March 29, 2017
From its title, you know a lot about “John the Carpenter” before seeing a single frame. Yes, it’s an homage to director John Carpenter, and a very good one at that. The music is probably its strength; Jared Dymbort (who plays John) has completely nailed that ominous, insistent synth sound that Carpenter (who composes his films’ soundtracks) more or less invented. There are plenty of other touches that recall the work of the filmmaker behind The Thing (1982), Big Trouble in Little China (1986), They Live (1988), and so many other classics. But director Matt Braunsdorf has managed to create a 20-minute piece that doesn’t get bogged down by its obvious influences.
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The film stands on its own, and avoids the homage-pitfall of feeling like a ripoff. This film is clearly fueled by love, not laziness. Recommended. Here it is:
