Simply Perfect

Great Film overall

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Full disclosure: The producer/director of Deadrise film is a friend.My wife and I saw the premiere of this film (then titled "Fitful") at the State Theater in Traverse City, Michigan. The cut at that time was much longer, with the puppy scene still intact, and a very different ending than the DVD version. It's my understanding the DVD release has a much stronger resolution.At the premiere, we left the theater impressed with the acting and cinematography, but somewhat confused by the story. The multiple layers of dreams left us wondering which scenes were actual experiences, and which were the result of spicy food. Some were obvious, others less so. The lack of visual or other clues to create a dream-state distinction make sorting it all out a bit challenging. Larry Joe Campbell's role as the creepy caretaker of a retired Car Ferry is exemplary. Who knew that such a comic genius could pull off a lovable but darkly mad character like Vigs? At one point, Larry asks a question about Renee's daughter which literally caused the entire theater to simultaneously gasp. Renee O'Connor's tip-toeing and peering around corners gets a bit repetitive, but her emotional expression is near flawless. The real star of the show is the ship itself, which is not a Hollywood set piece. It's an actual old steam ship that resides at a dock on the Great Lakes. The contrast of the ship's cavernous spaces, varnished wood paneled cabins, spooky companionways filled with shapeless shadows, and cramped mechanical compartments slick with oil and other dark liquids, combine to create a rich feeling of imprisonment and isolation. If you're seeking out the next big indie masterpiece, you probably should look elsewhere. If you simply want a clever story, beautifully filmed and sure to inspire conversation after the credits, give Deadrise a shot.

There are so many ways people may fritter away excess time. Watching trash television. Trimming ones toenails. Checking up on old rivals on FaceBook. Ridding their refrigerators of green, fuzzy, slimy things. Smoothing out and folding used pieces of tissue paper. Organizing ones music collection alphabetically (or by genre and then alphabetically). Please believe me when I tell you that all of these things are preferable to wasting even a moment of your life watching this movie.The storyline is non-existent. It isn't suspenseful – it is irritating. I spent most of the film waiting for a climax that never happened. The characters have no depth and no redeeming value. The wardrobe is dated and odd (I thought it was impossible to make Renee O'Connor look frumpy but it is apparently achievable). Overall the movie is aesthetically unappealing: poor camera work, halting timing, and terrible direction are at the core of the long list of problems.Deadrise is a case study in what a narcissist who isn't the slightest bit creative or talented may churn out given the time, space and finances to do so. If pumping out garbage like this is what the Michigan film incentive is enabling, then I say do away with it quickly.

Enjoyed the film. Nice job to the production crew who put all the money on the screen. Acting was well done. Fun film to watch.This is a Michigan Film which I always enjoy and the producer and director was able to utilize good Michigan background shots. The story takes us in circles, which is always good as we try and figure our the mystery of the film.I would recommend this film, even if you don't live in Michigan and want to enjoy the deja-vu. In summary, take a chance and spend time on this fun flix.

Although Rich Brauer can be considered a Michigan filmmaker, DEADRISE will appeal to anyone who likes mysteries, or those with a warped sense of humor. Paula goes through a series of odd events while she is trying to get some rest on-board an out-of-service transport ship, that she is inspecting for the Historic trust. Is Captain Vigs who he says he is? Is Paula really dreaming or is this reality? What is really going on here? These are the questions you'll ask yourself as you watch DEADRISE. Although some may compare this to INCEPTION or another Nolan directed film MOMENTO, it is an original, unique and strangely compelling movie experience. I don't recommend this movie for people who do not like eels or big, spooky ships.