SCARECROW REVIEW (MARSHALL DEMOCRAT-NEWS)

In the spirit of full disclosure, I must reveal that I consider the writer of this movie, Rick Suvalle,  a friend. I’ve reviewed a couple of his movies in the past, and felt I’d created a bit of awkwardness between us because I tried to be honest as I always do in my criticism. He claimed to appreciate my comments, and by that I mean the negatives I offered up about the films. From what I know of filmmaking most of my problems with those two movies had little to do with the writing. But still, I’m sure my comments stung a bit. For that I am sorry. Don’t worry, we’re still friends. However, I had assured him that instead of reviewing his most recent film, “Scarecrow”, I would merely offer some promotional comments and talk about it in terms of how it relates to my annual month long Horrorfest this year. He seemed nervous at just that prospect, but I insisted that I wouldn’t offer traditional film criticism. Then I watched the movie, and I really liked it. As I write this I still don’t know if this is going to be some sort of review, but I have to say, I really liked it.

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ROADKILL REVIEW (DREAD CENTRAL)

Even the most casual genre viewer knows anytime a group of young people hit the byways for a road trip, it’s going to end badly. And if the trip happens to be on the rural roads of a foreign land, you might as well pack body bags along with the beer, condoms and pot.

While the premise of the road trip gone horribly wrong is indeed an overused genre trope, fans shouldn’t let that stop them from checking out the Syfy Original Movie Roadkill, which airs this Saturday, April 23, 2011.

Directed by Johannes Roberts and written by Rick Suvalle, this incarnation of the road trip to hell introduces us to five young Americans who decide to hit the back roads of Ireland for a scenic weekend. They haven’t seen one another in a while, one of their clan has relocated to Dublin for career purposes, and the group sees it as a chance to reconnect before the grind of adult life begins in earnest. It may also provide an opportunity for estranged lovers to reunite.

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HONEYMOON FOR ONE REVIEW (NPR)

I was at the Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour for two weeks. Panels started early; they went all day. Networks talked to us through lunch; they talked to us about things I hope to never think about again; they promised that every high-concept, elevator-pitch project was really about the characters. I was left ice-cold by things that went over well with almost everyone else; I got excited about things that became running jokes. I heard from Harry Belafonte and Oprah Winfrey and Gloria Steinem and Paul McCartney and Davy Jones, and I shook hands with Jon Hamm and remained upright. (BOOYAH.)

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VIP REVIEW (ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY)

Pamela Anderson Lee lets costar Molly Culver nab the spotlight in the syndie hit’s second opener (written by Rick Suvalle). The “plot”? Culver’s Tasha was once brainwashed in a Siberian prison: She snaps into ruthless-killer mode with the trigger phrase “enter the red realm.” When Russian baddies arrive to turn Tasha on, so to speak, Val and pals must stop them. Think that’s funny? Check this: Val reads Open Toed Monthly magazine; Erik Estrada drops by; and Donny & Marie make a cameo. David E. Kelley will be lucky if Snoops is half this much fun. B+.

CEX AND THE SITY REVIEW (NYTHEATRE.COM)

Fans of HBO’s award-winning Sex and the City need not fear! The girls are back! Well, sort of. 4 Girls Productions’ Cex and the Sity is a hilarious parody of probably one of my all-time favorite television shows.

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