Fog Warning
Written and Directed by Christopher Ward
Fog Warning is a story about a small New England town that is terrorized by a several unexplained murders. Since the victims are left drained of blood, many believe the murders are the work of vampires. Karl and Eddie are 2 oafs, lead by head geek Ronny; a wise cracking overweight “funny guy” who works at - surprise - the local comic book store. They kidnap a woman they believe to be the vampire and lock her in a cage in the attic of a historical home. Karl and Eddie take turns tormenting the caged woman in attempt to goad her into a confession… a confession, which Ronny will record with his digital camcorder, of course. The threesome will then sell the taped confession, the rights to their vampire story, and get stinking rich; an interesting enough premise and inventive plot idea. Unfortunately the finished product had much left to be desired.
Billed as an “art house” film, Fog Warning fails to deliver. Sorry Mr. Ward but, just because a movie is named after a work of art (see The Fog Warning, a famous oil painting by influential 19th century artist Winslow Homer) does not an “art house” film make. However, after doing some research on our young Mr. Ward, I discovered a vast array of experience, including a 2001 Emmy for Best Segment – Blues Clues. The best I can decipher is Christopher Ward began his career in sound, ironically one of my biggest complaints about the film Fog Warning. According to a PR person with Fog Warning, the film’s sound was recorded and mixed at a high level, using the latest and best equipment available, but the Holiday Inn sound system(s) couldn’t do it justice, and therefore caused many sound problems with screening of the film. I don’t know about all that, I’m sure it is completely probable…but I do know, the sound quality was muffled and poor, as well as, distracting. It sounded like the speakers were submerged under water.
But beyond problems with sound this valiant film attempt still fell short. Although the cinematography was decent and the setting of historical home was cool the overlong wait for “something to happen” failed to deliver suspense, instead created boredom. Most disappointing was the character of Ronny, as a geek myself I have an appreciation for the “geek” archetype, but Ronny was to stereotypical and predictable. He should have been funnier. Kudos to new comer Jacqueline Shea, who played little sister “Trippy”. She had more energy and presence than most of the cast. Cuyle Carvin, who played thug Karl, had many notable moments, but his talent was mostly overlooked in the role.
Lastly, I would like to note that during the screening of this film, I was offended by the “Door Nazi” in the screening room. As one reviewer against four screening rooms, running films constantly – the chances that I will be running late for the start of a film and bolting out early to catch the beginning of another – it seems that the artists should be tolerant of an audience member entering and exiting screening rooms while films are being shown. This was not the case. Someone associated with this film locked the doors, hindering late comers and forbidding early exits, this was very frustrating and uncalled for. I understand that you don’t want people coming in and out, distracting others from the film – but the very nature of this type of film festival suggests an open door policy. Not to mention as a reviewer - a necessity.
For more information go to:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1027812/combined