Woodyanders A gaggle of sorority gals move into a rundown old house that turns out to be haunted by an evil force with the unnerving ability to tap into people's most shameful and nightmarish secrets. Director Henrique Couto, working from a compact and complex script by John Oak Dalton, relates the compelling story at a brisk pace, takes time to carefully develop the main characters so the viewer has a genuine emotional investment in their well being, makes excellent use of the titular creepy ramshackle abode, adroitly crafts a tense and spooky atmosphere, keeps the tone admirably dark and serious throughout, and even sprinkles in some tasty female nudity for tantalizing good measure. Moreover, it's nicely acted by an able and attractive cast, with especially praiseworthy contributions by Erin R. Ryan as the troubled and vulnerable Sherrie, Haley Madison as the sassy Melissa, Joni Durian as the sweet and sultry Alex, Brandi Baird as sarcastic geekette Kathryn, Mike Hilinski as wimpy nice guy Dave, and Eric Widing as obnoxious jerk Jim. Tara Clark cuts a suitably unnerving figure as a freaky naked ghost. Couto's crisp widescreen cinematography provides an impressive polished look, with neat use of titled camera angles and striking lighting. The shuddery score by Roland Thomas hits the spine-tingling spot. The diabolical way that the house uses people's fears and weaknesses against them gives this picture an extra unsettling edge. A solid scarefest.

Shawn Jones This a micro budget horror flick that delivers on all fronts. The low budget is used to it's advantage to provide a creepy nightmarish vibe. The cinematography is generally quite sharp, and when it fallers, it just adds to the mood. Is the acting rough at times? Sure, but that's part of its hook that lulls you in expecting cheap exploitation, and turning those expectations right on their ear. The lead actress is very strong, and I expect to see her more often in the future. Effects are used sparingly, but are all convincing. Also with noting is the over saturation of nudity in horrific situations to creep the audience out. There is gratuitous nudity off all kinds, but in the nightmarish situations it accents the scenes with a sense of taboo dread. The flick also knows not to wear out its welcome, and it's breezy running time lets the flick get in and out, taking care of the twists and scares efficiently and effectively, proof that the most interesting horror is coming from micro budget filmmakers.

autoelf I totally loved it. Henrique Couto hit this one out of the park. If you do not like independent films you have not seen this one. The only way I can imagine it better would to have seen it at the big screen. The acting was top notch. The actresses not only beautiful but extremely talented. I strongly require mend going out and picking up a copy.This Dayton based cast and crew can hold their own against Hollywood Blockbuster. I can only imagine what Couto could do with the massive major motion pitcher budget. I expect to see great things from Couto in the future. And the same from this awesome cast. Without giving any spoilers all I can say is this is a must see movie.

sgtshields In an average year easily I see over 100 films and some films will be incredible and others; others not so much. After venturing out this past weekend to watch the latest creation by director Henrique Couto I felt the need to write a review of the film. First off I need to mention that the entire budget for this film was less than what is thrown away at the end of lunch for the average craft services table. The previous statement will be explained shortly. Is this a handicap for mister Couto? Absolutely not. This is not the first film I have seen by Henrique, but it far and away the best. I could continue to write adding platitudes in an attempt to convince you the reader that this film deserves your attention, but that may or may not convince you so I will just say this. The feeling he creates in this film is more unsettling at times than many of the big budget film to come out of the Hollywood movie factories. The micro-budget forces him to look for ways to "get you" that does not rely on the special FX. He uses common household items and awkward timing to create his very successful scares.One change to Henrique's formula is enlisting an outside source to write the screenplay. Screenwriter John Oak Dalton created a twisted plot that was very enjoyable ride. After watching the film I am left to wonder if he had some childhood trauma he is not telling us about. I now feel the need to back and find other films he had his hand in to see if I can find an answer to this question. Erin R. Ryan is as always wonderful in the very creepy take on Sherrie and Haley Madison as Melissa was a better roll for her than when last I saw her and she ran with it. In the acting department there were in fact no weak points, but there was a certain "Gentleman" that stole the show. Those who saw the film know who I am talking about. Mr. Widing takes a bow. So as not to give away any plot points (I hate it when people do that) I will say that Eric was far and away the best part in a great film. I hate having to wait to see this film again till sometime later this year with its DVD release, but wait I will. This film just flat out fun to watch.