Poltergeist (2015)

Relatively green Gil Kenan directs this remake of the 1982 horror classic about a family accosted by angry spirits in their new home. This time the story is more contained, leaving out a sense of community and focusing entirely on the family. Minor tweaks to the original story are expected, but certain elements are retained such as the twisted tree outside the home and a creepy clown doll to serve as foreshadowing. The Heather O' Rourke look-a-like, Kennedi Clements does a decent job, but the real lead-in to the paranormal events belongs to the brother (Kyle Catlett). Despite some truly disturbing visuals in the latter half and Sam Rockwell delivering just the right amount of humor, the film lacks impact. Tight pacing never allows for frightening events to sink in too deeply and bad lighting choices add to its mediocrity. It's an enjoyable film, but hardly a lasting entry in the horror genre like the original.

3 battle scars out of 5

TRUST ME [2013]

Actor Clark Gregg writes & directs this black comedy/drama Trust Me which follows a down-in-the-dumps talent agent who's new client brings more trouble than she might actually be worth.  

Like a lesser version of Robert Altman's The Player, Gregg's film seems to fancy itself a noirish satirical view of the Hollywood biz.  Only it never pulls strong enough punches (which occasionally seem to be aimed in the wrong direction) and only comes off as mildly amusing at best.  Fortunately the acting is all top-notch and the dialogue is fresh enough to never becoming too boring, even when the film seems to teeter off towards the side into some questionable out-of-place weirdness.  

2½ butterflies out of 5