Another good movie at the Gasparilla International Film Festival is Clear Lake, WI, a thriller more concerned with psychological trauma than gore, and that's a good thing. It also has Michael Madsen playing a man of the cloth, which seems odd at first. Then you realize he's Mr. Blonde all over again, just on a mission from God.
The Reverend, as he's known, went a little funny in the head 15 years ago, believing a toxic spill that caused several deaths was God's vengeance against sinners, especially horny teenagers. A few straight arrows agreed with him, setting off a Manson-style massacre of classmates. Needless to say, everyone cleared out of town after that.
Taking a cue from Stephen King's It, a group of survivors return to deserted Clear Lake to confront their dark memories, speaking exposition into a video camera a bit too much. Bodies start piling up, and it's obvious that the Reverend's work isn't done.
Clear Lake, WI is a solid flick, and Madsen is worth watching anytime (although his role is limited to flashbacks and a killer kiss-off). It's co-produced, written by and co-stars Morgan Simpson, a Plant High School graduate now living in L.A., and this is a nice calling card for future work. Simpson will join two other Plant grads -- executive producer Charlie Poe and musician Robert Cooper -- at Friday's 9:15 p.m. screening at Channelside Cinemas. Tickets are going fast.
Steve Persall is the movie critic for the St. Petersburg Times. He was conceived behind a drive-in movie theater his father operated and raised in projection booths and concession stands. He doesn't care how you did it up north.
so when do the residences of Clear Lake, WI get to see our hometown movie? I am sure there will be a couple of people who would assist in making arrangements to get the video shown in Clear Lake including myself. Email me at jason@fouks.net and I will assist in getting it there. I just need the DVD to make it happen. I already have a projector and have access to a speaker system. Please?
Posted by: Jason Fouks | April 27, 2009 at 11:15 PM
I agree with Charlene and I KNOW many others do too!!!!!
Posted by: sykora | April 20, 2009 at 04:15 PM
yes they should bring this movie to our town, for cryin out loud it was filmed here and no one in the town of Clear Lake WI. has ever seen it......
Posted by: Charlene Becker | April 15, 2009 at 09:14 AM