Other Reviews by sjohnsto 62

• 
  Quite impressed, really
  A review of Reeled In
  by sjohnsto on 07/27/2012
  I'm quite impressed with this film because it does not go where I expected it to go even with the twist that led to the, er, conflict at the end. I could have used a bit more backstory, maybe something in the beginning that showed the two in question together, maybe with the third watching--maybe in flashback--but I liked the film overall. Specifically, the acting was generally... I'm quite impressed with this film because it does not go where I expected it to go even with the twist that led to the, er, conflict at the end. I could have used a bit more backstory, maybe something in the beginning that showed the two in question together, maybe with the third watching--maybe in flashback--but I liked the film overall. Specifically, the acting was generally good and credible, particularly on the part of the fellow with the beard. Also, the cinematography fit, especially as we got into the guts of it and it got cold, reflecting the situation. Additionally, the judicious use of music and the judicious use of silence was good except when we switched from the two lads getting ready to fish to their actually fishing--that bit could have been either softer or introduced more gradually, over a couple of seconds, say.
  
  One particularly good shot was at the beginning, as they're on their way, when we see a quick shot of the side of the car. Another was at the end, with the bearded guy (Jonathan?) standing. Excellent shot, that. read
• 
  not bad
  A review of THE MAFIA TYPE
  by sjohnsto on 02/15/2011
  I wasn't too impressed with the first portion of this movie because it was too disjointed and the music overpowered the dialogue (other than the off curse word). The cinematography, however, looked pretty impressive and like something from a larger-budget film. It picked up a lot after the actor got home and got his assignment, and the twist ending was a pretty good pick-me-up... I wasn't too impressed with the first portion of this movie because it was too disjointed and the music overpowered the dialogue (other than the off curse word). The cinematography, however, looked pretty impressive and like something from a larger-budget film.
  
  It picked up a lot after the actor got home and got his assignment, and the twist ending was a pretty good pick-me-up.
  
  Acting was in general pretty competent, though at times the cute little girl's delivery felt pretty staged. Also, it seemed like the editing between one person's lines and another's was a little too close--it felt like a version of the rapid-fire dialogue we got in some 1930s detective movies, but not in a good way.
  
  Overall, though, because the second half was so strong, this is a good short film and I think it shows some flexibility in terms of the look you can achieve as well as the tone if by that we mean not just look but mood and feel of the piece. read
• 
  very funny...no, really :)
  A review of God Plays Solitaire
  by sjohnsto on 01/24/2007
  I really enjoyed this film and its sense of humor. I wasn't thrilled with the voiceovers of the first two ladies, but once they were actually speaking on-camera, their acting talent became much more apparent. Also, the large African-American fellow was particularly good and natural-seeming (is he really that chipper?). It seemed early on that this was just going to be a... I really enjoyed this film and its sense of humor. I wasn't thrilled with the voiceovers of the first two ladies, but once they were actually speaking on-camera, their acting talent became much more apparent. Also, the large African-American fellow was particularly good and natural-seeming (is he really that chipper?).
  
  It seemed early on that this was just going to be a running joke that went on too long, but it ended before that went on too long, so well-done there. read