Starring: Johnny Alonso, J. Michael Hunter, Humberto Gettys, Kelley Davis, D. D. Delaney, Pam Good
Directed By: Kimball Carr Produced By: Star Circle Pictures
Genre: Suspense, Sci-Fi, Drama
Release Date: New York Premiere, Nov. 11, 2006
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributors: Star Circle Pictures

My main complaint with the Star Circle Pictures short Samaritan is that I want more!!!

Yes, Star Circle Pictures has put together a successful experiment in motion pictures -- using cutting edge technology such as film-less cameras using memory cards, to storyboarding software. Yes, Samaritan gives us a glimpse into the future of film making. Yes, Samaritan just won a Best Suspense prize from the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival in December. But, just when it's getting really good -- when I'm hooked -- Samaritan ends! Aaargh!

Samaritan tells the story of an armed robbery that is thwarted by a mysterious stranger known only as Victor (Johnny Alonso). The mysterious part is that there are 10-12 shots fired and the police can only find 2 of the bullets and nobody is hurt. Detective Ramsey (J. Michael Hunter) tries to get answers but only ends up with more questions. Who is Victor? What is his purpose? Why is his face shrouded in shadows and mysterious light on the surveillance tapes? Like Detective Ramsey, I'm left with more questions than answers!

I must say that it is pretty hard to judge a person's acting skill when the movie is only 20 minutes long, but I'll give it a shot. Johnny Alonzo underplays Victor as a quiet being who knows exactly what he is doing and why. He just needs to fill us in. Can you tell I want more? J. Michael Hunter, as Det. Ramsey, is very good at showing how frustrated he is at not getting the answers he wants, with a sincerity that is believable. You know he isn't trying to be a prick, he just wants straight forward, down to earth answers.

The picture quality is extremely good, no pixelation, artifacting or any of the graininess that you usually get from film. It's actually too good. The only other thing lacking is a 5.1 sound mix, but then this is basically a 19:34 minute commercial for something more... maybe. So I'll give the guys over at Star Circle a break. My main complaint though, is that it ends just when it's getting really good! Get me a tourniquet -- I'm jonesing already.

You guys have got to make a series of shorts chronicling Victor and his quest for whatever-it-is he's after.

Bottom line -- if this short is an indication of what's to come from Star Circle Pictures -- I'll be a happy camper if we can get another installment, and if there's a feature in the works -- rock on -- I'll be tuning in to the full-length Samaritan!

For more information, visit starcirclepictures.com Keep reading, Mitch Emerson. Email me at mitchemerson@hotmail.com