NekoHomey Purely Joyful Movie!

Usamah Harvey The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Donald Seymour This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

Jonah Abbott There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

fowlerphoto-45650 The Shelter is movie that is really a movie of halves. The first half delves into the depravity of a man who has lost all hope on life..both in the world and mostly in himself. While the second half has the man confronting the demons of his past which forces him to finally atone for his sins.Thomas (Michael Paré) is a man who is basically eaten alive from the inside out due to circumstances in his past that he just can't seem to escape from. The first half of the movie builds up the story of Thomas, though somewhat vaguely, being down on his luck and a hard boiled hard ass. While appreciate the attempt of building up the backstory of Thomas, I felt the movie tried to focus a little too heavy on him being a hard ass and womanizer in certain parts rather than build his backstory in a more organic way.The second half of the movie is where I feel the movie really shines. Thomas finds his way into an empty house and this is where I feel Director John Fallon's horror background really shines. Fallon crafts an interesting, paranormal and isolated setting for the character Thomas which has him confront his past and ultimately atone for his misdeeds. There are a lot of religious under and overtones but also the story is open ended enough to let someone interpret the meanings of these religious metaphors according to how they hold their own beliefs.While I do like a bit of the open natures of the story in the second half I did feel the story could have been LITTLE tighter instead of being as vague as it was in some parts. But then again I determined my own meaning from everything which I am sure could be different for another viewer.Production wise the movie is ok. Though I felt parts of it were too BRIGHT for the mood the movie was going for. I felt a lot of the bleak and deserted street scenes were very good locations but the look on film was too colorful and bright which kind of killed the mood I thought of the scenery.Overall, I felt The Shelter was a decent watch though I think the second half of the movie is the superior part of the film whereas the first half I think tried to touch more on making Thomas look macho cool instead of a more tragic character. At least at first.I would give this a 6.5 if I was able...the .5 coming from seeing director John Fallon get his ass kicked by Thomas in a scene! Always a good day to see that!!

beorhhouse Either a story is too worldly (secular) or it is too churchy. That is the normal state of affairs. Director John Fallon sees things differently, and should be applauded. This is an excellent film of offered, and rejected, salvation.Guide: Lots of sex, but not gratuitous Lots of foul language, not gratuitous Some scary scenes, not gratuitous

TrippingABlindMan *Potential Spoilers*The Shelter is the feature directing debut from John Fallon and stars Michael Paré of Eddie and the Cruisers fame. It tells the story of a troubled homeless vagrant named Thomas Jacob (Paré), who while wandering the streets of the city drinking alcohol one night, finds shelter in a beautiful empty house. Believing he has struck gold, he finds food, booze, television, and a nice a place to sleep for the night. But something else, something potentially supernatural (or is it religious?) is at work here, forcing Thomas to confront his inner demons in said house. This is a very low budget feature and it shows. Some of the acting is a little on the amateur side and some of the cinematography is a little on the cheap side, emphasis on some. The story is slightly confusing and the film is definitely a slow burn with an artsy slant- so if that's not your scene, you may not dig this film at all. And, to be frank, the opening sex scene initially made me chuckle and the ending did not do it for me for the most part... however credit must be given where it's due: Paré, pro that he is, turns in a genuinely excellent performance here, he was absolutely on point, same with the actress who played his wife (that "are you cheating on me?" scene, damn!). The film has plenty of atmosphere to burn and director John should be given credit for that, some nice mood lighting and shots, there were times I felt lost in the atmosphere which is a big plus. The plot direction was interesting as Thomas was a well developed character, and there were some great scenes spread through, my favorite being the fall from the window, into the water shot; very nice transition. Though the plot eventually didn't end on the right note IMO, and some of the low budget seeped through into the film (whether via acting, some of the VFX, etc.), at the end, I can still say the film showcases major potential for the director. Can't say I loved it, it was inconsistent to be fair... but it has something memorable to it, and as mentioned Paré carries the film well. It also has a short run time at 75 minutes, so it was a painless watch. Overall, you take pleasures where you can get them, and The Shelter has a few to offer. The director has a promising future ahead, and here's hoping Paré shows up in his next film as he was great. *PROS: Some excellent shots, moody atmosphere, interesting lead character, Michael Paré was terrific* CONS: Some awkwardly filmed scenes, a few of the other actors were not so great, disappointing ending, some clumsy dialogue mixed with awesome dialogue* OVERALL 6/10

Waldo Mcfenians I was not prepared for this kind of journey! yes, it is not a big action movie, not a blockbuster. so, if you're looking for a typical Hollywood style movie, you may prefer not to bother to watch it. but if you're open minded enough, you're in for a treat for the mind. that's what The Shelter is: a real treat for the mind. it is intense, brilliant, intelligent, and full of emotion... real human emotion. nothing is superficial. Paré is very good. probably his greatest role ever. The Shelter explores the effect of the death on a man mind, who can't deal with the loss of his wife who committed suicide while she was pregnant. He find shelter in a strange empty house, only to face his judgment day. The Shelter is a great movie about death, and its consequences on others.