DwainLeland I'm sorry, but I have to give this movie two thumbs way, way down. I disagree with the other reviewers on most every point they make. The acting was quite poor, the pacing was slow, and the plot was nonexistent. Though the cinematography was good at points, and a valiant attempt was made at a nostalgic film-noir feel, it just fell too short to even be appreciated for any type of novelty or experimental quality.SPOILER If you invest the two hours you will need to finish this film, you will be sorely disappointed and never be satisfied with any answers as to who these people are, why you should care about any of them, why they are in the situation they are in (although you might have enough clues to form a theory), and why they behave as they do. David Lynch is famous for having many of these qualities in his films, and I love his work, however he is a master at atmosphere and psychology, both of which this film tries to achieve but miserably fails to reach.The sole standout performance, and perhaps the only anchor that may pretend to hold the film down is Evalena Marie as Rocki. All the other actors grate on the nerves and treat the script and each other as if they haven't even yet graduated from community theater. Just terrible.One final point: The other four reviews for this film are so suspiciously positive and glowing in their surveys that I question their authenticity and wonder whether these are folks that either worked on the film or invested in its production. It just feels too smarmy and inauthentic. My aim here is to add a dose of realism to the profile for this film and take it down a few pegs to the low status at which it belongs (save Ms. Marie's performance).In short, do not waste your time on this film - life is too short for this kind of low-quality drivel. I, for one, would like this two hours of my life back, please.DL

Woodyanders A twisted and mysterious family are unable to leave their home for some unknown reason. When they decide to turn their captivity into a sick and violent game, it challenges their very reality and puts all of their lives in great jeopardy. Director Richard Griffin, working from a subtle and original script by Guy Benoit, relates the morbidly fascinating story at a stately pace, maintains a dark serious tone throughout, and does a bang-up job of creating a quietly spooky and unsettling atmosphere. Better still, Griffin and Benoit adroitly explore the most grim, scary, and disturbing kind of horror in existence: The horror of the human mind, with a specific chilling emphasis on its capacity for extreme cruelty and madness. The top-notch acting by the first-rate cast keeps the picture on track: The always dependable Debbie Rochon dominates the proceedings with her stand-out portrayal of stern and domineering matriarch the Governess, Sarah Nicklin projects a disarmingly sweet appeal as child-like innocent Laura, and Michael Reed delivers a sound and engaging performance as charming and handsome boarder Chris, plus there are fine contributions from Michael Thurber as the snide butler, Evalena Marie as the brash and sexy Rocki, and Rich Tretheway as gentle oaf Lance. Gorgeously shot in stark noirish black and white by Ken Willinger, with a delicately eerie score, several startling moments of sudden savage violence, and a haunting final image, it's one to relish.

Izlahainia Richard Griffin's best. Writer Guy Beniot hit a home run with a very haunting script. I really hope griffin will stay with this style of movie.Amazing cast. Evelena Marie is mesmerizing. The usual griffin cast backs her up to the hilt. Sarah Nicklin, Michael reed, Michael Thurber and the rest of the cast can be proud.I would encourage anyone that enjoys horror to check this flick out. It's a low budget movie without a low budget feel. Guy Benoit is a writer to watch. in the future. And Evelena Marie is the actress to watch!

tcoll32 Every once and a while you get someone who takes a chance and does something different with a genre that is either out of favor or is just plain tired. Exhumed is a great example of the use of minimalistic sets and scenery but it gets the maximum value from them. Almost the entire film is shot in this big creepy house. The house is populated by a truly diverse cast of characters each bringing their own subtle and sometimes not so subtle nuances to the story. The film revolves around the extremely weird dynamic of the residents of this particular house. Starting with the Butler and the Governess played to the nines by Debbie Rochon and Michael Thurber. For me this was my first experience getting to see Michael work on such a substantial character and I have to say that he and Debbie are the anchor that keeps the story in place. The rest of the cast is played brilliantly by Sarah Nicklin as Laura a somewhat off kilter person that isn't necessarily grounded in reality. Next is Evalena Marie who plays Rocki, who is a little rebellious, uninhibited and is the boundless energy of the group. Next is Richard Tretheway as Lance who may have been something else at one time but is now just burned out on life. Finally the group is rounded off by Michael Reed as Chris, a college kid renting the room to get off campus. His character is the most normal of the group and he hits it off with Laura, who is smitten with him. This puts him in direct conflict with the Governess who has a love/hate relationship with Laura. As the film progresses the group falls deeper and deeper into darkness. This film is a treat to see as it was a beautiful character study and at the same time so compelling. For Michael and Sarah it was probably my favorite performances of both actors and it also introduced me to Evalena's skills. One of the best parts of the film is that it is shot entirely in black and white and I can not emphasize enough on how great this sets the mood of the entire film. This is something other film makers would be advised to take a look at since this can take and change the tone of your film instantly. Well shot and again an excellent directing job by Richard Griffin along with Guy Benoit's top notch script this film is worth seeing in the theater if you are lucky enough to get to a screening or at least definitely worth buying when it comes out on DVD.