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Title: SUMMER SCHOOL ~ (2006)

Genre: Thriller/Horror

U.S. DVD Release Date: October 5, 2006

Tagline: "Don't Worry... You'll Be Fine When I Wake Up."

Charles has a problem.

No... not that kind of problem. It would seem that he is trapped in a progressive chain of nightmares, each one more intense and bizarre than the previous, and each with equally potentially fatal results.

The nightmares are brought to the viewer courtesy of the frighteningly creative minds and talents at Random Creatureface Films and their presentation, Summer School.

The film's focus is on Charles (Simon Wallace), a bright yet distracted high school student, who's passions lie more for writing horror movie reviews rather than focusing on his academic requirements. This being the case, Charles is required to attend (ugh!) summer school. Preparing himself for the rigors of fulfilling his requisite scholastic credits, Charles does what any other student in his position would do... spends the weekend before starting school watching "B" grade horror videos and catching up on his reviews.

Upon arriving at school, presumably on a Monday morning, a curiosity occurs to Charles. There is nobody else at school. After biding a considerable amount of time, a sleep-deprived Charles rests his head upon his desk, and drifts off into an uneasy sleep. The nightmares have begun.

Through Charles' drifting into and out of conciousness, reality and the unreal, the viewer is introduced to some of the characters connected to his everyday life. Not the least of which are two of Charles' acquaintances Steve (Tony Czech) and Dennis (Lance Hendricksen), a couple of trouble-making cut-ups to whom summer school seems to be just another semester, and a likely romantic interest, Lindsey (Amy Cocchiarella). The overseers to the mid-year detainees are teacher Mrs. Wickham (Jennifer Prettyman) and school security guard Officer Hector Klein (Ty Richardson).

With each of Charles' subsequent nightmares, the themes become increasingly vivid and involving for him, relating to the various subject matters of his 'horror movie marathon' of the past couple of days. His dreams involve such diverse subjects as cultism and mutated monsters, as well as Nazism, vampires and deranged hillbillies.

Every nightmare is a story unto itself, and with 5 directors and 5 writers being involved, one would think it should crumble beneath the weight of it's ambition (or at the very least, be a shambles due to a clash of artistic ego's). But that is nowhere near the case. Each segment is unique in it's own way, with it's own distinct feel, but there is an undeniable artistic uniformity which runs throughout the entire feature. Delivered with professional caliber cinematography, lighting, sound and on screen talent, the modestly budgeted project (reportedly completed for just 8,000 dollars!!!) has a look and feel that should make a lot of over-indulgent and bloated Hollywood pablum feel ashamed of itself.

On the subject of acting talent (and the entire cast turns in admirable performances), Simon Wallace as Charles turns in a tour-de-force performance. With each successive ordeal, not only does Charles slip further into his personal dementia, but the character also evolves, growing and exhibiting an untapped strength and confidence in himself. Wallace is on screen in nearly every shot and his amiable presence engages and captures the viewer, taking us along on his individual descent into madness.

That being said, the film sets a new high-water mark for indie horror filmmaking. Thoroughly engrossing and re-re-watchable, it's a great offering from the production company, their first venture into feature-length films. With the stable of talent that comprises Random Creatureface Films, the entertainment possibilities seem endless. It should be interesting to follow this inventive group as they hone their craft in the future.

But first... I think I'll take a nap.

RATING: 4-1/2 "Time-honored No. 2 lead pencils" out of 5.

You can read the exclusive 'Jonja.net' interview with Random Creatureface Films producers/directors Mike P. Nelson and Troy McCall here.

TITLE: Summer School ~ (2006) ~ STUDIO: Random Creatureface Films ~ MPAA RATING: *NR* ~ RUNNING TIME: 89 Minutes ~ STARRING: Simon Wallace, Amy Cocchiarella, Tony Czech, Lance Hendrickson, Jennifer Prettyman, Ty Richardson ~ DIRECTED BY: Lance Hendrickson, Steven Rhoden, Troy McCall, Ben Trandem, Mike P. Nelson

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