Much of the movies we see are made by big budget companies that steer the entertainment business world with their films that are marketed on the television, newspapers, and internet. Independent films are made with low budgets and pure acting ability. Big money movies don’t depend on acting ability due to their pyrotechnics and special effects that mask the requirement for a truly good film. It’s bad enough that movie theaters are in their 3rd year of consecutive declining attendance. Most movie goers complain of uncomfortable seats, distractions of other patrons, and expensive tickets and refreshments. Independent films are usually where actors/actresses get their start and are usually better in content. The independent movie Siren was made with the intent of presenting the public with truly good film attributes and acting ability. I truly wish that more movies like it will be made for us to see. I really liked the way the storyline with comic and dramatic elements brought this great film together.
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This "Siren" movie is the reason why indie movies gets a bad rep. It's poorly acted, dismal production value, shot horribly, and no sense of screen direction. This movie should never make any shelves whatsoever, perhaps only the shelf of the wanna-be filmmaker who made it.
I'm an advocate of indie movies and it's unfortunate that there are too many "indie filmmakers" out there and the majority that lack the focus and talent. SIREN is the prime example of this badly produced product who are desparate and invade the offices of distribs that otherwise would give the opportunity and time to those who deserve it.
To the makers of SIREN congrats on your attempt, now hopefully you'll learned from your mistakes. In the meantime, go watch some movies or read.
I hate to say it, but I agree completely with Pat on this. Sometimes small Indie Pics work, and sometimes they turn out like a bloated high school production. Unfortunately, 'Siren' falls in the latter category.
Although I am glad Wilma Deering still looks pretty good.
You speak as though you have watched the film before. I don't know about you but I have to see a movie before I can attempt to write a review or comment on it. Siren was a very good movie and has alot of elements that most films (mainstream or Indie) do not.
More and more Independent films are making their way into the mainstream thanks to more meaningful film making that provokes thought on major issues in society. Not to mention more critical audiences craving good quality films, not just shoot ‘em up no thought, action packed, and mind numbing pyrotechnics. Directors like Spielberg have always done his own thing and been pretty successful as a result. It’s every film makers dream so to speak.
I watched the trailer and wasn't all that impressed to be honest. Naturally I'd have to see it in order to comment more on it. For all I know it's better than Turkish Star Trek.
Some of the themes covered in the movie reminded me of Indie style British comedy I saw called Secret Society: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0217788/
What makes a film? The critic or the cast/production staff?
January 31 2006, 1:03 AM
What makes a film good? Is it the acting? The action? The music? Or the comic elements? I saw a movie that had all of the aforementioned elements.
Siren is an independent film that portrays Storm as a relentlessly pursuing her dream as a rock star. There are a lot of really great scenes and essential ingredients which make this film one of the best independent films I have ever seen. A recent feature article in the L.A. Times tells how Michele Fiore-Kaime doesn’t give up on her dreams in real life too! http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/cl-et-indie25jan25,2,6293613.story
Michele is a truly inspiring lady in that she never gives up and is multitalented. She stars, created the story, and helped direct Siren. Where the story is funny, it is very funny. Where it is dramatic, it is very dramatic. And where it rocks with music, it really rocks! This movie is sure to start a craze all over the country as it has in several cities so far. The battle of the bands idea of this film has taken off in real life as a competition.
I encourage all to at least click the link which takes you to the website to read more and view a trailer clip. Enjoy and follow your dreams!!!
Re: What makes a film? The critic or the cast/production staff?
January 31 2006, 1:47 AM
What makes movies good? Ouch. Arguing about flicks is tantamount to discussing politics, religion, or music. For the most part, that is, its pretty subjective (Hence, why Thanksgiving conversation tends to get heated at my relatives' place every November).
What makes a good movie? Anyone own the soundtrack to 'Say Anything'? I do. (don't you judge me!) I like Cameron Crowe soundtracks, they are all pretty good - nice and eclectic, but I digress. I don't have my CD of 'Say Anything' any longer, a buddy of mine borrowed it in '89, I don't think I am getting it back.
However, Mr. Crowe expounded his thoughts about the movies in general within the rather long liner notes on the disc. He spoke of 5 rules a filmmkaer should live by (for the life of me, I can't remember the last 4), the only one I clearly remember was, "Never make a movie about something you can easily see on television." Indeed. THAT should be pasted on every friggin' Hollywood Exec's office.
Why did these movies tank?
If I want to see 'Siren', I can just as easily see 'American Idol';
If I want to see 'Alone in the Dark'; I can watch some crap on the Sci Fi network;
If I want to see Annapolis; I can see old reruns of 'An Officer and a Gentleman';
With remakes and parodies engulfing the mainstream nowadays, only originality will truly be recognized. THAT above all else (and that includes - a big budget, stars, etc) makes for a good movie.
Re: What makes a film? The critic or the cast/production staff?
January 31 2006, 5:50 AM
A movie's merit is measured in logic in my book. In most movies the 'world' that the story exists is set in the beginning. Most are set in a reality like world others in outlandish 'Galaxies far far away'. If what I'm seeing makes sense and has got me at least mildly interested in the plot I will like it. A prime example of a movie moment that didn't make sense recently is in King Kong. During the end dieing scene when Naomi Watts (so freakin hot) is climbing up all those stairs and ladders to meet her beloved monkey she does not once stop to take off her high heel shoes. It may seem nit picky but I don't give a crap, it doesn't make sense I'm sure if you had a woman in a get up like that and you told her to climb as many different ladders/stairs that she had to the first thing she would do is take off her damn shoes. That lost me, (actually there were like 10 things at the end of that movie that lost me but o well) once I was pulled out of the story I couldn't just hop back in and think nothing of it. Then it became a game to find out other things, The army blowing up New York willy nilly, The ape stopping to do belly flops on ice when he's being chased around a myriad or things just lining up to say "What!?! Why is he? What the hell?". So for me if a director stops to take the time and make the movie believable and logical in whatever realm it's supposed to be in, it allows me to focus on the plot which doesn't have to be rocket science in order for me to like it (Even though I like Rocket Science allot)
P.S. I know his original question was just and add for that damn movie Siren but I thought "Hey MD did it why not me?" right guys? Right?...
Re: What makes a film? The critic or the cast/production staff?
January 31 2006, 2:52 PM
I'm just gonna put my own 2 cents in on the 'King Kong' thing as well.
1. After watching all of the stuff regarding 9/11, I know it takes roughly 60 seconds (after exhaustion sets in) to climb a story of skycraper stairs. Ms. Watts in high heels, would have had to started climbing somewhere around the middle of skull island.
2. It's not windy on the top of the Empire State Building? Apparently, it's just a little breezy.
3. Jack Black isn't in shackles at the end of the movie?
4. There is NO WAY that Kong could have been supported by the frozen ice in Central Park
5. It takes a fleet of machine-gun toting planes to bring him down, but only a bottle of chloroform hurdled by Jack Black.
