Three criminals on the run make a stop-over at a remote homestead, on which two people live: meek young Lisa (Leslie Lee) and her paralyzed grandfather (Douglas Powers). Two out of these three criminals are pretty nasty types - the domineering, hair-trigger-tempered Steele (Jack Canon), the predatory Lomax (Ray Green) - but they seem to have met their match in the soft-spoken Lisa.
Don't look for much more story than that, in this regional production written and directed by Frederick R. Friedel, who also plays Billy, the youngest and most even-keeled of the gang. Also, don't expect a very lively affair: Friedel seems more determined to go for mood and feel (the film has an almost European sort of ambiance) than hardcore exploitation. That's not to say, however, that there isn't some very effective grisly violence on display. And while the blood present may be of that bright red movie variety, Friedel does take the opportunity to sort of goof around with the colour palate. There are gags involving ketchup and tomato soup, showing that he is not taking his film too, too seriously. Good location shooting (in North Carolina) and an atmospheric soundtrack (composed by George Newman Shaw & John Willhelm) are definite assets.
The acting gets the job done, with young Lee appealing in the central role. Canon and Green are appropriately loathsome, especially the former as he throws his weight around and makes everybody around him miserable. Friedel himself is okay as the one member of the gang with something resembling a conscience.
"Axe" a.k.a. "Lisa, Lisa" may not suit the tastes of all trash film fans, but it delivers a slow, quiet variation on the standard home invasion scenario.
Seven out of 10.
Don't look for much more story than that, in this regional production written and directed by Frederick R. Friedel, who also plays Billy, the youngest and most even-keeled of the gang. Also, don't expect a very lively affair: Friedel seems more determined to go for mood and feel (the film has an almost European sort of ambiance) than hardcore exploitation. That's not to say, however, that there isn't some very effective grisly violence on display. And while the blood present may be of that bright red movie variety, Friedel does take the opportunity to sort of goof around with the colour palate. There are gags involving ketchup and tomato soup, showing that he is not taking his film too, too seriously. Good location shooting (in North Carolina) and an atmospheric soundtrack (composed by George Newman Shaw & John Willhelm) are definite assets.
The acting gets the job done, with young Lee appealing in the central role. Canon and Green are appropriately loathsome, especially the former as he throws his weight around and makes everybody around him miserable. Friedel himself is okay as the one member of the gang with something resembling a conscience.
"Axe" a.k.a. "Lisa, Lisa" may not suit the tastes of all trash film fans, but it delivers a slow, quiet variation on the standard home invasion scenario.
Seven out of 10.