Perception

source: Perception

This felt like a drawn out soap opera episode (which makes sense since the main character's actor is on General Hospital). I cannot understand the praise in these other reviews, the plot was extremely ambiguous and I had no idea where it would lead to. Sure there were some steamy bedroom scenes that many women likely get a kick out of, but the acting was so bad. I only finished this film because of how laughable the characters' motivations were. The drawings that the child character (Hugo) conjured up didn't make sense to me. I also didn't understand how the spirit of Maggie manifested itself (if it did at all).

The movie is solid. As stated by another reviewer, the casting for the male lead negatively distracted me for the entire movie. The battle scene was simply not plausible or good. Meanwhile, Penn Badgley solidified a prototype for this type of character in You that same year.

This was a masterful piece of work that includes chair-gripping dialogue and breathtaking camera work. The psychological aspects of this film are layered and truly skilled. I am a tough critic when it comes to paranormal thrillers (if you can rope this movie into that genre), but the grit and elegance of this movie is remarkable. The dialogue is outstanding and really engaged me from the few frames to the very end. So well done. Thanks for the ride!

The poor acting sabotages an interesting idea. Period.

So...I am very confused as to why this movie got so many 10s. I didn't watch the trailer so I went into it with only reading the brief movie description. Didn't read any of the reviews prior to - just saw all of the 10s and was hopeful this would be a hidden gem. Nope. So I think this movie could have been much better if the male was role was casted to someone else. When he took off his shirt for the first time, I was like most girls, drooling. But that quickly fell apart as the movie progressed and his acting skills declined - oh and his hair unraveled. Seriously, I found myself distracted in so many scenes because of his haircut. Sounds vain, sure, but I'm just being honest. Especially during the first sex scene - bursted out laughing. I have a feeling I'm not the only viewer who did too. The final "struggle" was so overacted and contrived that I once again was laughing. I think the plot is great though and this movie has potential, just bad casting. I will give them kudos for the art and music - amazing!

Wes Ramsey has made a career of several somewhat T&A flicks, where he is usually the T&A. He has managed to do this effectively over the course of 15 years, passing very effectively from desirable athletic twink to desirable hunk. He is far and away the star of this film, being in 90% of the scenes and the center of the story. His acting seemed more natural to his characters as a younger man, and I think he has yet to find his chops as a mature character. In this movie, his hair, his crying, his overall affect, his voice, do not match his 40 years. He is still physically compelling to watch. Financing seems largely a product of the state of Kentucky, and the film joins one of many that have that state film board feel. This film has the overall feel of a passion project by a couple of friends on a small budget, but done very well for that. Co-writer Brian Smith appears from his photo to be 24ish. Ilana Rein appears to be a good friend. This seems to be their freshman effort, and it is a rather good one. The film has the polish of a much bigger production, but the writing and acting suffer from clearly being rushed. The writing and story are well crafted however. Lot's of planting and payoff. Reasonably good build of tension. In any event, an interesting film, worth the watch and a rewatch, especially worth it for any Wes fans. One of the writers clearly took the Chekov's gun lesson to heart, though not knowing the thing is a "gun" when it first appears kinda subverts the lesson. I do quite like the painting featured throughout the film.

Perception is a fascinating, thought-provoking psychological / paranormal thriller. The actors are good and the plot keeps you guessing until the very end. Musical score is good and supports the plot. I especially enjoyed the mysterious newcomer Jro. Hope to see him in more movies soon!

In a good way. Fun to watch and really well done. Took some turns that were surprising and made us think. We kept talking about it the next day which for me meant it was successful since sometimes when I watch movies I can forget about them almost before I leave the theater. More and more low budget independent films are allowed to be thoughtful and interesting and this was one of those.

Great photography, sound, sets, music and acting. This is a story that gets thrilling, and makes you wanna chew up all the popcorn you can make! Kept me thinking if there is going to be a "Perception 2" I don't want to spoil it, but I recommend it for those stay at home days and nights when you want thriller.