Kind of original, the indie mystery Diane looks for a movie audience that likes a “who done it”. But if you figure this one out early on, it may not be what you were hoping for. Although a little ragged around the edges and a forced ending, this group of actors deserves an audience for their talent. If you are in LA, grab a night out at the Arena Cinelounge Sunset just off Sunset Blvd. at Hudson Avenue where Diane will be playing this week starting today at 5:15 pm (LA time). If you can’t catch it there, then check it out on Cable and Digital HD starting September 17th.
Working in his garage fix-it shop Ex-Army soldier Steve (Jason Alan Smith) has had a hard life since his injury in Afghanistan. Walking with a cane his punk neighbors, Mal (Ryan Barry McCarthy) and Lenny (Davis Mikaels) always find time to pick at him. In fact, Steve’s attitude has never been the same from his war experience and most everyone with who he associates has a remark. At a bus stop following a trip to town he observes a woman speaking on her cell phone. She gives him a dirty look and he just sighs. A month later waking up from a night’s sleep he looks out his window to see a woman’s body in his backyard. Totally surprised and dumbfounded he calls the police.
So begins a story that will put Steve in the center of an investigation by the police and under scrutiny by the whole town. Director Michael Mongillo moves his screenplay along at a slow pace so his characters can tell the story. He interjects subjects that can be considered as the perpetrators and then works Steve into the mix as it all gets sorted out. He does a good job of working his cast, most of which have small roles that enter and exit often to build suspicions. It’s a nice ploy and it works here so suspense can build.
Playing the part of Diane, the dead woman, first time actress Carlee Avers does a very good job of making her character believable and charming. Her major time on the screen may be limited to the reveal and an opening song, but when she delivers her lines, she’s surprisingly very good for her first feature film. It’s what independent films are for, they give budding actors a chance to show their ability, and as Diane, Carlee nails her role.
In the role of Steve, the more seasoned actor Jason Alan Smith, shows his worth by keeping his audience compelled. Showing the effect of his stint in Afghanistan, he laces his character with the much needed angst of having to return home to a tough way of life. Off center in a world not ready for his personal psychological rehab, making social contact just doesn’t work for Steve. It’s a chance for Smith to show he can hold down a lead and he wins here with Diane.
Diane has not been rated by the MPAA, but it contains language, sex/nudity, drug use and some violence. The film opens in Los Angeles September 7th at the Arena Cinelounge Sunset, followed by a launch on Cable and Digital HD, including iTunes, Amazon Instant, Google Play and Vudu, on September 17th
FINAL ANALSIS: If you like Indies, this one is a good study. (3 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Jason Alan Smith, Carlee Avers, Margaret Rose Champagne, Dick Boland, Jim Thalman, Doug Tompos
Directed and screenplay written by: Michael Mongillo
Genre: Crime, Drama, Horror
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, language, sex/nudity, drug use
Running Time: 1 hr. 22 min.
Opening Date: September 7, 2018
Distributed by: Mean Time Productions
Released in: Standard
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
