Dose of Reality

Unbelievably Awesome
Saw this film at Cinequest 23 in San Jose. Didn't know what to expect going in to watch the film. I was engaged the whole film and it literally blew my mind. The credits rolled and I just sat in total silence, in shock. I can't say much more than that. Weeks later, and I'm still thinking about this film!

This "Dose" was just what the doctor ordered!
After watching more than 80 films at Cinequest, it's hard to remember everything I took in. One great exception was "Dose of Reality," a thoroughly engaging film that grabs you from the opening scene and never lets up. Featuring top-notch production values and a rock-solid cast, Dose truly stood out at this year's festival. It was no surprise, therefore, that it was brought back for an encore screening on the festival's final day. If it hadn't, there would've been a lot of unhappy festival-goers as I spent several days hyping the film once I'd caught up with it. Without risking the major sin of a spoiler alert, all I will say is that I would put this film's ending right up there with "The Sixth Sense," and that alone should be reason enough to run out and grab "A Dose of Reality" as soon as you can.

I can't wait to see what's next from this talented group of filmmakers.

HE SAID. SHE SAID.
This is basically a three "man" play that takes place inside of a bar. Matt (Ryan Merriman) the bar tender discovers a woman (Fairuza Balk) passed out on the restroom floor. She has apparently been beaten and raped. Tony (Rick Ravanello), the bar manager, is less concerned. He is a two strike ex-con who still snorts drugs.

When Rose comes to, she wants to discover which one of these guys did this to her. She plays mind games with them, antagonizes them and there are things that don't mesh, but too minor to be concerned about as the scene is too powerful and draws you away from the clue. As it turns out, Rose has multiple personality syndrome and moves smartly between characters. The action grows rather intense as we watch this personality driven script which at times is a dark comedy. Rose has two diverse personalities which are as diverse as Matt and Tony.

After an hour into the film, things come together, and then all hell breaks loose as the plot twists and...

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