Evilmaker

Synopsis: Serena (Stephanie Beaton) returns home after escaping an abusive relationship to spend time with three of her friends from high school. A weekend at the beach seems like an ideal way to relax and relive the old days wit her friends, until their car breaks down near an abandoned house. What starts out as a creepy night turns into three days of hell as they experience terror around every corner while they fight to survive THE EVILMAKER…

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EVILMAKER (2000)
Written, Produced and Directed by John Bowker

With: Betty Griffith, Rob Merickel, David Duncan, Alfredo
Director of Photography: Joe Sherlock
Special Makeup effects: Rob Merickel

NEW RELEASE

"THE EVILMAKER (Pipedreams Entertainment, 2000): From talented director John Bowker comes this refreshing ghost story. A woman (Stephanie Beaton) on the rebound from her unfaithful husband goes on a camping trip with her three disparate friends. But their car breaks down and they take refuge in an abandoned house where some strange, supernatural events start to happen. Stephanie Beaton (WITCHCRAFT series), as the lead, is quite good, perhaps her best performance to date, and the other actors are believably cast. There are enough twists and turns to keep the viewer guessing as to what, exactly, is going on, ultimately leading to a satisfying conclusion."
-CULT MOVIES

"Whenever I see video cover art where the lead actress has her boob falling out I usually think porn. While director John Bowker pads THE EVILMAKER with gratuitous, Stephanie Beaton nakedness, he delivers an engaging, surprise-filled film dealing with complex character relationships.

For a first film, Bowker shows an amazing grasp of structural technique when telling his story. As the film progresses, it lapses into flashbacks, often replaying the same scene over revealing new twists, some not being revealed until the last frame.

The film opens in media res, near the climax of the film. Battered and bloody, Serena (Stephanie Beaton) prepares herself to do battle with the supernatural after days of falling victim to an unseen entity. Quickly we jump back three days and find Serena at her mother's house where she recovering from her recent split with her abusive husband. Her best friend Rachel decides that a day at the beach, with two high school friends, is just what Serena needs. Joined by Cindy and Tyler, the girls pack up Rachel's van and head out.

Right off you see that Rachel is the type to who doesn't follow the beaten path, literally. In one of the few "formula" moments, Goth-girl Rachel decides the quickest way to the beach is through a grave shortcut. It's a given that the van will breakdown, stranding the girls in the wilderness. Director Bowker, knowing he's falling into familiar territory, decides to have fun by allowing the characters to realize how pat the situation truly is. The characters are bright enough to know that there's "always a house at the end of dead end roads."

Although the house appears lived in, the girls find it vacant and make themselves at home. Now I can understand a little B&E to find shelter for a single night, but the Four become so comfortable that they end up staying for days. Gradually things fall apart as an unseen presence makes itself known, ultimately culminating in an Amittyville-type face-off where there are genuinely frightening moments. Even more impressive is the climax itself. Forgetting the formula, Bowker allows the characters to drive the ending rather than relying on plot contrivances that have befuddle many recent productions I've seen.

While Stephanie Beaton does spend a good amount of time changing her clothes, the real standout is Felicia Pandolfi as Rachel. At times she gives a better performance than Stephanie, the single paid actress. I don't mean to imply that Stephanie doesn't do her job well, far from it. It's just that Felicia has a natural acting ability that exceeds the star talent. There's something to be said about an actress who can steal a scene from a beautiful, naked woman. With any luck we'll see more of Ms. Pandolfi in the future.

Stylistically, Bowker is in great form. Never does he settle for simple point-and-shoot filmmaking that bogs down many micro-budget productions. Working with Director of Photography Joe Sherlock, the two give the film a near professional look. Combining creative compositions, camera movement, and lighting, THE EVILMAKER comes off with a truly frightening edge. Adding to the effect is a hypnotic and pounding score and soundtrack. I've always said the soundtrack is just as important to a film as the visuals. Would EVIL DEAD be as effective without the nerve-grating, high pitched shrills? Doubtful. And Bowker uses a similar audio style, although to a much lesser degree.

Everything being said, John Bowker provides one of the better debut features I've seen in some time. Not just a fan making a backyard feature, Bowker makes an intelligent, well thought out, and striking film. I look forward to more of his work. The same can be said for the two leads, Felicia Pandolfi and the naked Stephanie Beaton."
-THE B-INDEPENDENT REVIEW

"This is a fun late night movie.."
-CHAOTIC ORDER

"Ambitious low to no budget effort that strikes cords most small budget offerings don't try to hit. The film is visually interesting, filled with nice shots, dreadful mood and interesting flashbacks. Bowker teases the audience with the flashbacks, not giving it all away until the last frames. The film definitely doesn't go the way you think it's gunna' go....When it comes to it's scares the film takes the old fashioned route. It relies on creepy voices, dark figures and creepy tunnels the put the "py" in creepy...This is Stephanie Beaton's best performance ever. She gives a strong, vulnerable and confident show that impressed the hell out of me and she shows her boobs, we get it all. Another surprise was Felicia Pandolfi (Rachel) as the goth chick. She has presence to boot and gives a focused, controlled show that you don't often see in low budget fare...A low budget flick that is character driven! Right here baby. Along with the boob shots, we get drama and story twists you don't see coming.."
-ARROW IN THE HEAD

"features sexy scream queen Stephanie Beaton of WITCHCRAFT fame in the lead role, and is sure to please any classic horror fan..."
-RANDOMSTUFF.COM