Lights Out

Lights Out is the Directoral debut of David F. Sandberg the man who was behind the short of the same name. This film is about a family that has been hit by hard times. When the mother has started to go a little crazy and is talking to someone in the dark. When they find out that something is actually in the dark. Her son and daughter must save the family from the evil force.

Lights Out was a short film that honestly is very impressive. Sandberg really was able to own the scene with great teasion on a very low budget and a very short run time. So when you go from short from to long from you have to learn how to create good characters and good story. Sandberg kills it with creating a pretty good story and really good characters in this film. The characters in this film are all very smart and not boring. So they aren't just body bags. You want to see them make it to the end of the film. That comes from the director and the actors. All the actors do a really good job on this film. No one gives a poor performace. Even the kid actor in this does a good job. The tone of the film is very solid. Sandberg was able to keep a white knucked thrill ride feeling for the the whole run time. Making good use of the lights and settings.

This film does have some very small problems. I would say mostly in the story department. It is a well done story of the family tore apart, but the creature backstory I think needed some fixing and some possbile more scares.The film is very fast and goes by quickly clocking in at just over 1 hour and 30 minutes. If they would have more scares I think this film would go from being a film that I thought was great to one that I loved from start to finish. Overall for a first time feature film maker this one they did a great job. I say also watch the short that this film is about. It's the same name so it shouldn't be to hard to find.

RATING
3 out of 4 Ticket Stubs

Swiss Army Man

Swiss Army Man is driected by new comers known as the Daniels (Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan). The film is about Hank (Paul Dano) who has found himself lost and ready to kill himself when Manny (Daniel Radcliffe) comes a shore. Manny is a dead man that has some powers that will help Hank go home.

The Daniels have arrived and they have made a statement with this film. Much like a earlier A24 film (The Witch). This is the pairs directorial debut and man was this film unique and odd way to start. The style is finding the beauty in odd, gross, and random things. The film is honestly beautiful and very funny. The two really know how to tell this odd story about life. The films tone works and the pace is great never getting boring. The script is really well done being able to make this unbelievable stuff believable. Also carrying these themes that it whats to talk about to the viewer. The Daniels you now have a fan and I will easily want to watch your next film.

Dano and Radcliffe are amazing in the film. They have great back and forth. The also play this stuff off really well and straight as they can. Parts are supposed to be funny and parts are supposed to be thoughtful. My hats off to the part becasue I can only imagine what they thought when they got the script. Swiss Army Man is a wholely goofy film. It takes that goofness and constantly slams it in your face for it whole run time. So for some this will be a huge turn off. Which this I can completely understand. This is one of the few films. I am gonna recommend to everyone even if it is odd as all hell. Just because there maybe something you may enjoy in the oddness. I really don't have any faults for the this film. It is hands down the best comedy I have seen all year. With being really funny and also having something to say about life. Go see it. Watch the trailer below if it is not your taste then skip it but if you at all a little bit interested then see the movie. I give it my highest praise

RATING
4 out of 4 Ticket Stubs
I am also gonna post there short - https://vimeo.com/110808221
Here is the Trailer- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v92gXetGqA