mettlesetdesigner Reviews

Fated (2024)

For fans of suspenseful, thought-provoking movies, this one is a worth a watch.

[9/10 · 17 May 2024]

"Fated" is a thriller that seamlessly blends suspense, mystery, and emotional depth. This indie movie centers around Miles, a successful investment banker whose life unravels after receiving a series of threatening texts. Larry Lowe's portrayal of Miles is both convincing and compelling, bringing credibility and emotional weight to the protagonist. The supporting cast also deserves mention. Emily Tugaw as Samantha and Sierra Keys as Taya deliver standout performances but not all of the actors hit the mark. Some supporting actors fall short of the bar set by the leads, slightly detracting from the otherwise high standards. Overall it's a well-crafted movie that dives into the complexities of hidden secrets and the lengths someone will go to protect loved ones. For fans of suspenseful, thought-provoking movies, this one is a worth a watch.

Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art (2023)

This movie is all about how awesome creativity and expressing yourself can be.

[9/10 · 8 May 2024]

"Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art" welcomes us into the vibrant world of an influential queer artist, offering a deep dive into his career highs, lows, and everything in between. LaForge's style is distinct and ever-evolving, yet always uniquely his own. This documentary beautifully captures his journey from humble beginnings to his groundbreaking collaborations with iconic figures in the NYC art scene. His hand-painted garments have become sought-after luxuries, solidifying his place as a cultural icon. Each of LaForge's creations is a complex fusion of paint, fabric, and boundless imagination. I highly recommend this doc!

Thorns & Thistles at the End of the World (2023)

Takes you by surprise with its story and hopeful message.

[8/10 · 4 March 2024]

"Thorns & Thistles at the End of the World" is a cool indie drama that takes you by surprise with its story and hopeful message. It's a well-done indie flick with great acting, directing, and writing, and it looks really polished. I think it's worth watching just for the conversations it could spark. These are dark times we are living in and this movie reflects this fact beautifully. The pace is a bit slow, and the drama is more in the characters' heads, but Aaron Kamp's direction keeps it all interesting until the end. Even with the world falling apart in the story, this movie reminds you how important faith and hope are. Check it out!

Mother of Color (2023)

The movie shows how the actual reality of America affects everyday families.

[8/10 · 25 January 2024]

"Mother of Color" directed by Dawn Jones Redstone, tells an original story that combines modern views on ancestral trauma with the real struggles of single moms facing societal challenges. It's an exciting, heartwarming, and spiritual movie that's definitely worth watching. The movie explores the tough life of being a single mom, especially as a woman of color, dealing with the pressures of capitalist and patriotic society. It also takes on the topic of challenging white supremacy from an angle not often seen in mainstream films. The movie shows how the actual reality of America affects everyday families. It's a must-watch!

Demon Fighter (2022)

This movie packs a punch with intense and creepy vibes.

[8/10 · 25 January 2024]

This movie packs a punch with intense and creepy vibes. It follows Father Michael Martinez, a street-fighting priest battling demons within a troubled family. Kudos to the special effects makeup department for expertly handling blood scenes, adding a lot to the horror element. The storyline takes an unexpected turn as it begins with a promising street-fighting priest protecting citizens but evolves into a tale of demonic possession involving a peculiar church. Despite the unexpected twists this film is an entertaining must-watch with a good dose of blood and gore that heightens its intensity. If you're up for a unique blend of street fighting, demonic battles, and solid exorcism thrills, this movie won't disappoint.

Hemisphere (2023)

Chris Maes did a great job with "Hemisphere"

[9/10 · 25 January 2024]

Chris Maes did a great job with "Hemisphere" even though he had a small budget. The movie is a cool sci-fi film that's special, and it's a big achievement considering the budget. The special effects look really good, the sets are clever, the acting is good, and the camera work is excellent. "Hemisphere" is proof of Maes' clever thinking and hard work, and it's a standout in the sci-fi genre, especially considering its lower budget. It's just as good as more expensive sci-fi movies. If you like sci-fi movies that aren't from Hollywood, "Hemisphere" has a cool twist that you'll enjoy. Don't worry, it doesn't have any sexy stuff, but there's some strong language. Give it a try!

The Day of the White Lotus (2022)

The Day of the White Lotus

[8/10 · 21 January 2024]

"The Day of the White Lotus" is an independent film about the Theosophical Society in the late 19th century. I give it 8 stars because it's a labor of love by the creators. They did a fantastic job telling the story of Madame Blavatsky. This film shows what happens when artists put their hearts into their work. I hope more people give indie films like this a chance. It's different from mainstream movies and brings fresh ideas. The attention to detail in set design, special effects, and costumes is impressive for an indie film. Kudos to the creators! This film proves that indie movies can offer diverse perspectives and great stories.

Static Codes (2023)

Static Codes is a dope little sci-fi

[8/10 · 20 January 2024]

I was on the lookout for some indie magic, and bam, Static Codes hit me right in the feels. It ain't flawless, but let me tell you, it's a dope little sci-fi joint with mad heart. The story goes like this: Years post some traumatic event, this dude's claiming his wifey got snatched up by aliens, and now he's drowning in loneliness, ready to call it quits. This film brings a unique vibe I haven't seen anywhere else. The family dynamic between the daughter and Shane's old man character? Straight fire. "Static Codes" is the kinda flick I'd throw at my peeps when they're craving something fresh with a killer story and some real dramatic chops.

Silent as the Grave (2023)

Uncle Edgar's supposed freight elevator accident ain't as simple as it seems.

[9/10 · 19 January 2024]

Silent as the Grave is a movie drenched in life's deep secrets. Uncle Edgar's supposed freight elevator accident ain't as simple as it seems. The vibe of this joint is next level, sucking you into a vortex of unease. Shadows and sounds murmuring in the background keep you on edge and anticipating the next bomb drop of family secrets. The pacing is what hooks you, the suspense and emotion between investigation and heart grabbing reveals, take you on a trip through a web of family ties that are complex. As the plot unfolds the truth drops and it leaves you shocked. So, if you're craving a journey that stirs your soul, "Silent as the Grave" is calling. Grab your popcorn and get ready for a maze of mystery and redemption.

Token Taverns (2023)

Token Taverns brings the 80's back to life.

[9/10 · 11 November 2023]

I grew up in the 80's hanging out in the local video arcade The Black Hole and Cactus Jacks. It's where I became the queen of Centipede, Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga and Tron. The documentary "Token Taverns" is a wonderful doc that not only brings back great memories for those of us that lived it! It is also a great watch for anyone that is interested in the 1980's and society. Filmmaker Bob Rose did a wonderful job making this documentary. The interviews are engaging, the camera work is great, and a wonderful job was done in the editing. So many indie docs are poorly done and hardly watchable. "Token Taverns" is a must watch.

The Allnighter (2023)

Check out The Allnighter

[8/10 · 24 October 2023]

The Allnighter is a great indie comedy drama with strong leading characters and a great story about growing into adulthood. The two leads Terence (played by Owen Beckman) and Belle (played by Gretchen Lodge) are very likable even though they have their flaws! I was surprised to see so many well known actors in this indie movie. Keep an eye out for Justine Bateman, David Koechner, Tom Lister Jr, James Russo and Naomi Grossman just to name a few. I highly recommend giving this movie and watch as I truly enjoyed it and give it two thumbs up! Looking forward to seeing what Aimee Graham does next!!

The Stalker: Part II (2023)

A sequel that outshines the first!

[9/10 · 10 August 2023]

I really enjoyed The Stalker and the sequel The Stalker: Part II totally outshines the first. Don't get me wrong, like I said, I liked the 1st but it's not often that a part 2 is better than it's predecessor. The filmmakers really did a great job on this one. A few of the roles were recast but the story does not suffer from this. I really like how the story continues with not only a lot of the trauma from the first movie spilling over but they also added in new drama and trauma which really keeps you engaged in the story. I highly recommend you check out both The Stalker and The Stalker: Part II.

Into the Park (2022)

Into The Park is all that and more.

[9/10 · 10 August 2023]

Into The Park is listed as a drama horror thriller.... it is all that and more. The movie includes a supernatural element to it that I found very intriguing. The story centers around two teenage siblings who's mother is murdered by a racist cop. The supernatural element comes into play with ghosts of enslaved ancestors helping the pair and really tells the underlaying theme of this story which is...... the importance of family. The two leads, Bryson and Wynter are played by DeVariyay Harris and Kristin Ari'elle Smith who both do a great job at carrying this movie. Check out Into The Park. I give it 2 thumbs up!

Natasha Hall (2021)

A quirky imaginative unusual dark comedy.

[8/10 · 9 July 2023]

I ran across Natasha Hall on the streaming service Tubi and the poster got my attention so i thought what the heck and watched it. It is categorized as a crime comedy drama but I would call it a dark comedy which are my absolute favorite. At first I didn't realize the story takes place in the '90's. That was kinda cool. I'm not one to put spoilers in reviews but I will say Natasha has an alter-ego inside her head named Switchblade Sue who thinks like a bad ass and she's just too funny. If you like quirky, imaginative, unusual characters then I suggest you check out the movie Natasha Hall. I GIVE IT TWO THUMBS UP.

The Best Laid Plans (2019)

Hilariously funny.

[8/10 · 8 July 2023]

OK first off I must say I'm a huge fan of dark comedy movies. I also have a soft spot for and love indie films. The Best Laid Plans is the best of both those worlds! I ran across this indie comedy gem on the streaming service Tubi and I was not disappointed. I laughed quite a bit throughout. The movie is about three goofballs friends that decide to kidnap an old friend from school who just won the lottery but these three are so sweet and funny and naturally born criminals they are not! If you are looking for a good laugh watch Kevin, Allen, John and Tommy in this hilarious comedy The Best Laid Plans.

Running Through Darkness (2018)

Running Through Darkness is worth the watch.

[8/10 · 7 July 2023]

I ran across this crime thriller on the streaming service Tubi and although it is an older movie (2018) it does a great job at bucking social norms and expectations. Definitely ahead of it's time. Running Through Darkness is a tale of an ordinary guy Calvin (played by Landon Beard), who discovers a beaten and left for dead woman Robin (played by Lillian Bornstein), and he is immediately pulled into her dark and dangerous world. I don't want to give away any spoilers but I will tell you this indie gem is worth a watch. I give the cast and crew two thumbs up and recommend this movie to anyone who likes a thrilling crime drama.

Misery Loves Company (2012)

This dark romance comedy is a hidden gem.

[9/10 · 7 July 2023]

I ran across this dark comedy gem on the streaming service Tubi the other night and was so blown away with the cinematography that I looked it up. Mark Sanders (the cinematographer) does an amazing job playing with the shadows and lighting and metaphorically it works wonderfully with the story! This is what I would call a dark romance comedy and writer/director Peter O'Brien does a great job at putting it all together. This is not an easy genre to pull off in the indie filmmaking world and I give two thumbs up to everyone on the cast and crew of Misery Loves Company for doing such a great job.

The Extraordinary Ordinary (2019)

A coming of age drama ripe for today's world.

[9/10 · 4 June 2023]

The Extraordinary Ordinary is a movie involving several troubled characters and their tragic pasts. It shows the challenges and struggles that people with mental health issues have to deal with within their daily lives but it does it in a relatable and very elegent way. Many of the characters are played like the girl next door which makes them relatable and realistic. I found myself connecting with the movies message because the characters are so down to earth and relatable. It is a different type of coming of age movie compared to what we have seen in the past and that's a good thing because today's world is nothing like the past. So if you're looking for a coming of age drama ripe for today's world, check out this movie.

Fighting Olympus (2023)

An Action movie with a lot of twist.

[9/10 · 4 June 2023]

Looking at the poster and reading the description for Fighting Olympus made me figure this is a movie that my partner is going to enjoy more than me. Oh, was I wrong. This movie is not just a shoot 'em up action type feature (which it does well by the way). The story line is imaginative and involved and full of twists and turns I was not expecting. I won't give spoilers or plot twists but I liked the way the writer pointed to characters from ancient greek myths like Hades, Athena and Medusa. The actress who played Medusa was AMAZING in the role. She is perfect as the disfigured woman out for revenge. Lastly, I must give a big shout out to the stunt/choreography people. The hand-to-hand combat scenes are exciting and a lot of work must have gone into those fight scenes. Two thumbs up!!

Who Said You Can't: African American Women in Science (2023)

A must watch for EVERYONE!

[9/10 · 26 May 2023]

Who Said You Can't: African American Women in Science is a touching and heartfelt documentary that explores the lives of African American Women in STEM. This documentary touched my heart. The strength, perseverance, resilience, adaptability and courage these women show through their real life stories are a little heart breaking and truly inspiring. Dr. Cordel Parris, Dr. Alice Pendelton and Nurse Earl Dean Joseph will forever be burned into my mind. If you only watch this documentary to hear the stories of African American Women in Science you are missing the best part. This is not JUST a doc about African American Women, this doc is a roadmap of how to be successful when society says you can't. A must watch for EVERYONE! Thank you filmmakers for sharing these stores.

Bang Bang Betty (2023)

Bang Bang Betty does not disappoint!

[9/10 · 23 May 2023]

Bang Bang Betty is an indie action movie that throws some punches in more than one way. It's gritty, it's real and it's on point! Kakra Nunoo-Brown as Assistant DA Kiara, a person with a past, knows how to throw some punches. And Emily Rose Hernandez as Valerie is stunningly beautiful firing a high powered assault rifle. It's hard to pull off an indie action movie and Bang Bang Betty does a great job at it. The camera work is great and the acting is believable but what really stood out to me was the music. The soundtrack is just great! Can't wait to check out Bang Bang Betty, Valerie's Revenge. If you like a female lead action movie and guns and explosion, Bang Bang Betty will not disappoint.

Summer with the Guys (2023)

The dancing is on point and the comedy is great too.

[9/10 · 13 May 2023]

Summer with the Guys is "Friday" meet "Magic Mike" with some "American Pie" mixed in and it does not disappoint. It is a raunchy little funny movie that keeps you laughing from the beginning to the end. It's about 4 college football players who lose their scholarships and resort to becoming strippers over the summer to make enough money to get back into school. It's sexy and entertaining. My favorite scene was the guys trying on the booty shorts! Hilarious! The dancing is on point and the comedy is great too. If you're looking to chill and laugh check out Summer with the Guys. It will not disappoint!

The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater (2020)

As charming as it sounds!

[8/10 · 5 May 2023]

The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater is just as charming as it sounds. Writer Lorrisa Julianus and Director C. J. Julianus did an amazing job with this sexy, wry comedic delight. I was surprised to see actors Molly Morgan (as Ashley) and Bonnie Morgan (as Mardee). Yes, they are sisters and you may remembering seeing them in Two and a Half Men or Rings respectively. Anyway, Molly and Bonnie are great in this action filled comedy but it is Lorrisa Julianus (as Ava) that really steals the show. She is brilliant in the role. If you are looking for a romantic action comedy The Misadventures of Mistress Manesater does not disappoint.

Just My Type (2022)

I highly recommend and give it two thumbs up!

[9/10 · 3 May 2023]

Just My Type is a fun and quirky indie film that is full of laughs from beginning to end. In fact, it's full of hysterical hijinks and surprising schtick and it is a mischievous comedy to say the least. It's not always easy to pull off a good romantic comedy in the indie world and the makers of this movie did a great job at it. There are a ton of characters and I just can't decide which I like the best but Jill Melody as Pat Walker is a delightful treat! If you are looking for a great romantic comedy, date night at home movie, then don't pass up Just My Type. I highly recommend and give it two thumbs up!

Haven (II) (2018)

No spoilers here! This ones too good to spoil it. A real Must See.

[8/10 · 23 April 2023]

What a great little indie flick with a lot of twists and turns that you won't always see coming! R. J. Maurer did a wonderful job telling this story as both the writer and director. Darren Lee Cupp and Cassandra Schoner who play Ethan and Rose are great in the leading roles. No spoilers but here is a little taste of the plot. Four years after a nuclear disaster, a father (Ethan) and daughter (Rose) are living a simple life in the woods. When a routine supply run goes awry, trouble soon finds it way back to them and their haven in the woods. I personally give this movie two thumbs up and highly recommend it.