Let me start by saying I am a huge J.R. Bookwalter fan! I have long admired His filmmaking skills. He has, in my opinion, always excelled over the other B movie directors he is often compared to. Proving from OZONE on, He could hold his own with the A movie directors. And with WITCHHOUSE: BLOOD COVEN, I thought he was well on his way to doing so.
That being said, I wish to say I am extremely disappointed with WITCHHOUSE: DEMON FIRE. This movie is a complete step down from what I would expect as a follow-up to his first 35mm film. I would be lying if I didn't say a lot of it had to with the absence of Ariauna Albright.
As much as I admired J.R.'s directing skills, his actors always left a lot to be desired. That was until POLYMORPH. All the acting was good, especially Ariauna. Not only is she easy on the eyes...she can really act! So why is not reprising her role as "Lillith"? I can't say I blame her. "Lillith" was reduced to a cameo. Why would she come back? What I don't understand is, J.R. has a co-writing credit. Why would he write out the villain? What is a Horror movie without a villain? Not to mention I think Ariauna is the best actress he has worked with. It just doesn't make good business sense.
Instead he has chosen to fill his movie with a bunch of "Scream Queens." Could J.R. Bookwalter really be selling out? The one director who has always made movies, not pathetic excuses to show half-naked women (who can't act) sell their goods? If this is so, what future does the Indie world have? Debbie Rachon and whoever the other two actresses are, Are not even sufficient eye candy let alone actresses. I thought J.R. was the one director who was adding substance to the low budget genre.
I can only hope this is a marketing ploy of Full Moon. (T&A sells) and is not J.R.'s decision. Either way, I hope J.R. does not continue to make exploitation films, and goes back to putting actors in his movies.
One final note: I almost hate to mention this (since I love the movie BLOODLETTING) I would suggest Matt Walsh stick to directing instead of writing. I have also noticed a substantial increase in J.R.'s scripts (which I did not make the connection, until this last movie) when someone else writes them. Please come to your senses J.R., do not betray your fans, Talent will always prevail...it just takes longer to prove. Don't sell out. Other aspiring directors look up to you. Please don't resort to sticking nude women in your movies just to make a buck. You are better than this.
