CLOSE CALLS (2018)

Written & Directed By: Richard Stringham 
Cinematography: Craig Wynn 
Editor: Tyler Hutchins 

Cast: Jordan Phipps, Greg Fallon, Carmen Patterson, Kristoff Waltermire, Star McAnn 


Morgan, a troubled, drug-addled teen, must deal with her crazy grandma and a psycho caller when her father leaves her home alone. As the calls keep coming in, a paranoid Morgan is forced to face some of her worst fears and inner demons when she believes everyone she knows is either plotting against her - or trying to kill her.

This film tries to give off a deeper vibe. As it is obviously indebted and inspired by 1980’s horror films while being set in modern day.

Though it feels like a film made by a teenager or older male horror aficianado trying to impress a young actress and ogle her and her body with his camera and building a film around her. While keeping her in the skimpiest of outfits throughout with shots entirely devoted to her midriff and ample chest. As this film seems devoted to ogling and objectifying her. Even as she is an unlikeable character bit comes off the most innocent by the end.

She is an asthmatic drug addict. Which then makes you wonder why her character dies drugs in the first place? It seems to make this film and scenario seem like a product of paranoia or to just be a rebellious teen.

As this film likes to introduce mystery and boy exactly solve it. Though does bring forth a more crime thriller type story in the middle.

The film is overtly longer than it needs to be with lingering shots for no reason other than trying to be atmospheric when it isn’t needed. So it is in obvious need of an editor. Often the movie is more sexual than it needs to be with a graphic sounding masturbation scene again for no reason (but hats off to the foley artist)

This seems like a film a teenager would make to impress his friends to watch what he was actually allowed to get away with, with an actress.

It plays like an expansive porno that skimps on the sex but offers titilation and offers plenty of plot. As it seeks to be a Giallo that also follows in It’s ambitions to be John waters influenced with plenty of different lighting gels used that changes itself or has a different action every few minutes when it can tell the audience is getting bored.

The movie stays stupid with really unlikeable characters. The only reason to keep watching is to see where it goes as it tries to surprise you every 20 minutes. Also depending on your attraction to the main star. As it gets more and more ridiculous as it goes along. As the film provides a few suspects and directions to allow for some supernatural elements. Tackle a murder plot conspiracy that comes from Nowhere. That has to be continuously explained.

This is the type of film you watch when under the influence but will probably get bored while watching.

The only real appeal of the film is to ogle at lead actress Jordan Phipps and that the director manages to achieve a certain mood and mystery throughout. Though doesn’t have a strong enough story for the audience to care by the end.

Grade: D