5 Souls

Sorry, this is just a waste of time
This film does not have poor production values, the acting isn't bad, and it's not made in someone's back yard with a shakey-cam, but it's just not a good film. The concept is murky, the film is confusing and it just doesn't reach out & grab you or fill you full of dread...it's just rather dull and flat. A man has gone to get vaccinations prior to going to Africa on his honeymoon, has a serious reaction & ends up in the hospital. He is visited by some guy holding a rosary that claims he is some kind of entity, a fallen angel, if you like, and the man is asked to prove himself by killing 5 people. It turns out the man happens to be an architect & he & his fiancee were involved in some shady dealings that caused a building to collapse. There is an ex-cop on the trail of the contractor these people worked for because his young daughter died in the building collapse. How does this all fit together, you may ask? I was asking myself the same thing. The answer is, not very well. Do...

I'M FREE TO ROAM IN A PRISON OF DARKNESS
This is an odd film that is an existential mystery. Noah (Ian Bohen) finds himself in a coma talking to the angel of death (Steven Schub). He cuts a deal. He lives if he kills 5 people. This aspect reminded me a little of the film "Subliminal."

In a subplot Sam (Steve Bacic) and Sara (Allison McAtee) are investigating a collapsed building. The two subplots tie together about an hour into the film.

This is one of those films that is well made for the genre. It kept me interested, yet frustrated at the lack of clues. The ending was interesting but was a bit preachy. It is more of an experimental indie style film that is not for everyone. Don't expect a major league horror film as depicted on the cover.

Parental Guide: F-bomb, sex, brief rear nudity (Kristina Anapau). Allison McAtee- bra/panties/side breast.

Disappointing horror film
5 SOULS tries to be a slick and original horror film, but it simply has too many flaws that it can't overcome. The result is a convoluted tale that leaves the viewer wanting more.

I really wanted to enjoy this film. The premise sounds solid and director Brett Donowho has another film out there that looks really good (A HAUNTING AT SILVER FALLS) as well. But it can't overcome its problems. As the credits rolled, I actually felt kinda sad. This movie could have been so good.

5 SOULS is shot pretty well, although there are several grainy shots and a few of the low-light scenes look too dark. The acting is ok, although Steven Schub stands out among the rest of the cast as the evil `demon' who is forcing him to collect souls. Schub relishes his evil role and portrays it with the dramatic flair of a Shakespearean actor.

There's no special effects or gore to speak of, but there are plenty of opportunities where it could have been used. I'm not sure if...

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