Memory Lane (2012) Reviews

• pull the plug on this

  ladcrooks-26-1928932014-08-19

  I found this film jumped to much, before you could figure something out, you had to work something else out. Not enough clarification! Maybe i left my grey cells at the supermarket, or are they in the car. They were not functioning, whilst i was watching this. Argh! Got it, she the boyfriend had taken to much coke, hence the nose bleeds and they want to commit suicide. The electric and water and how much to use etc, don't you know it will kill you? Sloppy idea. Who killed her then? Budget film for sure , 1 bridge, 1 house 1 car and 1 tin tub! ha! Qne thing for sure the way they get top reviews on here is by the cast and friends writing them for themselves.

• The Bathtub Flatliners

  Coventry2012-11-05

  The title of this user comment would make a pretty cool name for a punk rock band, but it's primarily an apt two-word summary of the plot for "Memory Lane". This lowest budgeted Sci-Fi thriller in the history of cinema (I don't think I've ever seen a $300 movie before) may perhaps not be the most overwhelming genre debut ever, but it's definitely an admirable effort and the least you can say about Shawn Holmes is that he's a persistent, courageous, ambitious and respectable newcomer. He did pretty much everything by himself, including the catering service for his friends and acquaintances that are starring in the cast. The plot is reminiscent to the 90's classic "Flatliners" and equally borrows elements from other genre highlights, such as "Memento" and "TimeCrimes", but the film shows enough personality to stand on its own as a worthwhile outing. Shortly after his return from Afghanistan, the introvert soldier Nick Boxer falls head over heels in love with a mysterious girl named Kayla, whom he met on a bridge and prevented her from jumping… or so it seemed. Without really knowing anything about her, Nick asks her to marry him, but his world falls apart again a few days later when he finds her body in the bathtub with her wrists slit open. Nick undertakes a suicide attempt himself and his friends just narrowly manage to rescue him, but whilst floating between life and death he has a vision of the first encounter with Kayla that amplify some interesting details. He becomes obsessed with figuring out the true reason of her death, but this requires some more near-death experiences. It wouldn't be fair to simply label "Memory Lane" as a low-cost amateur effort, since Shawn Holmes clearly knows how to put together a good film. Knowing he didn't dispose of any budget for hi-tech special effects, he fully focused on a tight and intellectual screenplay with unpredictable plot twists and profound character drawings. Successfully, I may add, as "Memory Lane" remains compelling until the climax. The concept might be somewhat far-fetched, but the film never becomes overly grotesque or ridiculous, and – most importantly – the lack of funds never forms an obstacle. The acting performances are more than adequate, particularly since none of the cast members has any real experience, and everything else (editing, photography, post production…) indicates that this bunch has great potential to deliver future cult classics.

• Who Needs Hollywood When You Can Do It Yourself?

  TDavis122011-11-17

  Memory Lane is a no-budget film directed by Shawn Holmes about an intense young man who visits the afterlife in order to avenge his girlfriend's death. I don't want to give anything away so I will just say that it's a solid story. The possible problem is that there is no budget. However, don't confuse "no-budget film" with "amateurish film" because Memory Lane is highly stylized and has good pacing. Memory Lane shows that Holmes is a highly resourceful filmmaker. This film is the embodiment of Buckminster Fuller's concept of ephemeralization: the science and art of doing more with less. Memory Lane is the result of the DIY ethic at work. I imagine one of the benefits of having a budget of $300 is that the focus was on telling a good story in a cinematic way; the filmmakers succeeded. Watching the film, I couldn't help but notice the similarity to films by Darren Aronofsky, David Lynch, and David Cronenberg. Memory Lane kicks butt and takes names. I would like to see what his team could do with a little more money.

• Memory Lane is a surreal masterpiece that envelops and tantalizes every aspect of the viewer's palate.

  lordhumungus5132011-11-03

  This movie was a really enjoyable take on finding one's self while drowning in the middle of chaos. Considering the low cost to make this film, I found it was very enjoyable to watch, with superb acting and the cinematography was just absolutely stunning. I do not want to give anything away but I will say that It builds slowly and develops fully into something that will keep you asking questions long after the credits have rolled. Overall this was something that I felt in my heart to be worth the time spent watching it,and can't wait to recommend it to others. It weaves an intricate plot with believable yet mind bending fantasy.

• An Awesome Ride!

  geraldyelverton2015-03-30

  I highly recommend this movie for anyone looking for a good time. Not only does it prove to be an entertaining film but also a full and well told story. After being shown the trailer I immediately sought out a copy of the film and was not disappointed. Definitely, two thumbs up in my book. I'm not sure how many films are behind the director of this movie, but I would imagine they are well experienced as the beats of this film are well formulated and the action along with substance of story are greatly executed to the best ability. If that isn't enough, the character are portrayed by an excellent cast. So much so, that I am currently seeking out other projects from the starring thespians. Often I am disappointed when a not so familiar film is recommended to me. In this case the recommendation was dead on. Find a copy,of this movie now!