Sewer Chewer

'A space satellite falls to earth and lands in a rural area, radiating the local wildlife into a mutant monster that has a large appetite for humans. An unnamed government agency sends a special agent out to dispose of the satellite and the mutant and any who know of it.'

James Hawley is one of many in a new trend of setting the bar for indie horror films. Like his peers Cory Udler (Incest Death Squad), Henry Weintraub (Melvin), and Stacy Davidson (Sweatshop) Hawley has created something that is bound for cult status.

The fist thing one will notice upon viewing Sewer Chewer is that the soundtrack itself is just as much a character as any of the actors. It took me a few minutes to grasp that concept, but once I did I could not imagine the film without it. Jack Acid, James' recording moniker, created the music and audio alongside John Manson (lead singer/guitarist of the Oklahoma City band Billie Joe Minghead) on the theremin.

The dark and gritty look of the film makes you feel like you are watching one of those video nasties from the 80's, copied again and again lost to all but VHS bootlegs stowed away in dark closets. Hawley even went so far as to have the film shot in full screen, once again sticking to the roots of indie cinema by avoiding popular trends.

Sewer Chewer features a cameo by Troma President and co-founder Lloyd Kaufman as Director 69, the head of the unnamed government agency trying to dispose of the alien satellite. Kaufman is a legend in the world of indie cinema, and one to be truly respected. Yet, his role in this film doesn't seem to fit. His acting is over the top and too Troma'esque in a movie that doesn't feel like a Troma film at all. It's apparent he's to be the comedic relief in a film almost devoid of humor. Perhaps if he had played the part as serious as the other actors his scenes might pull the film together. I felt as though Hawley had spliced together scenes from another film entirely. That being said, I do not feel like it ruined the film at all. Perhaps others will love the added humor, and appreciate Kaufman in all his Tromatic glory.

Working with a cast of virgins, Hawley's direction has truly come through. He has pulled great performances from actors whom have never graced the screen before. Notably, Dan Hoganson (drummer for the Oklahoma City band Captain Eyeball) as Agent 23 brings forth a sense of dedication that works off Kaufmans over acting.

The effects, created by Hawley, are gory and beyond what you see in most films released by major distributors and with four times the budget. I was just as enthralled with the creature itself, trying to figure out the inner workings and how it was made to move, as I was the entire film.

Sewer Chewer is one of the most original films I've had the pleasure of viewing in a long time. Going on such a limited budget, he has created something truly amazing.

Watch Out

Watch Out, released in 2008, was Steve Balderson's collaboration with Dr. Joseph Suglia to adapt the his novel of the same name.

'WATCH OUT is the story of Jonathan Barrows, a man who falls in love with himself, literally. He is attracted to his own body, carries out an erotic relationship with a blow-up doll that resembles him, and takes pleasure in rejecting the advances of his many admirers. He descends into a world of carnivorous priests and Prozac-popping Polish prostitutes and eventually assassinates the world's most popular pop-diva. You strange creatures, Barrows declares, you are nothing more to Me than a meal at the fast-food restaurant of life. But who will end up being devoured?'
-Amazon.com

I must say, the film blew me away. As I have yet to read the novel, I can not comment on how it compares. But, the film packed so much.

There was imagery that was absurd, perverse, confusing, and all around brilliant. There are scenes of male masturbation, violence, murder, sex, and other disturbances. All of which are indeed needed to convey the story.

So few films have touched on the God Complex, and none that I know of that showed it in this light. Focusing on the asexual power, over the power of persuasion or sexual powers over others. It was on such a higher level than just being conceited, but believing and existing as a God in ones own mind.

This was a film that could have never truly been made in the world of Hollywood. While there might have been directors who would have touched it, they would have never came out with the true end result.

While not an A List Actor, Matt Riddlehoover came forth with an A List performance. He was powerful, sexual, and real. There was never a moment where I didn't believe he was a God in his own world.

Being brought forth in acts, like a play, the story unfolded in a way that a contemporary film could/would not. You saw the boy become the man become the God that he was. The events unfolding in such a warped way one could not help but be enthralled.

While not a film for everyone, it truly is a piece of art. It's been called a cult film in the making, and I believe that's quite possible. There's an audience whom may see a piece of their self in Jonathan Barrows' character, admitting and accepting their own self love.

Watch Out is truly a piece of art and film history.

Opening

The Indie Revue is going to be my thoughts, ideas, interviews, and reviews of indie films. While everything I write will be based on my own opinion, there is always room for discussion.

If you are a film maker, director, actor, etc. and wish to have your filmed reviewed/discussed or if you have an upcoming project please get in contact with me. It would be my pleasure to work with you on this. Just let me know what you are thinking. Check my profile for ways to contact me.

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Thank you.
- Brandon Bennett