My Ratings:
Story 1.25 : Direction 1.25 : Pace 1.25 : Acting 1.25 : Entertaining 1.25
Total 6.25 out of 10.00.
The first thing you will probably notice, as I did, is the prominence of the name Castro in the opening credits. Not only is Barbie Castro responsible for the production, but she cast the film too. So it was no surprise, I hung my head in anticipated woe when I saw not only was she the lead role but her daughter was a key character. Nepotism works well, does it not?
However, my premature worries were needless. The opening sequence where Ayla comes home early shows that Taylor Castro is not a bad actress at all. To tell you the truth, as the film progressed I became more enamoured with her and her mother's performances.
I was further surprised at how enjoyable the story was. Writer Christine Conradt story concept is a good one. Her idea of a photographer that specialised in wedding proposals is both inventive and clever. Though, Carman (Barbie Castro) and her partner (both business and personal), Ryan (Brian Gross), see a lot of happy times they do occasionally witness a train-wreck of a proposal. This happens with Emerson (Jason Cook). Unfortunately for everyone involved, Emerson isn't the sanest man on the planet. This takes the audience into a darker world of violence and obsession.
Now I will say I watched this film since it listed Dina Meyer in the cast. So far, she has yet to make an unwatchable and unenjoyable film... this one isn't it. Though Meyer, as Detective Michelle Price, doesn't have much screen time, she still adds power to her portrayal. Barbie Castro is watchable as Carmen, though I wanted her to add more verve to her portrayal. At times, Carmen became a little murky and vague; nearly disappearing off-screen, though, she was the only character present. Corin Nemec is superb as Detective Baker. I've seen him in a few other films and he is a stable and skilled actor. This is another good performance - he should be in lead roles. I also believe he would have made a better psycho than Jason Cook. That said, Cook also does a good job. He is suitably creepy, especially in the scene where he sniffs one of the many photos of Carman adorning his wall.
Even director Alyn Darnay does his part to give viewers an above-average TV Movie. As with the picture sniffing scene, he uses golden brown lighting to give the effect of mid-afternoon, giving a warm feeling but then utilises a haze effect to add an unnatural element. This gives the viewer a slight unease, which is perfect for the picture sniff to come. Though he never varies the pace of the story too much, he keeps fluctuating between joyfulness and tension. He does this chiefly with the scenes and actors portrayals. For example; Carmen's photography equipment was stolen from her house, and Detective Baker informs her the best thing they can do is get a guard dog. They do this after they learn Emerson may have something to do with the robbery and his ex-girlfriend's disappearance. This scene could have been bleak. However, it's done in a more cheerful manner. They don't get a killer Doberman; they opt for a barky and beautiful Golden Retriever. Carmen and Ryan are thinking about the family's future. It's scenes like this that stop the film from getting too dark and bogged down.
If you like your thrillers, then this is certainly one to watch. I don't particularly like this style of story, where you know the culprit right from the beginning. I much prefer whodunnits. Though I have to say, this kept my attention, it even drew me in at times, and I enjoyed it. It isn't a bad way to waste an hour and a half while on CoVid Lockdown.
Come on over and have a look-see at my The Game Is Afoot list to see where this psycho's tale ranked. You may find more good wastes of time on the list.
Take Care And Stay Well.
