BEYOND PARANORMAL - BEAUTIFULLY SHOT BUT A MISS AS A HORROR FILM. - AmNews Curtain Raiser

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Monday, November 15, 2021

BEYOND PARANORMAL - BEAUTIFULLY SHOT BUT A MISS AS A HORROR FILM.

 

BEYOND PARANORMAL - BEAUTIFULLY SHOT BUT A MISS AS A HORROR FILM. 


The story begins in a forest of long ago with a pregnant princess and an ancient warrior who are both familiar with magic. After she is brutally attacked and hit with a flying bow and arrow, she stumbles through the thick brush and finds her beloved warrior, who has just offered his blood to God (i.e. statue) above a shrine. Presumably, she dies and he flees. 


This film is supposed to be about a  paranormal-inspired influencer named “Box Girl Lily” desperate for “likes” who receives a creepy statue from the director of a project she’s working on. Little does she know that the lengths she’ll go to just for social media attention will cause a descent into madness for her cynical writer boyfriend, Ray.


Based on the description, I was under the impression that the film "Beyond Paranormal" was the story of Lily (Cortney Palm) but in actuality, the film centers on her wanna-be screenwriter boyfriend, Ray (Ryan Donowho). 


Now in modern times, we are introduced to Lily and Ray, in bed and when they hear strange noises, he goes to investigate with his trusty video camera and discovers the spirit of an Indian warrior goddess in the kitchen with an unhappy expression. Ray talks himself into believing she’s not real but when he opens his eyes — surprise— she’s still there and informs him that he’s “the chosen one” and with her passionate kiss she fills his body with her magical spirit. 



Then a card appears with the explanation of the word “paranormal” — para-nor-mal (adj.) Very strange, not able to be explained by what scientists know about nature and the world. Followed by a second card sharing that this movie is based on a true story. 


Along with this very poorly structured story, we learn that Lilly is experiencing a psychic link with the long-deceased princess and that Ray isn't supportive of this career move. To add insult to injury, Ray is mumbling about how lame the horror script is that's supposed to be based on a true story, and he registers his skepticism loud and clear calling the screenplay “gratuitous” while slamming the premise, adding that “I don’t buy the past life” angle. 


The director of this horror film (one of the worst caricatures/stereotypes to stumble into a horror flick trope) convinces Lily, that she's about to enter into stardom. Now there is also a podcast, Beyond Paranormal, which the film cuts, and during these scenes, we are listening to Dr. Ulrich Von Strauss (Clint Howard) and the host Juice McDaniels (Erick Nathan) talk about ancient astronauts which happen to tie in with flashbacks to the past and things that are happening to Ray.

This is all linked back visually with the mysterious statue that Lily receives from her project director, Chaz. Again, this is linked back "visually" with the statue we saw in the first part of the confusing film which is without any explanation. As Ray's visions grow stronger, he peeks through the supernatural veil allowing these ancient-looking, Aztec individuals to speak to him. This is all happening while Lily's behavior is growing stranger by the day. 


"Beyond Paranormal" is not a horror film. There is nothing (and I mean, nothing) scary about this film but their marketing materials called the film a "Science Fiction horror film" which it isn't either. If the director and his team want to rethink this as a horror-comedy then this film is watchable because it's laughable. I think it is better to have an audience laugh with you than at you. 


"Beyond Paranormal" which is a horror-comedy (in my opinion) will be available on iTunes and for Sale on DVD for the Holidays.


"Beyond Paranormal" is directed by Award-Winning Filmmaker Matteo Ribaudo.


Starring Ryan Donowho (Cabin Fever), Cortney Palm (Sushi Girl, Zombeavers), Patricia Rae (Maria Full of Grace, The Big Wedding), Oliver Cooper (Project X), and Clint Howard (Apollo 13). 


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#HorrorComedy #Horror #Aztec





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