Straight Into Darkness (2004)

I would simply say that this is an engaging and creative film. As another reviewer said it is refreshing and is non-formula following, which in my opinion adds to the score of any movie. I enjoyed it very much and while it's true that some scenes look a little cheesy, it is almost unnoticeable given that the acting and storyline are very good. People who give a movie like this a poor review shouldn't be reviewing movie's because it suggests that they "don't get it" where good movie-making is concerned. Perhaps they prefer the common tired out prescribed formula type scripts that this is not.. I liked very much that we were not expected to like the main characters just because they were the so called good guys (American). They came across as real and war traumatized trying to deal with an unimaginable situation, to which they do "not" always measure up. (Like some phony assed John Wayne Hollywood garb). See this movie!!

I must admit it's just the second movie of Jeff Burr i've seen (the other was Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (i'm a big fan of the slashers i must tell).I have one word for Jeff in S.I.D. "daring."1.-The general Story I think the director cared more to tell us the story of this two deserters than placing the story in WWII, i think the time or the war was the less important here it could have been told in Kosovo, Acteal México or Afganistan, and he made it the best he could with the money they had. The Story is way different and i'm sure it has inspired some other.2.- I've seen Losey Character b4, and in the same context. ¿Has any of you seen "saints and soldiers (2003)"? There's a Character who is hiding into the frozen woods, and has recurrent visions of little girls and dolls, eventually you find out that he accidentally killed Some little Girls into a church.. Sounds familiar?.. I'm not saying Jeff stole the story, i just say i saw that character b4... Coincidence maybe.3.- I'm sure it's kind a tribute to b-movies. I know Jeff is very into B-Movies, and the inspiration in this film of them is "notirious", the band of "freak kids" (With all respect i just used the term 'cos of the movie "the freaks") is a clear tribute to b-Movies.4.- The Low Budget issue. Even with that detail he could handle it, but sometimes this issue "killed my buzz"

"Straight into Darkness" is ,in a word, "mesmerizing".One is uniquely transported to an eerie , nightmarish, -FICTIONAL- tale set against the backdrop Western European WWII.It's brilliantly done on a modest budget. We follow a pair of, in custody for deserting, G.I.s(one a creepy socio-path type,the other a younger guy sick of the war and pining for his girl and the USA.) are set free by a landmine meets jeep wreck and make their escape on foot across the winter white back country, setting them on a course into a strange and otherworldly wasteland of a demented cannibalistic(?),holy man, a hanging wedding party, a stallion from nowhere and lastly- a desolate building(that holds a secret), where fate allies the two with an incredible band of rag-tag,physically war scarred orphans and the adult couple that ran their since destroyed school.The G.I.s thought they could run from the War. No. The directer-"Bravo! my good man." To the writer-"Thank you ,sir".The actors are fantastic-every man woman and child. Wonderful cinematography and settings(the ghostly forest wedding scene ). The music score was exceptional.This is a very fine small film that involves the viewer and this viewer is very grateful for the obvious thought and effort put forth by the cast and crew.Thank you.Yes.The summary line was a slam at the the negative reviewers. "Thick as a whale omelet".

Somehow this film has been under promoted, under acknowledged and under represented. It is true fine art. And moving and full of heart and brilliance. The film must have flowed from Burr's subconscious in a way that masterpieces are formed. It is definitely not a "horror" film. And it is much more than a WWII film. You can reach a vast and personal range of interpretations, but at the very least, it leaves you with something that will stay in your mind and soul for ever. Put it up there with "Shindlers List" at least.Someone please pass this on to Jeff. I think that he dosen't realize what he has created here.Thanks Jef Burr ...It takes lots of courage to express this kind of brilliance.