Very well executed

Let's be realistic.

Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

One of those films, where the least said about the plot the better, so in an attempt to refrain from giving any spoilers I boil it down to one sentence. Julian (Mike Vogel) attempts to stop his best friend Terry (Danny Pino) from any making any rash choices after he follows his fiancée June (Brittany Murphy) rent a room at the River View hotel.Given the low IMDb ratings I didn't really expect much from this below-the-radar thriller. The movie itself is heavily influenced by two great directors. One of them is Alfred Hitchcock. The attempt at replicating the style of 50s and 60s thrillers is visibly apparent not only in the cinematographic style ripe with noir overhead shots, neons, stylisations and a need to push the suspense and tension ahead of action and cheap thrills. The whole movie itself if an old-fashioned hotel with a outdated bell-boy playing a key part in the build-up and story. Overflowing with a retro feel it becomes a stylish homage aimed at those who miss the good old days.On the other hand you can see the strong impact that Christopher Nolan has in updating the thriller genre and fully using the superior technical capabilities of modern film art to increase the mystery, growing tension and keep tabs on the plot. The whole story is expertly told in a non-linear fashion, where scenes from the past and present intermingle forcing you to logically put the pieces together (in a well-done mix-up of Innaritu storytelling and "Memento" type editing). Directed with swagger debutant Alex Merkin shows a lot of confidence and immense promise with the use of tools at his disposal.That said the movie does seem a tad overlong and given this was based on Merkin's short film it seems he essentially should have met somewhere in between at around 60-70 minutes. The movie tends to drag on incredibly as the script is pulled out in order to somehow reach a proper running time. The suspension drastically drops, although manages to get back on track with the final resolute bang of an ending. Basically a poster movie for the need to be able to be a bit shorter than the standard 90-120 minutes of the Hollywood 'full length feature'.Honestly the script itself is in the most part wildly predictable, as the movie is mostly pushed ahead thanks to its style, while not putting enough pressure on the story itself. The mismatch of the mediocre story and the overstretched plot almost derails the meticulous set-designed and claustrophobic noir feel to the movie.Acting creds are generally fine with Brad Greenquist as the Porter giving the best performance of the lot. All in all worth a watch and I could see Merkin making a name for himself given a script with actually can fill-up the required runtime.

As will appear in the October issue - alongside an interview with actor Brad Greenquist (the Porter)- of Twisted Dreams Magazine.Your Mistress Macabre LOVES a good Noir movie. The trouble is – in today's world of CGI and stunt driven over-the-top remakes and some just plain garbage that makes its way to the screen – it's next to impossible to find.But Across The Hall is proof positive that a good movie does not have to have theatrical release. In fact, I'm finding this more and more.Step aside, Hollywood…your glory days are long behind you, with the rubbish you're greenlighting. Say "Hello" to the future…Independently produced, filmed and distributed movies.A premier example of all the right stuff…Across The Hall.Wow…what a movie! Admittedly, the only reason I even watched this movie is because I'm a huge fan of the magnificently talented actor, Brad Greenquist (if you've read this terrible tome, cover-to- cover like good little ghouls, you've already read his fabulous interview with little old moi!) and like to show my support because I feel he is so underrated in Hollywood.Once again he stood out like a lightning bolt in a storm. The movie being so great anyway – that was just gravy.In what would be one of Brittany Murphy's last movie performances, at the risk of sounding crass and completely unfeeling (not the first time I've been accused) I have to say… "Brittany honey – what a way to go out!" Meet Terry (Danny Pino) a young man who's found out that his fiancée (Murphy) has checked into a hotel with another man for a little tryst.Consumed with rage and hurt, he decides to go kill them both. The only thing stopping him, so far, is his best friend Julian (Mike Vogel) whom he calls throughout the movie.So what? 'Sounds boring' you say, two guys talking on a cell phone throughout the movie? Well, let me tell you, it is much more complicated than that and at the risk of giving the entire movie away, I can't say any more.Let's just say that things are not what they seem and with the entrance of the creepy Porter (Greenquist) who endures disrespect from not only his lazy co-workers…but also the patrons that check in and seems to know far more than people wish to know about the rundown hotel he takes meticulous care of…this movie should make Noir history! Brad Greenquist adds a calm weirdness to this movie that will chill you. His mannerisms, his slow and methodical actions – let's just say that I'm not too sure I'd stay in a hotel if he was a porter, like in Across The Hall. Oh and that's a good thing – when you can creep me out! With a 1930's feel and a tense suspense that – by the time the movie is over – will have you exclaiming aloud (as I did) "NO WAY!" this is one movie not to be missed.The only negative thing I can say about this movie is that, at times, it's slow. But…you'll find that building the storyline so that it can all come crashing into place (and boy does it!) is a necessity.I give this movie a 9.5 out of a Twisted 10 and must add an, I NEED MORE, for one heck of a movie that this depraved diva of darkness, wishes they'd make more of.~Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc for Twisted Dreams Magazine

This was a very good movie. I put off renting it for a couple months because it looked like it would be stupid but I am glad I finally saw it. This is a clever and unique movie. The last couple movies that Brittany Murphy has been in were not what I would call great(not even good really), so I wasn't expecting much. She didn't really have a huge speaking role in the movie but she did a pretty good job. The other two actors did a great job. I love the fiancé. He quickly went from a blubbering, crazy guy who was losing his mind to a smart quick thinking genius who pulled of the ultimate revenge. Definitely gonna be on the top of my list of good suspense movies to recommend to people.

I loved this movie!!! I didn't think it was predictable at all! It had A LOT of twists which in my book made it a very good thriller!!The movie jumps back and forth in the story line, showing what happened at the beginning and then at the end and eventually connecting it altogether. By the end of the movie your on the edge of your seat! This movie really makes you think.You think you know what's going on in the story and then everything changes!I would definitely recommend seeing this if you are looking for a good psychological thriller! It's one of the best thrillers I've seen!!