nick s
A convoluted, improbable storyline and a stagey script demotes this movie to mindless fun. But even fun is a stretch. The increasing absurdity and hurried scenes gets rather tedious.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
11/24/23
Full Review
Stephen A
A Cinematic Circus of Chaos and Quirks!
The House of Secrets is a film that swings between the elegance of a meticulously laid dinner table and the chaos of a toddler's art project. Picture this: an unknown inheritance, squatters claiming residence and criminals lurking in the shadows. The plot thickens more than a Thanksgiving gravy gone wrong, leaving everyone - audience included - scratching their heads harder than a novice trying to solve a Rubik's Cube.
Now, let's talk about tangled webs. This story's knots are more intricate than a macramé enthusiast's latest creation. And, just when you think you've grasped the situation, buried treasure and a madman swoop in like uninvited guests crashing a party. But wait, there's more! The resolution unfolds like something out of a Saturday matinee, complete with the creative flair of The Rocketman or Flash Gordon. Cue the theatrical music.
The film's creative direction is like a skilled conductor leading a symphony orchestra on a rollercoaster ride. Excellent shots and smooth pans try valiantly to salvage the chaos. Sadly, even the best directorial finesse struggles to wrangle this narrative rodeo.
Yet, amid the storm, the cast stands tall. Picture a group of acrobats navigating a circus tent collapse - they manage to keep their composure and deliver performances that, against all odds, make the film bearable, if not entirely lucid.
So, is The House of Secrets worth your precious time? Well, imagine this: a rainy afternoon or a lazy Sunday morning where your entertainment options are as barren as a moral desert. In those moments, this film might be the quirky oasis you're seeking. It's a whirlwind adventure - albeit a perplexing one - that could leave you bemused, bewildered, but strangely entertained. Therefore, if you're up for a cinematic rollercoaster with more twists than a pretzel, give House Of Secrets a look-see.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
11/19/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Barry (Fenton) inherits a country estate just outside of London, but when he goes to take possession of it, he finds a beautiful woman (Evans) and her hostile, gun-toting father (Madison) already living there. What's more, they state [i]they[/i] own the house. To make matters worse, the authorities aren't willing to help Barry claim his new home, thugs are stalking and threatening him, and he is getting "offers he can't refuse" from mysterious buyers to sell the place to them. Will Barry discover what secrets his new home holds before it's too late?
If you ever wanted to see a film that features just about every element that was standard to thrillers in the 1930s, "The House of Secrets" is the film for you. This is a well-acted and and well-paced film that features some nice set and even nicer lighting and camerawork, but it relies too much on coincidence and characters behaving in a brainless fashion for the story to be believable. (If you watch this, you'll know what what I mean when Barry confronts the squatters... and then fails to take the obvious step of presenting ownership papers to the estate to the local authorities to get them evicted.)
It's a testament to the ability of the writer that the various secrets (which include secret passages and rumored buried pirate treasure--the only secrets I can mention without spoiling the film) all end up fitting together... but there are aspects of the story that so stretched my ability to suspend my disbelief that I almost didn't care that the story came together nicely. (If you watch this, you'll know what I mean when we learn the how and why of the mystery girl, her father, what they're up to, and who's supporting their efforts. You'll be saying, "THIS is the best they could come up with?!")
This is an okay film, but not one that you should feel sorry for never seeking out.
The House of Secrets
Starring: Leslie Fenton, Muriel Evans, Morgan Wallace, Noel Madison, and Sidney Blackmer
Director: Roland D. Reed
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
01/18/23
Full Review
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