buffyphreak

I, too, saw this movie at the Sidewalk Film Festival last night. Although parts of "Alice" were confusing and/or long-winded, there were several great scenes and memorable performances by the actors (some professional, some not) overall. The girl who played Alice (Maggie... Henry? God, I suck for already forgetting that. Forgive me.) was particularly convincing in a role that had to be difficult to play (her basic storyline was to be confused/disoriented for the majority of the movie; I'm certainly not an actor, but that seems like it would be one of the more difficult emotions to play). The story suffered in spots because some scenes ran a bit long or were confusing, to me, anyway. There was a bit of frenetic energy that was difficult to follow.

<p>That being said, the production values on this movie were amazing; I can't believe that the shooting schedule was only 16 days (this was revealed at the filmmakers' Q and A session after the film). I would have thought that just securing the locations would have made that kind of schedule impossible, but I was wrong.

<p>I was the most excited by the special effects in "Alice", which were better than many studio films I've seen this year. I couldn't find a bad effects shot in this movie (and there were MANY effects shots). I was very impressed that the screenwriter/director Robb Rugan did most or all of the effects himself. This movie obviously spent a LOT of time in post-production. The music was also extremely impressive, and entirely original by one person. When I heard the music in the trailer, I thought they had temped it from another soundtrack because it was so good, but all of the music in "Alice" was composed entirely by Jim Robeson, who is local. A lot of talent in the Birmingham area was at play here.

I, too, saw this movie at the Sidewalk Film Festival last night. Although parts of "Alice" were confusing and/or long-winded, there were several great scenes and memorable performances by the actors (some professional, some not) overall. The girl who played Alice (Maggie... Henry? God, I suck for already forgetting that. Forgive me.) was particularly convincing in a role that had to be difficult to play (her basic storyline was to be confused/disoriented for the majority of the movie; I'm certainly not an actor, but that seems like it would be one of the more difficult emotions to play). The story suffered in spots because some scenes ran a bit long or were confusing, to me, anyway. There was a bit of frenetic energy that was difficult to follow.

That being said, the production values on this movie were amazing; I can't believe that the shooting schedule was only 16 days (this was revealed at the filmmakers' Q and A session after the film). I would have thought that just securing the locations would have made that kind of schedule impossible, but I was wrong.

I was the most excited by the special effects in "Alice", which were better than many studio films I've seen this year. I couldn't find a bad effects shot in this movie (and there were MANY effects shots). I was very impressed that the screenwriter/director Robb Rugan did most or all of the effects himself. This movie obviously spent a LOT of time in post-production. The music was also extremely impressive, and entirely original by one person. When I heard the music in the trailer, I thought they had temped it from another soundtrack because it was so good, but all of the music in "Alice" was composed entirely by Jim Robeson, who is local. A lot of talent in the Birmingham area was at play here.

Don't get me wrong, this is not a great film or anything like that. But I think that it's a surprising lot of fun for what it is, a cheesy TV movie that features good acting and a surprisingly respectable script. Treat Williams plays the same concerned dad as he does in "Everwood," with the difference being that his son in this movie is a murdering sociopath instead of a misunderstood loner. His son is played by Jonathon Jackson, who keen eyes will remember from Chris Nolan's "Insomnia," holding his own against Al Pacino. Clearly, the kid is going places. Frankly, I can't figure out WHAT Linda Hamilton was thinking when she took what is essentially a time-filling bit part, but she is good as always. Also good in her supporting role as Jackson's girlfriend is an actress whose name escapes me now, but she's been on "Dawson's Creek" and was quite enjoyable in her "trying to save the bad guy" role in this flick. The plot of this movie centers around a possible serial killer (Jackson), his worried dad, who suspects him (Williams), and a fire and possible abuse that took place years before, making the kid what he is. The directing and cinematography of "Skeletons" is what kills and corners it as a TV movie instead of a real movie. The cameraman was... uh, well, drunk? That's the only thing I can think of. Also, the movie clearly cost about ten dollars to make. Regardless, if you like Court TV and/or cheesy TV movies, this is right up your alley. I thoroughly enjoyed this fun little movie for what it is. I really do admire the actors for working very well with what they had and keeping the movie decent.