Tag: Patrick Lawrence

BLOOD RELATIVES (2022)

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Written & Directed By: Noah Segan

Cinematography: Andrew Baird 

Editor: Patrick Lawrence

Cast: Noah Segan, Victoria Moroles, Akasha Villalobos, C.L. Simpson, Tracie Thomas, Doug Benson, Ammie Masterson, Jones Proudstar, Josh Ruben 

A vampire’s loner lifestyle is thrown into disarray when a teenager shows up claiming to be his daughter, and she’s got the fangs to prove it. On a road trip across America’s blacktops, they decide how to sink their teeth into family life.

This film is more comedy with horror movie or monster movie elements.

As it tries to stay in a certain reality, showing the modern-day problems with being a vampire, and just generally getting older, it also opens up the world for other supernatural mysteries, while dealing with its own central father-daughter storyline.

Dealing with the clips of what might be your own life for being the center of it and having to sacrifice for another.

As the film is built more around the character’s relationship with one another and find little adventures or distractions for them to go on to strengthen their bond and test their limits.

Nice to see Victoria Moroles in another film after she was so memorable in the comedy PLAN B 

Here she is in another comedy, and while not as distinct, she definitely is memorable as she is pretty much like that film star here, With a different look.

This is star, Noah Segen’s feature film, directorial debut and it’s not bad. It’s a cute little film that places character over story, plot, action, or visuals and by the end, it feels like a good time though not necessarily special it does have its own voice.

It’s a film with steaks where not too much happens and feels kind of laid-back. It’s cute to spend some time with though it will certainly not rock your world.

Grade: C+

SCARE ME (2020)

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Written & Directed By: Josh Ruben 
Cinematography: Brendan H. Banks
Editor: Patrick Lawrence 

Cast: Aya Cash, Josh Ruben, Chris Redd, Rebecca Drysdale 

During a power outage, two strangers tell scary stories. The more Fred and Fanny commit to their tales, the more the stories come to life in their Catskills cabin. The horrors of reality manifest when Fred confronts his ultimate fear.

This is a film that depends on a certain quirky factor to keep it going. Where your interest in the characters will determine how much you end up enjoying this film. 

The cast works so well together. Even though for most of the film it is only two characters. It almost feels like an improv show focused on horror and some defining personalities. 

Aya cash is hilarious in particular. She catches the eye especially when her characters are being critical, that is when she seems to be more in top form.

Though the film is mostly dialogue. You get into the stores they tell you the way they tell them. and caught up in them can almost visualize them yourself. The fact that they feel spontaneous only adds to the fun.

As the film also constantly feels like it is leading to a secret. So that for all the fun there is some kind of dread heading your way.

The film still has room For plenty of jokes with it’s more character based comedy.  The less the way to a mildly surprising ending. 

GRADE: B-