Among Friends (2012)
Starring: Jennifer Blanc, AJ Bowen, Christopher Backus
Writer: Alyssa Lobit
Director: Danielle Harris
Story:
A group of friends get together for an 80s themed murder
mystery dinner party. It’s all fun and games until one of them shows their true
objective, which is to expose all the nasty little secrets they've been hiding
from one another.
So, this is Danielle Harris’ directorial debut. I was
expecting a straight up horror comedy just based off still images and the DVD
cover, and for the first bit that’s totally what it is. All kinds of raunchy
one liner putdowns being thrown about, and the overall mood has a hokey vibe about it. I wasn't hatin’;
just not particularly impressed. Once we get to the dinner table at the
party, though, shit gets insanely real. And for the remainder of Among Friends,
I was really on board.
For a directorial debut, Harris really brings the pain, and
it’s a mostly well shot and well lit looking indie. There’s a couple of editing
errors early on (AJ Bowen’s character takes off his sunglasses once the group
arrives at the house. Then the shot changes and he has them on, taking them off
again) but nothing majorly off-putting. My absolute favorite part of this movie
has to do with a character named Jules, and how certain scenes with her are
filmed. I can’t give anything away, but holy hell it is awesome and contains a
couple of really amazing surprises. Seriously so out of nowhere and cool.
I feel the same way about the acting as I did the story.
Most of the group starts off seeming like they are trying to get into their groove,
and once things get banana sandwich everyone turns it up a notch. This was
particularly noticeable to me with Jennifer Blanc, as Melanie. It’s just kind
of a strange portrayal at first, but once the film changes its tone I was
pretty impressed with her. I found the standout performances to be from Brianne
Davis, Alyssa Lobit (who is also the writer), and Dana Daurey. Telling you why is giving away too much
about this film, but damn, this flick is girl power as hell. Not to say the
guys are bad; Christopher Backus, Chris Meyer, and AJ Bowen are all good, and Kane Hodder steals the show. I was just more fascinated with the ladies of Among Friends, and it’s not because
they’re all f*cking hot… but they are.
We don’t get a really super gory bloodbath here, so much as
we get mean spirited brutality. A
lot of the punishment goes down in many different varieties, physically and psychologically,
to be honest. Both aspects are pretty deplorable, too. But from the more
physical side, things aren't largely or directly shown, until after the fact.
To me, it was more effective seeing the malevolence of the punishment than it
just all out happening right up on screen. Make no mistake, there is some nastiness to be seen; you just won’t be swimming in it.
Final Word:
Among Friends is a bit uneven here and there, but ultimately
I have been colored mega pleased. I give mad props to Danielle Harris for
giving us a film that hides out as something funny early on, only to punk your
ass a bit later. It was totally not what I was expecting and I commend it for
that. Looking forward to seeing her do some more stuff behind the camera.
This DVD comes from LionsGate. Among Friends is presented in 16X9 Widescreen, 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Special features included are a trailer for the film, as well as other Lionsgate releases, and a commentary featuring Danielle Harris, Jennifer Blanc, and AJ Bowen. This is one of those commentaries where it’s more hilarious than informational. There are some cool little tidbits given out, for sure, but for the most part the three are just having a good time. One thing learned from the commentary is that AJ Bowen is a funny motherf*cker. He’s quick with the wit and never holds back. It’s a good listen. And hey, the commentary gives you rules to play an AJ Bowen mullet wig drinking game. That's a win if you ask me.
-Brobocop Entering Sleep Mode
