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Overall Rating : 7.5/10
Directed By : Amanda Gusack
Erik McDowell
Johanna Watts
Levi Powell
Supplied By : In Memorium Productions, LLC
Film Reviewed By : Rick L. Blalock
Date Reviewed : July. 5, 2006
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| PLOT On July 27, Dennis Wade was diagnosed with terminal cancer. On September 25th, he began to document his illness. On September 27th...the cameras recorded something else. |
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| THE REVIEW In IN MEMORIUM, Dennis Wade, a filmmaker has been recently diagnosed with terminal bone cancer. Dennis and girlfriend Lilly move into a make-shift house, one in which Dennis plans to film his last days dealing with his illness via motion detecting surveillance cameras. Wade who has yet to feel any symptoms of the disease excluding a few nose bleeds, suddenly begins to throw up blood and produce bruises and sores all over his body just 2 days later. On the same night the cameras documented movement in a back sitting room of the house - something is clearly present. Soon the occupants learn that what ever it may be, it doesn't want them to leave and every time they try to leave, Dennis gets sick, it's like this being somehow has a trigger on Dennis' illness - which is downright spooky! This film is in the rawest form of independent filmmaking imaginable, and I like it! I like the fact that IN MEMORIUM doesn't rely on a high end production value, and high priced flair and effect - it gives you the goods, straight-forward and raw. Amanda Gusack, uses the motion detecting cameras to her advantage to deliver a creepy atmosphere, and is comparable to Dave Campfield's UNDER SURVEILLANCE at times, both of which, are great films. Often in indie pictures such as this one, there is a lack of plot, so the filmmakers, with little or no choice resort to coming up with a lot of "filler" dialogue to fill in the gaps and that is something I despise. IN MEMORIUM is a prime example of why I despise it, it needed no excess dialogue, because it has a strong enough story to keep the ball rolling and doesn't fall flat on it's face so to speak. The story here is delivered in a way that the viewer pays full attention to what's going on, i'm sure that no one will be nodding off while watching this flick, because no questions are left unanswered here - most independent films, especially Horror ones tend to confuse the audience and leave them puzzled but this one has an obviously well developed clincher, and the motive is revenge! Without giving it away, i'll just tell you that IN MEMORIUM is a is well though, well crafted thriller. that delivers enough spooks to keep you on the edge of your seat, until the film's shocking and effective end... |
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| GORE
METER 2.5/10 Very little gore accompanies the film, but the story and setup are the clear winners here. |
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| MUSICAL
SCORE N/A No score, but the creepy sounds and the screeching doors offer a "score" of their own. |
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| OVERALL
IMPRESSION OF THE FILM I thoroughly enjoyed IN MEMORIUM, it doesn't try to be a film that it's not and tends to stay raw and realistic. Amanda Gusack, has seemingly worked in every department of the filmmaking spectrum - thus being her first feature, offers a look at what could be, the beginning of a successful career for her - I do highly recommend this to everyone if they should ever get an opportunity to see it. |
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