‘Death is certain, life is not.’
On the Brain is a 2016 American zombie horror film about a new Sheriff who discovers there is something very wrong in his small town.
Produced and directed by Kevin Van Stevenson from a screenplay by fellow producer Brandon Trask based on the short story ‘The Dangerous Season’ by Ina Gay Trask.
The Goreella Media production stars Danny Hansen, Frankie Ray, Shenik Taylor, Amy Waller, Jonathan Cousens, Sharon Fredrickson, Deirdre V. Lyons, Cassie Carpenter, Cynthia Dane, Joe Karam, Tony Pandolfo, Dan Sutter and Franco Di Vittorio.
Plot:
Newly appointed Sheriff Kelly Jarvis quickly realizes the dried-up small town of Golden Torch is past the point of saving. After a questionable shooting, resulting in two deaths, Kelly finds himself in the middle of a string of related murders.
Instead of answers, Kelly’s investigation only uncovers more questions. What is wrong with Golden Torch? With each step closer to the truth, Kelly must face the terrifying reality that he may never get out of Golden Torch alive…
Reviews:
” …at least we have a film that is trying to say something, even if that something is a little bit silly and outdated. On The Brain is far from a masterpiece and it’s certainly missing the meaningful social commentary of terrific zombie movies, but there is plenty to enjoy in this surprisingly polished and gruesome feature.” Cinema Chords
“On the Brain is filled with unintentional comedy […] Why those involved didn’t just go down the ‘horror comedy’ route I’ll never understand. There really isn’t much in the way of positives, some of the later wounds look kind of gruesome & the no-shits given mayor has moments but that is about it.” Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life
” …it does boast some impressive cinematography courtesy of Michael A. Perry, and the small-town setting and desolate open plain backdrop is quite nice to look at if you’re a fan of isolation and scenery. The cast do a serviceable job as well, and there is some enjoyment to be had in knowing that they were all clearly having a good time making the movie.” Scream magazine
Choice dialogue:
Sheriff Kelly: “No cell phone! No internet! Jesus, I can’t believe this damn town, sometimes.”
Anne: “But yes, most people do consume meat. Except for those pansy vegans.”
Anne: “There is a fine line between love and hate, my dear. Trust me, I know.”
Cast and characters:
Danny Hansen … Sheriff Kelly
Frankie Ray … Zeek
Shenik Taylor … Doctor Mariama
Amy Waller … Widow Anne
Jonathan Cousens … Deputy Gus (as Jonathan Adam Cousens)
Sharon Fredrickson … Mayor
Deirdre V. Lyons … Betty
Cassie Carpenter … Nancy
Cynthia Dane … Louise
Joe Karam … Greg
Tony Pandolfo … Mailman Murry
Dan Sutter … Eddie
Franco Di Vittorio … Hammer Head
Todd Andoli … Patron
Ashley Devane … Courtney
Filming Locations:
San Jacinto, California
Technical details:
1 hour 26 minutes
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1 HD
Full film free to watch online:
MOVIES & MANIA comment and rating:
Most of the cast deliver decent performances even if Sharon Fredrickson gets too hammy as the Mayor towards the end. Nonetheless, there is some fun to be had from the small-town bitchiness on display. Unfortunately, the script is weak with characters’ repeating inane dialogue and each other’s names to the point of distraction. Technical credits are generally fine.
