HOLIDAY PICK - HACHI: a dog's tale (DVD Review) - click on photo for trailer
by Jorge Ameer
This holiday season, sit warm across the chimney with your family and lots of kleenex. Pop in this Richard Gere starrer sure to uplift your spirit as well as bring you many tears. Very few movies make me cry. The CHAMP (1977) - when the father dies - and maybe one or two other ones. But this one creeps up on you without notice. What seems like a very adorable puppy movie, suddenly turns in to a gut wrenching -tug of the heart- drama. Without giving much away, the story seems like an every day one. A drama based on the true story of a college professor's bond with the abandoned
dog he takes into his home. What makes this film even more fascinating after viewing, is to know this story actually happened. I watched this movie with my cats and by mid movie all I wanted to do is hug my cats and show them how much I love them for being so unconditional to me. It's a timeless and very simple story all can watch and learn from. Some basic human emotions that transcends to animals alike. It hard to keep it together, specially towards the end as the story concentrates on the dog. The last quater will have you speechless and you won't be able to stop sobbing long after the film is over. The kind of film that will stick with you and learn to appreciate the power of love and loyalty no matter whom or where it comes from. Highly, highly, highly recommend you watch, rent, buy, borrow this movie however you can find it and just pop it in alone, if you are to scared for other to see you open up to true emotion.
IN THEATRES - FEBRUARY 2011 (click on image for trailer)
"A SERBIAN FILM" - A Superbly crafted Cinematic achievement: a Savage look into the bowels of depravity
by Jorge Ameer
Srdjan Spasojevic's "A Serbian film" maybe pornographic at times but its no torture porn like the SAW film series. Banned in Spain and censored in the UK, this foreign film is actually an intelligent and well crafted look into the head of a sadistic filmmaker and how far he's willing to go to achieve his art. Martyrs, Inside, Irreversible move aside, for there is a new film that takes the threshold for disturbing to new heights.
Milos (Srdjan Todorovic), an aging porn star, is struggling to support his family through tough times in the thick of contemporary Serbia. But, when he is offered big bucks to star in a pornographic 'art' film helmed by psychologist and filmmaker Vukmir (Sergej Trifunovic), he seizes the opportunity in hope to garner enough money to never have to degrade himself in a porno again. At first the shoot seems typical enough, with Milos forced to partake in petty yet somewhat bizarre sexual acts... But before long, Vukmir's direction grows increasingly sinister, as Milos is plunged into a world of depravity and filth, and forced to fight for his life in the horrifying nightmare that is 'A Serbian Film'.
With a dark look and a very distressing feel, and often unsettling, this exercise in human debauchery will leave you overwhelmed. Rarely does a film reach extreme levels in storytelling depicting graphic images so inbedded into the fabric of its story. The results: a disconcerting experience the main protagonist and its audience must overcome to survive. Yet "A Serbian film" will mezmerize the viewer because of its fearlessness. The message is simple: man at his core is evil and given the power and tools to act upon that evil, he will create destruction. Art here is the instrument to showcase the potential a man has to get in touch with his true nature, a vividly sexual and ravishing one he would materialize from fantasy to reality. The essence and elements of this exquisitely creepy and aching film dates back to the biblical times. yet at its core there is a contemporary take on all ten commandments as they are applied through storytelling mode designed by an scientifically looney type filmmaker obsessed with creating an art so extreme and brutal there is no preparing for it. The images are crude and repellent and sure to create very adverse physical effects on those who dare see this eastern european import. Think a grimly mixture of your most extreme and disturbing French films and you've got "a Serbian film". (photo below: A SERBIAN FILM)
"A SERBIAN FILM" opens in theatres in the United States - February 2011 (Reviewed at 2010 American Film Market)
IN THEATRES DECEMBER 3, 2010 - I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS
A surprising departure for Carrey - a pleasant as usual character selection for MacGregor (click on photos for trailer) 
Reviewed at Sundance Film Festival - With a heavy buzz at Sundance,, I was very pleased and satisfied to have had the opportunity to view this film at its premiere for it was sold out. This is definitely a detour for Carrey whom is mostly known for doing commercial fare. It is refreshing to see big stars indulge in what would usually be performed by actors without the A grade stature. What really impressed me were the very explicit and heavy sex scenes and romantic moments between Mac Gregor and Carrey. They felt real and tender. I know this film was going to cause waves because even though I watch independents all the time, I was surprise to see two A list actors go at it sexually the way both these actors do in "Phillip Morris". I hope this film is taken as an example for other A listers to follow in creating other really original and daring works. Specially applaud Europa, Luc Besson's film company for putting together such and abrasive and risky subject matter. - Jorge Ameer
LOGLINE:Incarcerated at the state penitentiary, con artist Steven Russell (Carrey) meets
the love of his life: Phillip Morris (McGregor). As a free man, his passion
results in a series of improbable cons to bust Phillip from jail and build the
perfect life together. (imdb.com)
THEATRICAL REVIEW - FROM BEGINING TO END - (Brazil)
Aluízio Abranches' "Do Começo ao Fim" (From Begining to End) unites two brothers beyond boundaries
by Jorge Ameer
Entertainment Film News
Even though the subject matter may repel some, as the film begins, "From Begining to end" immediately immerses the viewer into the family life of brothers Thomas and Francisco. This Brazilian import is fearless and daring in many ways as its touches on some very taboo subject matters. It slowly creeps up to you, but once this drama sees the boys as grown men, it takes a very nostalgic mood. There is a very haunting aspect to this film that will leave you lulled and wanting more. There is also a certain amount of sadness eminent from the fantastic performances from Rafael Cardoso and João Gabriel Vasconcellos. Both these men light up the screen, and their chemistry was incendiary with a very fierce dynamic relationship that takes twists and turns in many directions but ultimately leaves you yearning for what was once between them. The film is pretty much about life changes and how some of the best times are hard to let go as mere memories. Both brothers, in their own way, must deal with life's changes and its unexpectedness. Very poetic and always eloquent in its storytelling, dealing with such difficult subject matter was flawlessly handled sensitively in the very capable hands of Aluisio Abranches. Brazil should be proud to have this film. It represents very well the beautiful people of Brazil, their culture and it give you great insight of a culture that is filled with traditions as well as strong family and community ties.
As the movie beautifully unfolds, we explore and observe a relationships and how difficult it can be to let go of the tie that binds. (click on photos above to watch trailers) Theatrical Distributor: TLA Releasing - Opening in theatres
DVD REVIEW - BETWEEN LOVE & GOODBYE
"Between love and goodbye" rocks on through your skin and into your heart.
.by Jorge Ameer
Entertainment Film News
A modern day drama about falling in and out of love, and the rocky road in between.
Casper Andreas film has heart. It also has a pulsating beat and pace that's hard to dismiss. First, I will start with the music, catchy, lovely and fascinating! The groove of the tunes are so catchy I found myself repeating the beginning and watching the videos in the DVD extras over and over. And not only is the music emblematic of the core drama here, but it definitely moves the story along for the mood our protagonists singer is tied into his lyrics, As his life changes so does his music to showcase the love and pitfalls of his feelings throughout. I found that connecting element to be very interesting and integral to the development of the story. Star Simon Miller does an outstanding job carrying the film all the way to its very conflicting end. This is a couple you will want to root for and hope they stay together "forever", but at times life kicks in and it leaves you wondering how fleeting the good times can be. My advice after reading all of these reviews, go rent it. Sit down by yourself, turn on your DVD, and immerse yourself in this Casper Andreas narrative, for you will find this film to be mighty and unforgettable. (click on images for music video promo - music from the film)
SCREAMFEST '10 DELIVERS THE SCARES -
FILM REVIEWS - (click on photos for trailers)
FEAR IS IN THE AIR WITH "ALTITUDE"
Justin Steele's "Death & Cremation" is an outstanding revenge tale all bullies and their victims should watch. This genre film effectively mixes some very real situations with gruesome and brutal dexterity yielding some very impressive and satisfying results. Jarod Leary, played by a very capable Jeremy Sumpter, carries flawlessly the scars of his pain on his shoulders, as he is pushed around for not fitting in due to his presumed sexual ambiguity. His life is turned upside down as his school days are filled with relentless harassment until he's forced to seek employment to help his economically disadvantage matriarch. Sooner than later, circumstances turn to Jarod's favor as he meets Stan (Brad Dourif), an unseemly cremator, who puts his profession to good use as he offers up complimentary services to cleans the town from "evil spirits". For Jarod, his services could not be more timely as the harassment progresses from bad to worse. We feel this young man's pain and live it with him as he goes through some very trying moments. A terrific film every school and work bully should see and learn from. Overall cast packs a punch and succeed at telling Jarod's story as they help to send a clear message that this sort of behavior will not be tolerated. Brad Dourif and his protege Sumpter give a fine performance and so does Scott Elrod as detective Matt Fairchild who exhibits a hard to miss screen presence. At a vivid pace, the filmmaker artistically and elaborately takes his morbid time to showcase how rewarding payback can be when pushed to the limits. A word of warning to all bullies: sooner or later you will get yours. In "Death & Cremation", your time has come.
Jorge Ameer
Indie Film News
CRAZY MEETS CRAZY IN PSYCH: 9
What I found most interesting about Psych: 9 is how well filmmaker Andrew Shortell portrayed the evolution of mental illness from normalcy to psychophrenia. Sara Foster plays Roslyn, an unstable woman, who is recently hired to work night shifts packing files from a recently closed hospital. Several supernatural occurrences and gruesome murders seem linked to the hospital and its history. Cary Elwess effectively plays Dr. Clement, a very mysterious character who helps Roslyn deal with her demons. Not only does the filmmaker succeeds at the portrayal of the internal horrors lived by mental illness patients, but the effects of this condition is elaborately developed as husband Cole (Gabriel Mann) reacts to the complexities of an unstable spouse who's obsessed with getting pregnant. As her clock ticks out of control, their relationship progressively crumbles at a rapid rate. This film is an excellent case study in showcasing the trials and tribulations of those who suffer from mental illness and the horrors of living in a reality that can turn dark, evil and many times palpably ghostly. - Jorge Ameer - Indie Film News
THE CLINIC 
Definitely among one of the best horror films this year, this Australian import from filmmaker James Rabbits starts out like any other road movie until their car is ran off the road. What follows is a nightmare for the expecting couple played by Tabrett Bethell and Andy Whitfield. There are some real hair raising tense moments and terrificly composed scenarios that proves so disturbingly original that one cannot help but to sit back relax and enjoy this rough ride. A must see film. Seek it out.
ROGUE RIVER
There are many irrational inconsistencies in Jourdan McClure's "Rogue River", yet what makes it watchable is the somewhat inventive take on the already done revenge tale aka "I spit on your Grave" similarities. An unsuspecting Mara (Michelle Page) travels to Oregon's Rogue river to scatter her father's remains. However, what she finds is a couple of demented host who put her up after her car is mysteriously towed. The series of events that follows, depending on your craving for increasingly violent torture treatments on helpless Mara, are simply put wacked. . In a twist of unexplained faith, Mara is forced into a situation that will prove quite dicey in a well developed unexpected plot twist. This twist alone is worth the price of admission. Yet there are many unexplained plot holes, which as cliche as it may sound, keep you wondering why with all the opportunities for survival do some of these characters choose to make the obvious dumb desicions, that as a viewer you already know way in advance it won't end well. My favorite part of this movie has to be when poor little Mara seems hungry. What follows is a shocking regressive force feeding done baby style with the captor's mammal glands. However, the loop holes in the story make the character's behavior predictable and waters downs all the possibilities for an even more exciting take on events. This film will remind you of many movies already done, but "Rogue River" does have a few raw unapologetic scenes that will satisfy the genre followers.
STAG NIGHT
Peter Dowling's Stag Night is a good example of what not to do when you have had enough of a good night and decide not to retire.. This movie reminds me of "Meat Train" with the only difference that all of the action happens outside of the train in the tunnels. There are some very strong moments of tension and real despair. Moments in which we genuinely feel sorry for the protagonists until they start making all the wrong moves. All of which, no surprise here, will eventually prove fatal. A very engaging film with a very good atmosphere and feel for the New York subway system if you have evern been curious to know what it might be like to navigate on foot beneath the big Apple.
A DEMONIC FUN TIME IN "NIGHT OF THE DEMONS" -
A saucy bloody begining to one, if not, the best horror film festival in north America, this years screamfest opens by bringing back some classic horror themes and putting them at the forefront.
A contemporary take on the 1988 classic, this latest version albeit a 
remake, is a breath of fresh air from the all so common vampire and zombie pictures we've been forced to endure as of lately. There is nothing new in the concept but the execution is affirmatively clever in many ways. The usual party kids join forces at an old rented house where demons tend to dwell, trick and cause chaos to its rather clueless guests. Once connected to the reality of why they are really there, all hell breaks loose...no pun intended. Actress Shannon Elizabeth struts her stuff for all she's worth for a performance that should satisfy her followers and gain her a new crop of younger teenage male fans. A fresh addition to the cast is John F. Beach who's effectively charming performance forces the viewer to keep a watchful eye on him until his time is up. Maddie, played practically and intelligently by Monica Keenna's from Freddy vs Jason's saves the day with many unexpected turns towards the climactic finale. All in all, this is a pop corn movie for generation "X" ers who'd like to reminisce of horror from the good old days.
Jorge Ameer-Indie Film News
FROZEN -
NOW on DVD
Very few films take us through a real original disturbing and masterfully
crafted edge of your seat thriller/drama/horror adventure movie....All I have to
say is... studios look and learn. I could only hope more films were this
engrossing. As I watched I was so involved in what was going on, my popcorn and
coke fell out of my hands. This is a really truly horrific scenario that is so
real and could very much happen just about anywhere at anytime and without
notice. The actors, Kevin Zegers, Shawn Ashmore and Emma Bell gave nothing short
of outstanding performance and the direction is flawless. Saw Zegers in
Transamerica and really like his choice of work... have been following him for
sometime now and I look forward to seeing more work from Shawn Ashmore and Emma
- all very gifted actors who really own their craft. Back to the film... I was
inmerse from the get go till the end and you never see nothing coming which is
exactly how I love my movie-going experience. The advertisements were right...
this is the Jaws, pirahna, whatever opportunistic disaster movie you can think
of, for a new generation. Highly, highly, highly recommended.... you will not be
disappointed!!!!! It's an absolute gem of a film. Don't let anyone tell you
about it - SEE IT, RENT IT, BUY IT!!!!
| SALO or the 120 days of Sodom: Pasolini's masterpiece in disguise (DVD Review-)  
As disturbing and sexually perverse as many would observe, Salo is poignant and very relevant to happenings today in as much as it was more than thirty years ago. The only difference between the brutality from then to now, are that facist now wear different uniforms around the world. . Dictators and rulers of smaller nations that don't enjoy democracy as we do, could see many cases of Salo going on in their backyards( i.e some countries in the middle east and say "openly gay folks" for example). Disturbing and at times repugnant to watch, yes it is, this film has such a strong socio-political message about how the dissadvantages of submission to the advantages of power and the imbalance that is created when ruling is left to less than mentally stable leaders (North Korea's leader and it's people-another example). The further I watched this film, the more subliminal messages I discovered. The relationships going on between the young recruits and their leaders only confirm how power, without a measure of supervision, can lead to madness which may seem "normal" if practiced repeatedly. The operatic performances of sexually perverse fairy tales being told repeatedly over the raping and sadistic treatment of the forcefully detained underage guests is disconcerting and discomforting to the viewer, yet without titilation enotes the extremes limits of sexuality when not repressed or when repressed so much during youth that the contrary is sought when adult. This sort of sordid behavior leads to nothing more than aberrant violations which under normal circumstances in some cultures may be punished by life imprisonment or death. However, in the days of Sodom here, Salo portrays these rapes as normal, even permissible due to the brainwashing of its facist on its young prisoners. Correlations of Salo with todays society is how human rights can end or fluctuate in the legal system for some and now during times of war upon capture for others and how torture can be a viable form of pleasure for those inflicting it when the basic rules of engagement and human dignity are undermined. Due to the nature of it's extreme sexual content, many may not be able to stomach this film, yet it is nonetheless an important piece (aka " a masterpiece") for viewing it will remind us what happens when we allow leadership to run loose without restraint.
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PARANORMAL ACTIVITY
 Oren Peli's "Paranormal Activity" is hands down the scariest, most terrifying movie of the year. Every minute of this documented film will keep your skin crawling. I was so freaked out after watching this film, I did not want to step foot into my house thinking there might be something I can't see waiting for me. This film is a series of documented hauntings. A young couple suspects that their house is haunted by a malevolent entity. They set up video surveillance to capture evidence of what happens at night as they sleep. According to Ryan E. Buell, Director of the Paranormal Research Society of Penn State University, most paranormal activity happens around 3:00 AM because it is considered the anti-christ hours for it is said Christ died around 3PM. This film makes the "Blair Witch Project" look like a cheap hoax. This demonizing, not to be confused with a ghost sighting, takes us to a place we really never want to go. A Ghost Sighting is a spirit that was previously human. This docu film depicts what happens when you have been chosen by a demon long before birth. "Paranormal Activity" had its world premiere at screamfest to a sold out crowd. I could tell people were extremely disturbed long after they exited the theatre. We shall follow this film for it should be acquired by a major distributor. No surprise this film has won a special mention and two awards at Screamfest, also immediately after posting this review, I'm happy to announce that as of this review, the filmmaker has signed with the Creative Artists Agency. Whomever doesn't see the wide distribution potential of this film should be out of the film business. Seek out this film wherever it plays...I highly recommend it. Watch the trailer
PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY -(Reviewed at Outfest 2007)
 Duncan Roy's "The Picture of Dorian Gray" stars David Gallagher ("7th Heaven") as a young handsome elite gentleman who has everything but eternal youth until his friend Basil changes things a bit.. "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is the classic tale of vanity written by Oscar Wilde updated and adapted by Duncan Roy. Artist Basil Hallward has become obsessed with Dorian Gray whose beauty is the focus of a new portrait /art installation. When the young Dorian sees the installation for the first time he resents the portrait wishing it would grow old and ugly instead of him. Henry is the cynical, intellectual friend and agent of Basil Hallward who befriends Dorian in spite of his friendship with Basil. Henry is responsible for Dorian's transformation from angel to devil.The film was eloquent,lyrical, poetic and very artistic. I saw and loved Duncan's previous work AKA and thoroughly enjoyed "Dorian Gray". I have seen several versions of Dorian Gray and found this one to be original, entertaining and disturbing. I applaud the filmmaker for his innovative choices and I know, not hope, that this film will get distribution and released in theatres soon for everyone to enjoy. I look forward to Duncan's future great works. "Dorian Gray" is still screening in the festival circuit.
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Defending "CALIGULA"
DVD Review 
I've seen lots of pornography in my time and I'll hardly call this pornography as most would. This film was very beautiful, artistic and quite an ambitious project for its time. Yes, it is a film with lots of nudity and sex but nothing different from what you'd see on showtime or HBO. This film does, however, have accurate historical elements. If all you see is porn or all you want to see it porn here, you must be looking for pornography and I suggest you rent porn. This is a cinematic achievement. The sets, the acting, the story, make up- all in all- a good product. Over religious raised who are themselves puritans, would see this as porn for they have no sense of what artistic expression really involves. If there is nudity, it must be porn, right? wrong! Sex, nudity, the human naked or nude body, aroused or not, and all that encompasses it can be quite artistic and it is shown here with various degrees of visual artistry. If you want to rent this film because you'd like to see porn for sexual stimulation then why not rent a real porn that has no story or artistic value. Pornography's ultimate goal is to stimulate you to orgasm. I hardly think that was the point of Caligula. So please, be less intolerant for there is some history going on here both for its time, 1979, and as a period piece from pagan Rome. Watch trailer and more
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BLACK SHEEP (DVD Review)   
Zombies move over, there's a new killer in town. Original, witty and down right horror fest gory, "Black Sheep" hits its marks right on the nose. This smartly made film by Jonathan King summarizes what happens
when human in their quest for cloning mess with nature and turn some inoffensive, cuddly sheep in to human eating carnivores."There are 40 million sheep in New Zealand... and they're pissed off!". The sheep have awaken and their are not about to take any more abuse!. Now they will try anything in their power to stop the human from the massacre!... A horror flick with comedic tones sprinkled throughout, this film should have done a lot better at the box office. I blame the distributors for that. It's a well done, well crafted film with very invested actors willing to take on whatever sheep comes their way.
Nathan Meister does a fine job playing Henry Oldfield, the lead who is very easy on the eyes and has a phobia for sheep after his brother Angus (Peter Feeney) plays cruel joke on him. If you are absolutely tired of seeing zombie movies, I know I am, this one comes as a delight to have your eyes feast on. The whole idea of using these suspecting cuddly animals as vessels of revenge is fascinating, specially when they are out to attack the human race who for sometime has been using these innocent creatures as test tube experiments to better the human
condition. Not to be missed by film lovers who enjoy a good smart, well made flick.
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12th EDITION OF LOS ANGELES LATINO FILM FESTIVAL REACHES NEW HEIGHTS With a pletora of films,nightly industry events, panel and industry seminars the Los Angeles Latino Film Festival has become one of the most important industry events to attend. This year, the festival showcased an incredible filmmaker's villa at the rooftop of the Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood. Celebrities, filmmakers press and industry all gathered for business, networking and glamour. The Festival became a hub of activity with an inviting ambiance. The Filmmakers
Café, live musical performances and other events stimulate constant traffic at the Festival venue, and cater to as many facets of society as possible. LALIFF offered industry workshops, panels, labs, networking receptions, educational programs, and hosts some of the best Galas in Tinseltown. For more info on this yearly event go to www.latinofilm.org.
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CREDULITY KEEPS US FROM ENTERING "THE GATES OF HELL" (reviewed at Screamfest '08)
 Unfortunately Kelly Dolen's "Gates of Hell" fails to deliver the goods. I'm suspecting this may be due to the collective dumb choices the characters made so often, it kept my suspension of disbelief at bay. Most good horror films succeed because of smartly written characters getting caught up in situations beyond their control or immediate resolution. At times, some scenes were just plain laughable and other were horror was meant to be induced appeard too campy to create any kind of scares. Five filmmakers set out to make a film within the grounds of a haunted property unwittingly stumble across the estates heinous truth and find themselves caught in a relentless struggle to survive against a brutal antagonist. If the logline sounds like a Troma film is because it lacks the credulity needed to create the weight to conjure up the proper suspense and mystery. Unintendedly throughout the film I kept cheering for he antagonist as I thought of many more gruesome ways they could have expired the protagonists. Even though the film did have its moments, with an interesting idea to its benefit, it was definitely a missed opportunity. I actually enjoyed this film, but I'm sure not with the intent the director had. This movie could have been filled with real seat cringing scary moments.
DIRECTOR: Kelly Dolen
PRODUCER: David Parker
CAST: Michael Piccirilli, Samantha Noble, Christian Clark, Bradley Tomlinson & Amy Beckwith
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