October Moon (2005)

Very disappointing...

Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

This film contains many of the elements so many 'wannabee' writers strive for. The suspense and horror infused with comedy and a slant of 'old school horror genre'. The story seems to surround the viewer with a credulous feel but only on purpose. This film carries a viewer through the darkness of obsession, whilst maintaining that excellent subtext of "love what one has for it could be gone in an instant". That precise combination is something so difficult that many writers only hope to have accomplish and achieve such a balance. The filmmakers intentionally obfuscate the viewer to immerse them in this journey, making this a very gripping story to watch unfold. The overall feel in the film from scene to scene is beautifully played out for the audience, and inherent to the very horrific ending. Watch this film with great pleasure. Do not listen to the mindless and vapid chimes of those who refuse to embrace a different journey. This is a film worthy of every moment and beautifully presented. It is deeply encouraging for those of us who strive to create such a journey in film and succeed in sharing it with the world. Our hats off to a brilliant story, superb actors and a flawless cinematic experience!

Not a bad movie considering how low their budget was.It was nice to actually see a gay couple who were monogamous(although they did have typical issues), and who planned to stay together forever except for the circumstances that tore them apart.The story with Elliot was predictable but still fun to watch.The characters were portrayed well especially since some of them haven't acted before.Some of them remind me of people I know or have known.The part I hated was the abuse Elliot took from his bloody mother.I was waiting for him to stand up for himself and explode at her.Also there was not a lot of mention of his father.I hope in the sequel his father is shown or talked about more. It would have been nice if the shot of the moon at the end was longer.At the end there was a mention of the killings and that something similar happened years earlier.That part didn't make a lot of sense and was too rushed.I wouldn't call this movie a suspense or horror but more of a drama or an off beat thriller.I did get a lot of laughs out of this movie.It may not be everyone's taste but I hope people give it a chance.I really like independent films and am looking forward to seeing the sequel called "November sun"

Contrary to what most other reviews have said, this movie breaks absolutely no new ground, nor features anything near a high-quality execution. An unrequited love turns an obsessive admirer violent? Give me a break. The mere fact that the love is homosexual is hardly enough to provide an adequate twist, or to persuade someone to lower his standards enough to accept this film as watchable. Horrible actors stumbling over pathetically groan-inducing lines, uninspired cinematography and editing, and an agonizing hour of useless exposition all contribute to make it an extremely tedious experience. A low budget is no excuse for a lack of talent. As a romantic drama it ranks below the worst standards of television, with its extremely trite and overwrought love-triangle concept, and as a tense thriller it falls flat on its face by creating absolutely no tension. It fails both in concept and execution, producing an all-out stinker.

Having myself seen my fair share of independent movies of both the gay a straight persuasion, I can honestly say that October Moon is definitely a shining example of honest story telling with fictional edge. Recently I saw the movie "Ice Men" and have to say it was pretty awful....definitely expected more considering director Thom Best (Ginger Snaps, Queer as Folk) has done better in the past. The characters were flat and predictable and the acting was at times reminiscent of "Showgirls". With October Moon, this was definitely not the case. I found the characters believable and the writing to be an honest portrayal of people in general. The movie has a wonderful flow and holds your attention from beginning to end. Collum has shown a great deal of personal development in writing style and direction from previous endeavors. Apparently his work with TEMPE and as assistant editor for Femme Fatale has matured his talent and craft. I definitely recommend this movie, its storytelling at its best.