Visitors Review

(2012-05-23 15:08)

OMG! A Creepy feeling overtakes you.....

You start watching, then it hits you, while sucking you in, that your seeing the most unusual, clever and inventive credits, I've ever seen. Loved that! So, now you want more....I saw Zzyzx before release, years ago, (know the writer). I don't usually like creepy, scary, bloody, out there movies, but gave it a chance, because I was asked to see it, just for opinion. What starts off as just a ride down an unusual desert road, becomes a series of events, that don't stop, people come, people go, just show up out of nowhere, all the while you are mesmerized, you now think all things become clearer, oh no, that's not it. The plot twists and turns, like a pretzel. Your still hanging in there, glued to the screen.....and you don't know who, what or why, but you can't stop watching.....! If you like movies, that keep you guessing, then up and show how wrong you are, you will like this one! As a matter of fact, you'll want to see it again, because maybe you think you missed something, but you didn't it was there all the time. Take that trip down Zzyzx Road, you'll enjoy the ride.I can't wait for his next screenplay.

(2012-05-23 00:56)

A Well-Made Independent Movie with Major, Original Plot Twists....

I rented this DVD with no prior knowledge of its story line, primarily due to Kenny Johnson's presence, and must admit that for the first ten minutes or so, thought I had made a major mistake. The opening scenes were jerky and confusing, typical of a low-budget flick, but everything changed the moment that the Candice (played by Robyn Cohen) character appears. She exudes a sweet, innocent, natural charm that is absolutely necessary for the incredible plot twists to work. Other reviewers have commented on the irony of the claustrophobic atmosphere within the RV compared to the huge, open desert in the background. This atmosphere is as dramatic and oppressive as any I have experienced in any movie, including many with huge budgets, and it adds immeasurably to the suspense and horror of the proceedings. You are constantly on the edge of your seat waiting for the worst to happen, and (without revealing too much) it does. Indeed, I was completely duped by the plot twist. It is perfectly set up and (to me) completely unpredictable, despite the small clues that are sprinkled throughout the first hour or so. You slowly become aware that something is not right....but are not quite sure what it is. This haunting uncertaintly is a key feature in making this an above-average viewing experience.Rent, buy, borrow or steal this DVD, and after viewing the movie, be sure to listen to the director's commentary version to get a really thorough overview of what you have just witnessed, how it was accomplished, and what you probably missed.This is an excellent low-budget movie. Although some scenes are reminiscent of other movies (i.e. stranded RV in "The Hills Have Eyes", etc.) overall it is a thoroughly shocking, entertaining, and worthwhile experience.

(2012-05-22 19:45)

A Trippy Low Budget Thriller

This review is from: Zzyzx (DVD) Made on a nine day shooting schedule, "Zzyzx" (also known as "Burned") is a genuinely creepy movie made on a low budget and with very limited sets and props (in fact most of it takes place in a claustrophobic trailer.) The film opens with a statement about the mystical properties of Zzyzx Road somewhere outside of Las Vegas, claiming that the FBI uncovered an evil pair of cultists there in 1965, but they escaped to never be heard from again. Action shifts to an immigrant family taking a break near the road and making a gruesome discovery in a bit of amateur archeology that isn't resolved until the end. At first I thought it was an unfocused and unnecessary plotpoint, but its resolution was handled very nicely by director Richard Halpern, who explains that action is secondary to character in this film. He's certainly correct, and that focus was a good decision on his part. While I don't want to give away the plot development, the main characters are introduced in short order. The chief antagonist is Lou (Kenny Johnson,) an Army vet with flashbacks to the war in Iraq. I found this tidbit of background unnecessary and annoyingly formulaic. Lou is the dominant partner in a pair of guys on their way to Vegas for a good time. His mousey sidekick, Ryan (Ryan Fox, who made me laugh out loud in the extras with his comment that "I'm like the Brad Pitt of Albania,") wears an annoying headset, and generally is Lou's punching bag. Through many puzzling turns of fate and poor planning, they hit a man with their car and kill him. They decide to put the body in the back seat under a blanket, and then realize that a woman, Candice (Robyn Cohen,) has seen them and is looking for a ride. They agree to give her a ride (!) back to her camper: clearly Lou doesn't want any witnesses, and Ryan is powerless to stand up for sensibility. When they get back to the camper Lou persuades everyone to do some shrooms, and fantasy and reality get quickly and seriously mangled. When Halpern said this was a character-driven film, he wasn't kidding: all three leads are excellent in their roles, and are responsible for the positive review. The plot has several twists that are skillfully executed (and I won't spoil them,) but this is all about three people in the desert playing mental and physical games with other. The film is violent and scary, and nothing goes as anyone plans. The conclusion ties everything together nicely, and the final twist is a brilliantly done. The film is not without its flaws. Some of the audio is of very poor quality (especially early in the film,) and the use of flashbacks gets trying after a while. I understand the centrality of Ryan's headphones to the plot, but this device also wears thin. Likewise there are some gaping plot holes (e.g. with all the cellphone chatter, maybe calling the police would have been a good idea, though for different people at different times.) Some of the dialogue in the trailer is ponderous, and gives a few moments of implausibility, though in general writer Art D'Alessandro did an outstanding job with the material."Zzyzx" has loads of special features for a DVD in this price range (my understanding is that the DVD titled "Burned" does not have these, though I have not seen that pressing myself.) The commentary with Halpern and D'Alessandro is entertaining and enlightening, and added to my appreciation of the film. There are also deleted scenes and cast interviews, which vary in quality. I didn't grasp why Johnson was interviewed in the setting they chose (you'll see what I mean,) but the interview of Fox came off well and was generally hilarious. "Zzyzx" is a very good low budget psychological thriller which is innovative from the very cool opening credits to the exceptionally twisted conclusion. If you can take the mental angst that the film dishes out (which is abundant,) this woefully unrecognized little slice of terror is a good choice.

(2012-05-22 05:21)

GRITTY AND EXCEPTIONALLY WELL DONE!

This review is from: BURNED (DVD) I love suspense/thriller movies and I was very impressed with this one. ZZYZX is beautifully done in all aspects and takes you on an exciting ride from start to finish. It is a very gritty film and the camera work and setting give you a very desolate and isolated feeling that enhances the great performances given by the actors. The mystique of the road itself and the background of the compound/Zillers are great starting points for this romp in the desert. You are quickly caught up in the action and the characters and never see the twists and turns coming. There is enough sex, drugs and music to keep the pace up and you wanting more. The character of Lou, portrayed wonderfully by Kenneth Johnson (Lem, The Shield), is very dark and unsettling. I found this movie very enjoyable to watch and would recommend everyone find a way to see it. It is truly great. My only regret is that I was unable to see it in a theater.

jakam (2012-05-20 04:01)

The Place is Real, FYI

ZZYZX is a sign you see in the middle of nowhere on I-15 between LosAngeles and Las Vegas- my wife and I were wondering how it ispronounced- Zissicks? Zissk?We always make the joke that north of Las Vegas is Area 51 and south ofLas Vegas is Area 52-60, culminating in ZZYZX. heh heh heh. Therealways appear to be suspicious little enclaves and compounds out inthis neck of the woods. And of course, China Lake and the Marine Basefor real.There is no more dessicated place than the Mojave Desert to choose as alocation for a thriller, and this is sounding like a great film and agreat locale.

Tammy Jackson (2012-05-19 19:57)

Engaging Piece of Work

When I watch a feature film, I want to be so involved with the plot andthe characters that, for an hour or so, I am fully immersed in thestory. I want to be entertained and engaged. "Burned" achieves that!From the opening sequence, I was hooked. Ultimately, that's the bestcompliment that I can give a film: my mind didn't wander off.Predictability bores me. I absolutely expect and demand somethingunforeseen in a film, and this one delivers nice plot twists. Theinteraction between Lou (Kenny Johnson: The Shield, Saving Grace) andCandice (Robyn Cohen: The Life Aquatic) is electric. The film score isexcellent. Overall, I couldn't ask for anything more in this genre offilm.

(2012-05-17 22:01)

A very well made independent thriller

This review is from: Zzyzx (DVD) The title may strike many as odd. Here's some background. If you drive to Las Vegas from Los Angeles, a trip of about 240 miles, you will probably take interstate 15. When you are about 98 miles from Las Vegas, you will see an exit sign for Zzyzx Road. As far as you can tell from the highway, Zzyzx Road simply crosses the highway and disappears into the desert on either side and eventually into the mountains. There are no visible businesses on the road; it just goes off into who knows what. (Actually, in one direction, it heads to a desert research center, but that's a long trip.) Now, about the movie...The film begins with a Mexican family that has stopped at the side of the highway to take a break from driving. Soon, it appears that the family has discovered a skeleton. The next thing we know, we are with Lou and Ryan, two guys on their way to Las Vegas who have apparently decided to see what lies on Zzyzx Road. (There is some mumbo-jumbo about a cult having been there at one point.) A man appears on the road, and the two hit and kill him accidentally. They put the body into the car and are about to make their escape when a woman appears wearing an "I [heart] Manny" T-shirt. Lou, demonstrating his sense of priorities, decides not to flee but to see what she wants because "She's hot."As it turns out, the woman (Robyn Cohen, The Life Aquatic, The Celestine Prophecy) is looking for her husband. Apparently, she and Manny, newlyweds from Las Vegas, decided to investigate Zzyzx, too, and now their motor home has broken down. At this point, the characters begin to act very strangely, making it clear that there is more going on here than meets the eye."Zzyzx" is a taut thriller with some intelligence. Only gradually does it reveal itself, sometimes through equivocal flashbacks, and the plot does not fully come together until the end of the film. I don't know that I'd call the ending a twist per se, but it is a satisfying resolution that ties up the questions that arise during the film without being obvious half an hour before the end. The actors do a solid job, and the direction is excellent. Really, it is unfortunate that film today relegates thoughtful scripts such as this one to the realm of independents films while studios remake or rip off films of the past. This is not to say that "Zzyzx" is the best film ever made, but it is far better than most of the big-budget junk and definitely worth a view. This is the type of film The Hills Have Eyes might have been if it had been directed by David Lynch.For parents: The film contains nudity, drug use, suggested violence, and simulated sex.

Bill357 (2012-05-17 05:05)

Too Twisted For Theaters? No, Too Boring For Human Consumption.

First of all, this movie looks like it was shot on a cell phone, cameraequipment courtesy of Nextel. Secondly, everything else sucked too.Zzyzx starts with some mumbo jumbo about a killer cult or something. Itmakes no sense and is quickly forgotten. Then there's a scene wheresome Mexicans urinate in the desert and uncover skeletons. All this haslittle to do with the rest of the movie and was probably inserted tohelp beef up the running time which is slightly less than eightyminutes even with this junk added.The main characters, Lou and Ryan are individually as stupid as allthree Stooges combined and Ryan appears to get progressively moreidiotic as the story unwinds. Near the end he begins to act as if he'smentally handicapped like the freaking Rain Man or something!Lou apparently was a soldier in Iraq and that's why he's crazy. What anoriginal concept (I'm being sarcastic dummies.) There's even flashbackfootage of him in what appears to be an Army costume bought from WalMart, complete with a big fake looking (not to mention outdated)plastic helmet. It's a good thing that we're fighting another war,otherwise hack filmmakers would be forced to come up with plausiblereasons for why their cinematic psychos do the things they do. (Thanksa lot war!)Riding through the desert on their way to the mythical Zzyzx, thegruesome twosome run some guy (Manny) over for no apparent reason.Afterwards these two rocket scientists see another person and reasonthat they'll have to eliminate her as well, so naturally they spend thewhole afternoon not killing her.Manny's wife is no Einstein either. She's apparently alone in thedesert so she does what any woman would do, gets in a car with twostrange men from out of state and takes them back to her RV forpsychedelic mushrooms and beer! Ulterior motives or not, I would adviseagainst it!The rest of the movie is mostly talking, tripping out, and a few prettylame revelations at the end not worth sticking around for.Among the mess are nonsensical scenes aping the one in A ClockworkOrange where Alex is being tested and reaches for a pair of breasts,only to get sick.Judging by this and an appearance by the Exorcist stairs, it appearsthat director Richard Halpern suffers from what I call "Tarintinodisorder" which is a sickness where a film director compulsively othermovies (or songs) with the delusion that by referencing something"cool" that it automatically makes them and their film cool also. Theonly known cure for Tarantino disorder are massive amounts of ridicule!

(2012-05-17 01:33)

Zzyzx is a great horror plot-twisted thriller!

This review is from: BURNED (Amazon Instant Video) I love suspense/thriller movies and I was very impressed with this one. ZZYZX is beautifully done in all aspects and takes you on an exciting ride from start to finish. It is a very gritty film and the camera work and setting give you a very desolate and isolated feeling that enhances the great performances given by the actors. The mystique of the road itself and the background of the compound/Zillers are great starting points for this romp in the desert. You are quickly caught up in the action and the characters and never see the twists and turns coming. There is enough sex, drugs and music to keep the pace up and you wanting more. The character of Lou, portrayed wonderfully by Kenneth Johnson (Lem, The Shield), is very dark and unsettling. I found this movie very enjoyable to watch and would recommend everyone find a way to see it. It is truly great. My only regret is that I was unable to see it in a theater. But for $1.99 download rental, what a steal!

(2012-05-16 08:21)

strange happenings along a deserted desert road...

Director Richard Halpern's Zzyzx (2006), is an offbeat adventure/mystery, where the tension slowly builds up to an unexpected violent conclusion. Buddies Lou (Kenny Johnson) and Ryan (Ryan Fox) are cruising down Zzyzx Road in the Mohave Desert, when they accidentally hit a man who runs in front of their car. Placing the body in the back seat, the pair head down the road, where they encounter a woman named Candice (Robyn Cohen). She is looking for her husband Manny (Kayo Zepeda), who it turns out is the man that the friends just killed. The two men take Candice back to her stranded mobile home. Mixing drugs with beer, things start to get a little weird. As Lou tries to figure a way out the situation, events take an unexpected and deadly turn. The omnipresent desert setting is almost like another character, in a screenplay that features just three major players. Circumstances may lead you in one direction, but several twists and turns along the way, help make Zzyzx a pretty effective and bloody little thriller. What happens may not be very plausible, as things seem to fall together way too smoothly, as the trio quickly gets pretty cozy. The performances are quirky and offbeat, often with a feeling of improvisation. Ryan Fox is frenetic and weird, and Robyn Cohen stands out for the range and intensity of her performance. The escalation of violence is a shock, though the finish is somewhat weak. The DVD has decent set of extras, including a commentary track with director Richard Halpern and writer Art D'Alessandro, which has lots of information about this bizarre, low budget, indie production.

ejwells-2 (2012-05-11 22:00)

Best Indie Film I've Seen In A Decade...or Two...Or Three

Zzyzx is, simply put, possibly the best independent film I've seen in along long time. Period. By any standards, it's a great film. It's wellwritten, well acted, and (especially considering it's budgetconstraints) well directed. Do yourself a favor, and put this one inyour NetFlix queue, and then spread the word. It's the fact thatoccasional films that are this electric get MADE that keeps me scouringthe shelves of video stores, and reading independent film reviewsonline. In a world where The Blair Witch Project becomes a multimillion dollar maker, it's a criminal shame that this gem has stayedunder the radar for so long. Help bring it up where it belongs. Supportindependent film!

(2012-05-11 06:21)

Here we go again!

Another CRAP TRAP! I bought this DVD because it received good ratings from numerous Amazon customers. Thanks again people...I thought it was poorly made, unintelligent, NOT SCARY, NOT creepy, and very drawn out. Based on the reviews you'd think you're getting into a horror/psychological thriller. NOPE, just a shaky film with little to no gore, and a bunch of nonsense. What a waste of my time.

(2012-05-10 17:00)

It will mess with your mind!

I saw this film at a festival and was totally blown away. I'm a big fan of Kenny Johnson from the TV show The Shield so I was very curious to see him in an actual movie. The movie was totally unpredictable, I was not sure where it was heading, but I was sucked in from the very beginning. It spooked the crap out of me! I like movies that have surprises and this one so did. Kenny was awesome, he plays this cool but kinda crazy guy whose taking this sorta nerdy Ryan character to Las Vegas. They stop off on Zzzyzxs road and stuff happens out there that I don't want to say cause it would spoil it. Trust me, don't read any comments that have spoilers. You'll really like the twists if you don't know their coming. When the ending came up I was totally floored and wanted to watch it again right away. I was there with a friend who is a big fan of Quentin Tarantino films and he loved it too. I'm so glad that this is finally coming out on DVD! I hope it'll have some good extras. I highly recommend this film, if you go out and rent it...you'll probably want to own it at some point!

(2012-05-09 21:54)

Low budget psychodrama

This review is from: BURNED (Amazon Instant Video) This is a good low budget psychodrama. A couple of guys driving to Las Vegas take a detour and run over a man on a dirt road. They meet up with the man'swife and the games begin. This film has quite a few twists and turns in the plot line. Very well acted by the three leads. This is a pretty good film for theVOD rental price.

(2012-05-07 09:37)

Lacks engagement in this low budget flick

This did nothing for me. The low budget photography did not add a rawness to it. Just distracted. I wasn't scared, concerned, engaged at all with the characters and plot. I too would be wary of all the praise for this flick. Apparently it doesn't take much for people to give this 4 or 5 stars to a movie.

(2012-05-06 11:15)

Just What I Want

This review is from: BURNED (Amazon Instant Video) I noticed that several reviewers mentioned budgetary constraints with this film, but I have to tell you, there was nothing "low budget" in my viewing experience. My mind was fully engaged, and I was, quite simply, entertained. That's exactly what I want in an independent film! I want to be so involved with the plot and the characters that nothing else registers. In that sense, this film is a success. The cast is small, and that's a good thing - when your cast is excellent. I was particularly impressed with Lou (Kenny Johnson, The Shield, Saving Grace); I loved hating him. I was equally drawn to Candice (Robyn Cohen, The Life Aquatic); she evoked a multitude of emotions in me. I like that in a lead character! The opening credit sequence is one of the best that I have seen; it captured my attention right away. The screenplay has some nice plot twists. Again, that's just what I want! There is nothing so frustrating as a predictable, boring plot. I absolutely expect and demand at least one or two WTH? moments in a film, and this one delivers. In addition, the film score is certainly worthy of mention. It added to the thrilling "feel" of the film from the first second until the last. Overall, I couldn't ask for anything more in this genre of independent film. I was able to immerse myself in it. Ultimately, that's what makes it worth my time, in my opinion. I will be anxiously awaiting the next feature film from this director/producer/screenwriter.

hackband (2012-04-30 08:10)

Glad to see the director liked his own movie!

Special thanks to Richard Halpern for that stellar review above! I don't know what the "legend" of zzyzx road had to do with this movieat all. The "legend" was mentioned at the beginning of the movie, viatitles. That's it. Don't see what it had to do with the story.Supernatural elements? Where? Maybe I slept through that part. Infairness, I sleep at some point during most movies.Check it out, though, if you're a fan of Kenny (The Shield). You coulddo worse at the video store. Hope it gets distribution!I'll give it a 5 for Kenny's (and that girl's) acting.

bernie-122 (2012-04-29 18:54)

Not Bad

As a connoisseur of twisted films, I was looking forward to this one.While I can't say it disappointed, I was frustrated through parts ofit.My worst criticism would be that the legend was prominently mentionedat the beginning, but never again. Nothing supernatural reared its headnor did it need to. Nevertheless, an air of expectation was created,but never satisfied.And why were the Mexicans so determined to crack open the wooden leg?As if they knew there was something inside.And finally, why did the car have Alberta plates on it? No mention ofCanada anywhere else.Those are minor things, though. If you like twisted films, you'll likethis one.

loo (2012-04-29 04:56)

Zzyzx....a wicked awesome film

Zzyzx is a wicked and wild, captivating film filled with moments whenthe viewer may not know if there is another breath coming. Anyone whois used to seeing Kenny Johnson (The Shield) as Lemansky, will be blownaway by Lou! His performance is so gritty and raw, he puts Brad Pitt'scharacter Early Grace (Kalifornia) to shame. Every aspect of this filmwas creepy, spooky and oddly terrifying. My skin reacted like it mightwhen hearing nails on a chalkboard.... only, no noise made it happen!Zzyzx was well cast as Ryan Fox and Robyn Cohen were great as well.From "The Life Aquatic" to Zzyzx? Well, you just never know what liesbehind someone's eyes. What a ride!Richard Halpern's got a hit on this one. I can't wait to find out whatothers have to say about it, and to see what he's doing next! GoRichard!

thesageps (2012-04-28 07:47)

ZZyZx

This movie has a gritty feel to it. It is a lot like These Hills HaveEyes and The Blair Witch. The movies camera work is shaky in someplaces lending itself to The Blair Witch. The back story on the websiteis awesome and plays in nicely with the movie. The movie has starpowers and is awesome for an Independent film. Any fan of Lem from TheShield should definitely see this film. The acting is great, thedirection is awesome, the only drawback that kept me from giving this a10 out of 10 was the camera work. It was a bit too shaky for me. KennyJohnson plays a wonderful role of a solider that just returned fromIraq. This film shows he is capable of being the lead actor and makingthe film be convince able.