Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009

'Across the Hall' comes across quite well at low budget

By Gary Wolcott, atomictown.com

The first film in Carmike Cinemas Independent Film Series was the outstanding My Sweet Misery. Like last year’s offerings, Carmike is bringing in the lowest of low-budget ditties.

I admire the effort. Great ideas do not have to have staggering budgets to be successful. A lack of dollars drives creativity.

Across the Hall is the second film in the series. Like the first, it is a decent film with a creative cast that at least deserve a shot. The plot involves a woman that cheats, her husband and the hubby’s best friend who cheats and the best friend’s ex-girlfriend who was cheated.

Murder is the end-game.

The two name stars of the piece are Brittany Murphy who at one time did quite a few main stream movies including a nice piece of acting in Uptown Girl and a small part in Sin City.

Murphy hasn’t done much since.

The other name is Danny Pino, who prowls TV’s Cold Case. He’s the jealous husband. Rounding out the cast are unknowns Mike Vogel as the best friend and Brad Greenquist, who is wonderfully uncomfortable as a hotel porter.

First-time writer/director Alex Merkin has some fun with this thriller. He bounces you around, starting in the middle of the story and working his way back and forth until you get the complete picture. While his “surprise” isn’t likely to surprise, it is a nifty enough twist to at least get a positive nod.

And you’ll have a pretty good time getting there. And at just $5 to attend, you’ll have more to spend on popcorn.

Mr. Movie rating: 4 stars

Rated R for mature themes, language. It opens Friday, Oct. 30 at the Carmike 12 and plays on Friday, Oct. 30, Saturday, Oct. 31, Sunday, Nov. 1 and Thursday, Nov. 5.

5 stars to 4 1/2 stars: Must see on the big screen
4 stars to 3 1/2 stars: Good film, see it if it's your type of movie.
3 stars to 2 1/2 stars: Wait until it comes out on video.
2 stars to 1 star: Don't bother.
0 stars: Speaks for itself.