NIGHT TALKERS is a microbudget horror anthology featuring Bill Moseley as a late night radio host soliciting strange stories from his listeners. Like most films in its market (microbudget horror) there's a mixed bag for audiences.
"The Gruenwald House" is easily the best of the three major stories, but is hampered by a large cast and underdeveloped story. However, performances by Jenna Ruiz and Brittany Smith keep the audience engaged. In "Back Country" Scott Blake, a SFX artist and mask maker, does an excellent job portraying a inbred hillbilly reminiscent of a crypt keeper but the story is ultimately a long attempt at single jump scare.
Again, the audio and cinematography is a mixed bag. For example, the production could have used movers blankets or even heavy comforters to dampen some of the echo/reverb heard through scenes in the house.
Overall, the most effort was obviously saved for segments featuring Bill Moseley. It is in those moments we see most of the creativity from director Topher Chambers and it's why the film is frustrating even at a 7. Since the film only lists Chambers as the director the audience would expect more cohesion through out the production. Whether it's camera moves or image motifs or even just focusing on cast, each short feels as if it were done by a completely different production - especially compared to Bill Moseley's wrap around.
Still it's a slight improvement of Topher Chambers and Rutledge Productions previous anthology THE BLACK BOOK (which was created by multiple productions) and that's ultimately why it deserves a 7. Seeing an artist grow is always encouraging.
