! This is really appreciated!!

FINO-BIS-PRODUCTIONS
Replied on January 18th, 2012

Why he's alone we personally wanted the viewer to make there own mind up about it, we thought it would get the audience engaged and thinking more as to whats happened in his obviously troubled life. Thanks for taking the time to watch and review as the feedback is second to none! This is really appreciated!!