MARSHMALLOW (2025)

Directed By: Daniel Delpurgatorio 

Written By: Andy Greskoviak 

Cinematography: Flip Vandewal 

Editor: Andy Palmer 

Cast: Paul Soter, Corbin Bernsen, Pierson Fode, Giorgia Whigham, Kai Cech, Alysia Reiner, Amiya Cech, Maxwell Whittington-Cooper, Amanda Clayton, Max Malas, Samantha Neyland Trumbo 

When a once-fabled campfire tale becomes real, a group of campers uncover a profound secret that questions their very existence.


First off want to thank screen-centered.com aka Myriamtalksaloy  for her initial review and recommendation of this film 

A lot of movie fans say that there is no originality out there. Well, I am glad to say this film proves them wrong because what starts out as a typical summer camp/or film evolves into something totally different and original.

Which is why I would suggest watching the film blind, before reading this review, because there will be spoilers and hints towards what happens and where it goes.

I truly enjoyed this film, especially because of what it was able to do which was keep you guessing and throw me off quite a few times. It offers the traditional coming-of-age summer camp story, but then adds in something a bit different.

As the film plays like a horror film specifically for kids while being a typical summer camp horror film, with characters a bit younger than expected. Then it offers twist upon twists, that feed upon each other. that it could almost play or be a GOOSEBUMPS tale as I’m sure many will compare to an M night shamalayan film 

If you go, expecting something he’ll be able to pick up on the choice sooner and faster. One is quite surprised by some reactions.

As just because if it has a twist ending, doesn’t mean we should label it as instantly M night. Shamalayan rip off as this place is better that some of his film story wise.(though he has a better eye as a director and sensationalize his material a lot more. Which then makes you expect the twist.) 

This is a tricky film as it did surprise and entertain, but it didn’t amaze or offer the same level of production or direction as the film has a good idea in decent filmmaking, though it doesn’t come off as memorable

Now the film seems aimed at kids featuring very little violent, though there is violence and a little exploitation, as it does offer a sexy, no nudity and not as graphic as it could’ve been, but it’s there. As this comes off almost as a more violent AMBLIN movie type tale. Not necessarily distinct though the story is. Though the problem would be if it was more distinct, it might tip off the audience.

Why are so many complaining. it’s not stupid and backs itself up with its twist and turns as it goes in many directions sometimes opposing each other, but feel it is more growing in those create and show the pains of it. Which can happen in world building, though by the end it feels fresh and enjoyable tale.

The problem  is that we as movie goers and audience is complained. There is nothing new or that there’s no originality then when we get some bitch about the so-called plot holes and problems or nitpick it to death, yet support the same old stories only done more modern with bigger names behind the scenes, and we tend to pray over praise when something is decent and does its job as more and more today it seems such a rarity for a film really to be that way so that when something is good, we give it too much credit and treat it like it’s great when actually, it might be average at best. depending on your basis of what makes a good movie or what you score a movie on or by that would definitely recommend this film as it touches all the bases 

The film is modern yet seems more 1980s inspired. It switches gears with each new discovery, but does it with subtlety,

I’m going to need a sequel to this film ASAP before the characters and kids age out. Which should be easy based on what is hinted at in the finale.

Grade: B

THE FEELING THAT THE TIME FOR DOING SOMETHING HAS PASSED (2023)

Written, Edited & Directed By: Joanna Arnow 

Cinematography: Barton Cortright 

Cast: Joanna Arnow, Scott Cohen, Babak Tafti, Michael Cyril Creighton, Alysia Reiner, Peter Vack, Parish Bradley, Rushi Birudala 

A mosaic-style comedy following the life of a woman as time passes in her long-term casual BDSM relationship, low-level corporate job, and quarrelsome Jewish family.


This film feels like a collection of mundane experiences suffered by the main character well, also letting the film is autobiographical as it is written and directed by its lead, and her parents play her parents, and friends fill out the cast. 

The film would seem to most like a sad, sad comedy that would feel like it follows in the footsteps of such filmmakers as Woody Allen and Todd Solondz where there might be a kind of sadness about the characters who either seem to be taken advantage of or bring on the bad things that happened to them somewhat punished by society. 

Only what’s different is The main character isn’t so much a victim as she seems to welcome it and seems content with her life, relationships, and situations. The film is just trying to show her reactions to the situation, she finds herself in and she comes across as one of the more normal characters as all the other characters come off as rather quirky or disturbed. 

The film also tries to present BDSM relationships in a droll way. As a tries to show modern dating with a dry sense of humor. That at times comes across as brutally honest, but with humor.

There’s a film that’s not gonna be for everybody. it might take a while for you to get on its wavelength but once you do, it’s smooth sailing as long as you are digging what you have seen so far.

Watching the film, it almost comes across as a visual journal of our lead character. Where she doesn’t try to sugarcoat or make anyone including herself look good it’s presented matter-of-factly, even allowing herself to be for half of the film. 

For some the film or the situations as depressing and almost like a form of degradation. Which, for most, it might be, but here it actually shows the characters enjoying themselves for the most part.

Think Lena Dunham and her early films and even girls only with no real group of friends so that the main focus is on her and some odd supporting characters. As the tone goes from absurd to reality. 

The film might throw some people off at first you just have to get into it sensibilities as it does showcase as sensitive charm many times and it’s style and tone.

It definitely shows a singular vision where the first half of the film is more random and the second half seems to get more into a plot, whereas the first half of the film is more showing her day-to-day life and seeing various people other than a recurring boyfriend like character, the second half focuses More on her, trying to maintain a relationship with a new guy who’s not used to her form where it feels like the film has shown enough of her background at that point so that we see the character and trust her alone and not reacting off of a series of familiar characters so the second half is kind of like seeing a normal character interact with her and how they react

This film really shocked me at how enjoyable it was and how much one could get into the film with just the nitty-gritty and didn’t need so much dressing or packaging around it is definitely to try and watch. In the end won’t say it’s necessarily rewarding but as a film fan her artistry while semi-autobiographical it’s also admirable.

One can’t wait to see more films and art by her.

Grade: A 

AVA’S POSESSIONS (2016)

AvasPossessions

 

Written & Directed By: Jordan Galland
Cinematography By: Adrian Correia
Editor: Jordan Galland & Daniel Hahn 

Music By: Sean Lennon 


Cast: Louisa Krause, Lou Taylor Pucci, Whitney Able, John Ventimiglia, Deborah Rush, Zachary Booth, Jemima Kirke, Carol Kane, Alysia Reiner, William Sadler, Dan Fogler, Annabelle Dexter-Jones

Ava Dobkins is recovering from demonic possession. With no memory of the past month, she is forced to attend a Spirit Possession Anonymous support group. As Ava struggles to reconnect with her friends, get her job back, and figure out where the huge bloodstain in her apartment came from, she’s plagued by nightmarish visions – the demon is trying to come back.

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