Surprisingly the low budget mystery thriller Private Number hits the mark in all three categories, directing, acting and storyline. The film had a brief theatrical bow a month ago, but the crowded box-office with several blockbusters must have taken its toll on this cunning little film. But now it has been released on DVD and I highly recommend it for those who like a good compelling plot that twists and turns to the closing credits.
Michael Lane (Hal Ozsan) has had his problems finishing his second crime novel. His first had a nice release with complements on the characters he brought to life. His wife Kathy (Nicholle Tom) has supported his writing, even now that he has run into a wall with writer’s block. His biggest drawback has been a year of being sober with the help of Jeff (Tom Sizemore) his AA sponsor, but the desire still gnaws at his brain.
In the middle of the night he gets a phone call with a ghostly voice of a man on the line saying two words “remember me”. He ignores the call, but the next night the voice is of a young girl with the same two words. Puzzled by the calls he goes to Sheriff Stance (Judd Nelson) for help, but gets remarks relating to his alcohol ridden past. When the calls start turning into hallucinations of ghostly figures and he gets a lead about the murders that had happened in the town, he sets out to find the killer.
The film goes on from there with several twists as Michael tries to figure out who the killer may be targeting next while being pestered by the ghosts of the dead. Director and writer LazRael Lison who has produced and directed several crime films takes Private Number to another level. He moves his actors around a very crafty chessboard as they play out characters looking to solve a crime, each looking as guilty as the next. He keeps the mystery nicely guarded, able to hold the final reveal to the gut wrenching finale.
Acting by Hal Ozsan who has cut his acting teeth on 54 appearances in film and television, nails his character providing a strong willed man who’s determined to solve the crime. As Michael Lane he induces a feel of urgency in the film while fighting his daemons brought by a past of alcohol abuse. He persuades law enforcement that he can find the killer of a cold case crime committed years ago through messages from the dead. He’s determined even ignoring his wife’s insistence that it’s a relapse causing the anger that has caused him to push their friends and neighbors away in his quest to show he’s right.
Both Nicholle Tom as his wife and Ray Stoney as the sympathetic Deputy Taylor are extremely realistic in their support of Hal Ozsan. Nicholle has a difficult role having to deal with a husband that’s out of control. She bends a bit, but never breaks character helping her husband through this tough time in their lives. Stoney’s character believes in Michael Lane and leaks information on the case so he can continue on this pursuit to catch the killer in the face of the opposition. He pacifies Michael, but you can see Taylor slowly believing he can find the murderer.
BONUS FEATURES:
“Making of” features Tom Sizemore talking about his daemons from alcohol abuse in a touching comparison with the lead character. Others talk about their roles including Hal Ozan, Nicholle Tom and Ray Stoney, Producer Tatiana Chekhova, and Director/Writer Lazrael Lison. The special effects make-up, production design and costumes are a very cool part of this feature.
“Deleted Scenes” Some of the scenes would just extend the film and are not necessary although a couple that shows the Michael’s love for Kathy would have made the film more compelling. Others give away too much of the surprise ending.
Private Number has been rated R for violence, grisly images, and language including a sexual reference. There is also a steamy sexual shower scene in the movie so be extra cautious when watching the DVD in the presence of younger family members.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A mystery thriller with a twist you will not see coming. (B-)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Hal Ozsan, Nicholle Tom, Tom Sizemore, Judd Nelson Ray Stoney, Kyle Heffner, Morgan Peter Brown, Anastasia Roussel
Directed and written by: LazRael Lison
MPAA Rating: R for violence, grisly images, and language including a sexual reference
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Running Time: 1hr. 37 min
Original Theatrical Release Date: May 1, 2015
Video Release Date: June 2, 2015
Language: English
Reviewed Format: DVD
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: Widescreen 16×9 “Letterbox”
Subtitles: CC
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: ARC Entertainment
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
