Lewis (segment from Psycho Street) (2011)

Lewis (2011) Dir. by Anthony G. Sumner

IT’S LITTLE AUBREY’S 8th BIRTHDAY AND SHE IS GOING TO THE COUNTRYSIDE TO CELEBRATE WITH HER MOTHER- ONLY THIS YEAR AUBREY HAS INVITED HER IMAGINARY FRIEND LEWIS AND WHEN LEWIS COMES TO A PARTY ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE!

As a few of you may remember, I reviewed a movie called "Hypochondriac", directed by Pete Jacelone, a while back. That movie was a segment in a anthology film called "Psycho Street". Fast forward to now, where I finally have my hands on a second film from that film, Lewis. Through the past year or so, I have worked with many of the people involved in these films, so I have become accustomed to the fact that they are nine times out of ten, sick and deranged, but like a deer in the headlights I just can't look away. Sumner hits the hail on the head with a story partially derived from the sick mind of Marv Blauvelt, Anthony G. Sumner, and Trevor Wright.





The casting for Lewis is amazing. It is such a gathering of the most talented people I have ever seen on the little screen. I didn't know that Anthony could get such a diverse group of people in one film. We start the film of with the lovely, and amazing Deneen Melody (yes, the girl that is in my film Crestfallen) and this is actually the first time I have seen her in such a big role. At least, in a movie of this length. She does an amazing job as Amanda, a mother of one driven from her home by her cheating husband. On to the cheating husband, played by Marv Blauvelt. Now Marv is known for playing some physically diverse roles, from the doctor in Hypochondriac to the very silent Tiny in Slices of Life. That being said, I do have to say that this one takes the cake. I really don't want to ruin anything by telling you what he looks like, but it is AWESOME! Move on to the mistress, played by that dirty little tramp (kidding) Kelsey Zukowski. Without giving anything else about the film away with casting I will go on to some of my favorites, but not in great detail.





One of my favorite independent actors in the last few years is Jerry Murdock. It doesn't matter what character he is playing, he always plays it with such intensity, and he does it again in this one playing a questionably trustworthy man of the cloth. Accompanying him is the always, and I mean always awesome Susan Adriensen. She never holds back on the theatrics and plays her roles with heart, even if the characters are ridiculous. She seems to love what she does. Michael (I'm a hippie with a beard) Partipilo is in there, even if it is briefly, and playing a different role than I have seen him in before. He isn't even threatening at all! Nikki Watson and Michael Watson have a nice little cameo. Jason Hignite has a bloody cameo along with a creepy performance from another Muscle Wolf Production guy, Nick Morano. I saved the best for last. Taylor Metzger! My favorite little girl on the face of the planet! You can also see her and her amazing acting ability in my film Crestfallen. She is so awesome, and this was such a large role for her. Creepy when she needed to be, and had a lot of chemistry with her imaginary co-start Lewis!



As for the film itself, At first I loved it, then I was insanely confused, then I ended with rather positive thoughts about it. Taking in to consideration that this a short, I really feel like Sumner might have tried to pack a feature length film in to a short. I don't necessarily mean that in a bad way, but it can make things a little difficult at times. Some characters are very quick and disposable, so no time for character development. Some of them didn't really need it, but they didn't feel needed. There were times during the film where I felt like I was watching a porn. Not necessarily a bad thing either, but really really weird sex scenes. It wasn't anything that was so over the top that I couldn't watch it again, like with A Serbian Film, but the images will definitely stick with me for a few days. Particularly Susan dressed as a nun, riding a creepy dude in the forest, while doing some really weird things.





From the moment the movie started, I knew I was going to like it. It had this seventies horror film vibe going to it. Partially due to an amazingly dated score from Gene Hodsdon, and also from the general look of the film. It really feels like a throwback to the cult films of the 70's, only with the disgusting stuff of our generation. With a really creepy feel to the movie overall, and a well developed script and characters, Lewis was s blast to watch. I'm pretty sure that there will be a bit of a backlash from the religious community, but well worth it, haha. I'm going to give this film a few more watches over the next couple days, and see how it gets from there, but my overall first opinion is memorable, thought provoking, and creepy. I really enjoyed it.

Entertainment Value: 8 out of 10 invisible friends
Cinematic Value: 8 out of 10 invisible friends

Check out the promotional site here: www.myfriendlewis.com