'ABSENTIA' Review

Synopsis:
Tricia's husband has been missing for seven years. Her younger sister, Callie, comes to live with her as the pressure mounts to finally declare him 'dead in absentia.' Tricia is reluctant, always holding out hope, but Callie is practical and wants her to move on. As Tricia sifts through the wreckage and tries to move on with her life, Callie finds herself drawn to an ominous tunnel near the house. As she begins to link it to other mysterious disappearances, it becomes clear that his presumed death might be anything but 'natural.' It seems that the ancient force at work in the tunnel might have set its sights on Callie and Tricia ... and Tricia's husband might be suffering a fate far worse than death in its grasp.

Cast: Katie Parker, Courtney Bell, David Levine, Morgan Brown, Justin Gordon, James Flanagan and Doug Jones

Absentia takes you on a creeptasic journey.  This is not your average indie horror movie by any means.  This is a horror film.  Director Mike Flanagan crafted an amazing story that raises questions and goose bumps while watching.  Absentia is dark and at times witty with elements of the great suspense which leave you in a state of "what will happen next".  The tension and disbelief that occurs for actors Courtney Bell and Katie Parker is thrilling to watch unfold. 

 Everything about Absentia can be summed up in one word "BRILLIANT".

 Any person out there wanting to make a horror film should take notes when watching Absentia.  This is how you sculpt an indie film.  Find great actors, shoot the film in such a way that your audience is lost in the world you've created and above all, find a brand new story.   Absentia is not a remake of a sequel of a Japanese film, it's original.  That's what this genre is in need of.  New life behind and in front of the camera.

 There is not one fault with Absentia and I hope that this film sores to the top of every Best of List at the end of 2011.  That is the only place this film belongs.

 http://www.AbsentiaMovie.com
 Keep an eye on the website to find out when the film will be available in your area.

"Black Swan" Review

Here is the Synopsis: BLACK SWAN follows the story of Nina (Portman), a ballerina in a New York City ballet company whose life, like all those in her profession, is completely consumed with dance. She lives with her retired ballerina mother Erica (Barbara Hershey) who zealously supports her daughter’s professional ambition. When artistic director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) decides to replace prima ballerina Beth MacIntyre (Winona Ryder) for the opening production of their new season, Swan Lake, Nina is his first choice. But Nina has competition: a new dancer, Lily (Kunis), who impresses Leroy as well. Swan Lake requires a dancer who can play both the White Swan with innocence and grace, and the Black Swan, who represents guile and sensuality. Nina fits the White Swan role perfectly but Lily is the personification of the Black Swan. As the two young dancers expand their rivalry into a twisted friendship, Nina begins to get more in touch with her dark side with a recklessness that threatens to destroy her.

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This film absolutely kept me in a trace the entire time.   Director Darren Aronofsky has told yet another tale of the price we pay for what we love.   He's done it before with "The Wrestler" and even within "Requiem for a Dream" the price of ones desire to have what one wants is put to the limit.  "Black Swan" showcases Natalie Protman's true talents.  She has exercised her abilities many times before, but here we are able to follow her transformation closely.  

There is absolute perfect casting having Mila Kunis opposite the prima ballerina Portman.  They are such stark contrasts yet they physically resemble each other in such a way you get lost in who is who at times.  Absolutely brilliant. 

Guaranteed to be nominated time and time again over the course of the Awards season, Expect Portman and possibly Aronofsky to walk away with a few trophies in hand. 

Beautifully Acted.  Absolutely insane storyline.  Amazing moments of direction. 

See this film if you want to witness true cinema storytelling.