Dead Still (2014)

Sick Product of a Sick System

One of my all time favorites.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

Not that I thought that Dead Still wouldn't work, in fact the concept was a good one and had the makings of a fun movie at least. It is however a concept that is not much new and there was the worry that Dead Still would do little with it. Actually Dead Still was better than anticipated, it is uneven and one does wish it did more with the concept but it is far from a waste of time. Starting with what was good with Dead Still is that it looks pretty good for a small budget movie, some of the camera work is a little too obvious on occasions but it actually flows and doesn't seem too jerky, and when it is the latter it doesn't feel over-used and actually adds to the scene. It won't win Best Photography any time soon but you shouldn't expect that, this is photography that looks like it was done with some professionalism. The make-up doesn't look too fake, the lighting is never too dark and the sets while not beautiful(though it's not the film for that) are hardly people's basement quality. The music has some eeriness without being too repetitive or predictable, and there is a decent degree of suspense once the movie gets going with some genuinely shocking moments and some extremely graphic and quite creepy death scenes. There are also three good performances, from Ben Browder, Gavin Casalegno and in particular Ray Wise. Browder has the most potentially identifiable role in the movie and brings dignity and gravitas to it, Casalegno's performance is enormously expressive and remarkably mostly with body language doing all the talking and Wise is deliciously evil as a character with no redeeming qualities and is clearly having a whale of a time.There is however some terrible supporting acting, especially from Eric Ruff who goes so overboard as the Professor that it's painful to watch and feels like it belongs in another movie altogether while Elle Lamont and Carrie Lazar are rather stiff, though nowhere ever near as bad as Ruff. But they are not helped by that all the characters are very one-dimensional with very little character arcs and next to no motivation, and that Dead Still's script is very weak with some stilted dialogue and conversations that don't lead to much. As aforementioned, you do wish they did much more with the storytelling, there are suspenseful moments and some very creepy scenes mainly in the second half but the story does suffer from trying to take on too much and not exploring its ideas enough, especially the entire mirror-world thing that was really underused here. You are constantly asking yourself why the characters are acting the way they are, Brandon's fight never resonates, the storyline with his son has little back-story or motivation and just seems and the movie never explains why the son is mute or why the prophesy is as it is. In conclusion, Dead Still a very uneven movie but at least there were glimpses of effort and that while there was wasted potential it never felt like you regretted watching it. 5/10 Bethany Cox

Suspenseful,scary,gore,fascinating are only a few words to describe this film! I had so much fun watching this movie! The characters are great! Costumes are wonderful and makeup and special effects are hauntingly delightful! The little girl who plays Lela is precious! I feel in love with her character! Most of all the story is intriguing and keeps you're attention! I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was next! Its on my DVR and I will be watching it again!! Thank you Booth Brothers for bringing us a very entertaining film! I hope you have other projects in the works because I for one am a fan! If your looking for a sitting on the edge of your seat kind of movie look no further!

I admit I watched for Ben Browder. I was very surprised that the film more story than effects driven. The effects and production values much better than I was expecting. Cast led by Ben Browder,Gavin Casalegno, and Ray Wise was also solid. Filmed in Louisiana and outside shots had great feel/look to them. The Booth Brothers used the visual effects well to enhance the story and create the world rather than take the place of the story. It was also nice to see a horror story that didn't involve a group of partying teens but rather a father and son who are both dealing with issues. Gavin Casalegno had to rely a lot on reacting and conveying his "dialogue" without speaking and he did it well. Ben Browder delivered as the dad with father issues of his own. Worth a watch for horror fans as well as there were some good creepies!

I have been a huge fan of the Booth Brothers and Their films from the first one I saw. Always beautifully filmed and great soundtrack as well.I would truly love to see what Chris and Phillip could do with a Hollywood size budget.I am always amazed at what they can make on an Indie film budget.I've always been a huge fan of Independent Film and the old school way of film making.Im not a big fan of CGI,though I do understand it now has a place in film.Deadstill for me was great because it took me back to my youth of going to good old horror movies.This film also had elements of Argento and Fulci.The movie has some truly creepy moments and just the right amount of gore.Th Booth Brothers also make the best Paranormal Docs I've ever seen.I highly recommend all of their films.Deadstill is a great way to spend the night kicking back with a good old fashioned horror film.