Friday, December 30, 2011

Devil's Crossing and Turning on the Devil: A Movie Review



*a screener of this film was provided by Left Films.

Director/writer: James Ryan Gary.

Cast: Michael Sharpe, Patrick G. Keenan, Jenny Gulley and Kevin L. Johnson.

Devil's Crossing is the first film from the very young director James Ryan Gary. Seriously, this guy looks twenty in his interviews. The film is a blend of the western and horror genres as zombies promise to take over the world. Devil's Crossing is similar to other films like the recent Cowboys and Zombies, Olivier Beguin's short film "Dead Bones" and Spencer Estabrooks' "Dead Walkers." All of these are great films including Gary's latest entry. This title will release in the United Kingdom January 30th and it is already available in North America; this reviewer would recommend the film to indie horror fans across the board.

The film begins with the character Shadrach played by Michael Sharpe. He is digging his umpteenth grave after 250 years working for the devil. Now, he is fed up. He turns on the devil. But his redemption is only partial as he shows some dishonourable traits. Killing unarmed men is no great feat. Shadrach then enters the small western town of Celestial and their is someone on his heels. Louise played by Patrick G. Keenan (Dark Remains) is a little closer to the devil than Shadrach and he has a message: "keep killing." Shadrach steels himself even in the face of an undead horde that promises a few bloody thrills.


And the film lies on the shoulders of actor Sharpe as the protagonist. Sharpe is great with the deadpan or sneer, but he could have tried a sly smile here or there. After all, Clint Eastwood would provide a half grin in Pale Rider or Unforgiven. A sneering smile shows control in a dangerous situation. As well, Louise as the antagonist shows even greater command in his role as he tries to entice Shadrach back to his old ways with the promise of pain. Actor Keenan looks best in devilish makeup barking at the camera. The minor characters are a little more flat with only the sheriff showing a second layer. His wife and child are now both undead and he must dispose of them via rifle round.

The undead are numerous and this leads the film into some trouble. Applying makeup to so many bodies would take an enormous make-up crew. So, unfortunately, the make-up effects are not always horrifying. Close-ups of certain zombies are well done. Those on the exterior or periphery are given less attention. As well, blood squibs are not used; instead, impacts are shown with the use of CGI. The impact is still affective, but squibs would have truly heightened the excitement in the many gunplay scenes of the film.

This leads the review into the positives. Alex Maudlin's musical selections are appropriate and they heighten the intensity of the film. If you have any doubts of the soundtrack, just listen to the trailer linked below. The night shots are also given the attention they deserve and the hues come in various colours to create an amusement park like setting. And the action through the latter half of the film keeps the visual sphere interesting and possibly even unsettling.

Devil's Crossing is a great addition to a combo' of genres that is not often given much attention, the western horror genre. Gary's first film shows potential and this reviewer wonders what he could deliver with a proper budget much like the Horror Chronicles "you can't help feeling that had this movie been given a larger budget it could truly be something special." Overall, this is a satisfying independent endeavour that mostly trail blazes through an apocalyptic and undead western universe to some great affect. After all, it is not called a "post-apocalyptic rock and roll ninja zombie western" for nuthin'.

Overall: 7 out of 10 (lots of interior shots, minors are uninspiring, central characters hold the film together, interesting combination of genres, lots of gunplay and action, good pacing and transitions, solid soundtrack).

Devil's Crossing reviewed at Horror Chronicles:

Devil's Crossing Reviewed at Horror Chronicles

Devil Crossing's fan page:

Devil's Crossing on Facebook

The most recent trailer for the film can be found here:

Devil's Crossing Trailer on 28DLA (United Kingdom)

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