(2006/US)
REVIEW BY-STEVE GENIER DIRECTED BY-LANCE WEILER CAST-VINCE MOLA, JAMIL A.C.MANGAN, MARY MONAHAN, MERYL LYNN BROWN, BRANDEE SANDERS and JIM SULLIVAN. SOURCE-HERETIC FILMS DVD (NTSC REGION 1 / 84MINS / 2006)
Recent history is but a blur, set in bits and pieces and hampering George Walker’s better judgement. For he is on his way home, well at least what was a home to him at one point in his distant past. Staking claim to his deceased grandmother’s house which lay in abandonment. The recent victim of condemnation, George arrives and so does his nightmares of a hooded figure that creped behind in him lurking in his shadows. Falling and hitting his head, George’s life gets even worse as his visions and nightmares intensify.
Destined to clean the house up so it can be saved from the wrecking ball, not only do the secrets of the house slow him down, but so do the visions of a familiar terror. Though the days go by quicky, it is the nights that bring visions of horror to the George’s weary mind. A hooded figure killing his female victim over and over, never changing only becoming clearer and clearer. With the help of an unlikely source, George continues on, his march to better himself and the house he once called home. Only thing is, the nightmares and visions have a more detailed future for both.
Drenched in complete darkness, the atmosphere generated by HEAD TRAUMA and all it’s aspects are just the beginning of a traumatic torrent ride through a masterful vision directed by Lance Weiler (THE LAST BROADCAST). Vince Mola walking in George Walker’s shoes is one of the most extremely acted out roles I have witnessed in quite awhile. You feel the drained, washed out feeling that is painted not only in George’s face, but his total being. His beard a symbol of his travels in an almost lost like purgatory. His energy being sucked until there is nothing left but the bones. This is the performance staged by both the brilliant direction on Lance Weiler’s half and the acting ability of Mola.
The hollowed out presence of George coupled with the evil drenched feel and look of his grandmother’s house are the perfect ingredients for the right supernatural thriller of sorts. A stagnate storyline pacing just right, only stopping to give you a sense of nervousness much like the torture George’s character has to endure. Battered and beaten by his nightmare and visions, you truly get first hand involvement. You aren’t just a viewer, but a participant. You can actually relate HEAD TRAUMA to some of you most terrifying nightmares and fears. Folks, this is what a true horror film is all about.
The Heretic Films DVD releases also lives up to the main feature of HEAD TRAUMA. Chalked full of extras ranging from several interview with various cast members. Featurettes on everything from the special effects to the scouting of the house. Trailers, behind the music and even little mini comic book adaptation. Remember this is in addition to the main feature, presented in widescreen ratio, picture very clear. The audio is equally as clear. Yet another great offering from Heretic, who continue to pump out some of the greatest fringe or low budget offerings out there.
STORY/FILM-4/5 BITCH SLAPS PICTURE-4/5 BITCH SLAPS AUDIO-3.5/5 BITCH SLAPS EXTRAS-4.5/5 BITCH SLAPS OVERALL DVD-4/5 BITCH SLAPS Purchase This DVD At X-Ploited Cinema
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