DOOM HOUSE

After the heartbreaking death of his wife, Reginald P. Linux (Richard "Lowtax" Kyanka) packs his bags and searches for a new place to call home, an escape from the blinding guilt and torment wrenching his soul. Reginald tumbles into a frightening, macabre world of unspeakable terrors that threatens to shatter his very existence. Along with his best friend (Kevin "Fragmaster" Bowen), Reginald attempts to unravel the bloody, horrifying secrets of the Doom House... before it kills them both!

Official IMDB entry: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0496277/

"Doom House" is a success on so many levels, it seems unfair to try to sum up its merits in just one concluding paragraph. The performances by Kyanka and Bowen are richly textured and realistic. Linux comes to life as a man torn between the loss in his past, the confusion and fear of his present, and the hope of a peaceful future. As the friend, Bowen delivers an understated, yet emotional performance that displays the layered subtleties of the character. He blends the [two characters] together so smoothly, it is difficult to tell where one ends and the other begins.

I'm afraid there are some questions that even I simply can't answer confidently. But as strong as the performances are, they alone cannot make a movie work. The real spark comes from the stylized directing that relies heavily on closeups to show the nuances of the emotions on the actors' faces, as well as the haunting music that fills each moment with heightened dread. Altogether, "Doom House" shows just what can be done with a small budget, given the right idea, the right amount of dedication to the craft, and the right team.

- Andrew "Linguica" Stine

This film is truly a low-budget masterpiece that should have the major studios "shaking in their boots." The compelling story of a young widower and his agonizing descent into madness -- prompted by the tenacious haunting of a nefarious figurine -- is propelled along by the chilling soundtrack, breathtaking special effects, and insightfully clever dialog. Richard Kyanka shows a unique ability to multitask as writer, director, and lead actor.

A true highlight of this film, however, is the brilliant work of Kevin Bowen, portraying a police officer who befriends the protagonist, but whose motives soon come into question. Undeterred by any mere plot twist or catflap, Bowen hits every mark and delivers every line with unparalleled pathos. Moviegoers should expect future brilliance from this young and versatile actor, who also put in some work as the film's co-director.

This is not a film to be missed, and we can only hope it will represent the beginning of a new era in the world of low-budget, independent film-making.

- Toaster Head

Sure, it's low-budget. There are some minor glitches, but this film exudes something every Hollwood big-wig could stand to learn again: A sincere passion for film making.

Look at Kyanka as the tortured widower Linux. His role is nothing short of multidimensional; his devotion to the craft should be admired by even the best classical actors. Listen to the beautifully-crafted soundtrack as it explores every powerful emotion this film presents to its viewers. Feel the blood, the sweat, the tears that obviously went into this, something that truly describes the term "magnum opus." The worst thing about this movie is that it is low budget, and for that very reason, there may not be another Doom House for me to watch over and over again. If any of you bigshots are reading this, please, hear me out: Rich Kyanka and company are all geniuses and worthy of your millions. Let these men reopen for you the path to the golden days of film-making.

- Evan Wade