Ever sense I watched the trailers of this film on YouTube years ago I've been hooked. The film takes the famous John Carpenter classic Halloween, but instead of having bad stereotypes (dumb blonde, the "happen to be there" people, stupid know it all etc.) and gives off a new set of people (with characters who actually have a brain, deaths with blunt objects (although the film only uses its target weapon (a sludge hammer) once \=( , and a killer who will run if he needed). In my opinion its a film that gives low budget filmmakers the idea that they can make more then just a standard YouTube quality video and not have to go to Hollywood to make a film. My only problems with the film are; some over- used F-Bombs (not as bad as Rob Zombie's Halloween)(Yea I know its a non-rated, rated R film but it could be turned down a slight bit) (personal preference) and a specific transition that could be changed in the film. In conclusion the film is a great film to check out and if you can't be Michael Myers this year for Halloween, go as his adopted brother Dollman.

This was something I wanted to check out from the moment I learned of its existence. Chris R. Notarile is undeniably one of the most important additions to the new generation of filmmakers and I have been very much impressed by his numerous small budget short films. It was only recently that I heard of Chris' first attempt at a larger budget movie. I looked it up, gave it a watch, and enjoyed what I saw. "Methodic" is the story of an average young boy like any other named Nicholas Matthews who is consumed by a malevolent entity known as Dollman. After murdering his parents he is found to be not guilty by reason of insanity and is committed to a sanitarium where he resides for the next twenty years. Shortly after being visited by his sister Lana, he escapes. The evil is unleashed and the body count commences. Does this concept ring any bells? It makes perfect sense that John Carpenter is so influential for Chris and any other indie filmmakers, considering how "Halloween" is one of the most successful low budget independent movies ever made. Who would've thought that a William Shatner mask painted white would become so iconic? Every slasher flick owes something to the movie that originated the formula. After Rob Zombie beat Chris in acquiring the rights to remake "Halloween", Chris altered what he had already done: made up his own premise and "Methodic" was born. "Methodic" was given poor reception by many viewers. It was released during the time when Chris' filmmaking standards were still modest and not quite on par with his later works. I'm among those who have said that the story and the characters should have had more development and that some of the acting wasn't top-notch. However, I do believe that the pros outweigh the cons. Niki Rubin and Brandon Slagle were great in their roles and I also admired the character Dan Grant as portrayed by Tony Dadika. Even Mack the Dog delivers a fine performance. But of course the character that steals the show is the Dollman, the world's first basher monster who executes his victims by means of hammers, his fists, a baseball bat, a golf club, and even a frying pan. There's a fascinating concept behind Dollman that makes the character a significant icon, but elaborating any further would be a spoiler for newcomers. The soundtrack too is very well done. It gives you chills and makes everything seem all the more intense. Additionally for lovers of trivia, Charles Cyphers who played Sheriff Leigh Brackett in the original "Halloween" was casted as the police chief. An excellent touch! So is Methodic without flaws? No. But what movie is? Haters have to consider the limited budget and resources at Chris' disposal. Accomplishing any kind of movie under those circumstances is anything but a simple matter. For what it is, Chris gave it his utmost effort and I really feel that he should be applauded for getting "Methodic" made at all. Much as I would've liked to see what Chris R. Notarile would have done with a Halloween remake, I believe that "Methodic" was the perfect opportunity for him to express his own creative ability. It's a familiar, but fresh horror experience with a unique vision and all the elements that fans of the genre can identify. It's debatable whether it holds up or not. As for me, I was invested all the way through and I am without regrets. Chris R. Notarile has taken cues from past errors and his filmmaking standards have since improved a tremendous deal. It's a practice any artist must adopt. At the rate his success is going, I would love to see more "Methodic". The movie has opened many possibilities that I hope to see executed with the high quality and top-notch techniques that Chris is becoming known for.

Despite the high praise from reviews which misled me into watching this film I really did not find it a very satisfying watch.The story seems to feature familiar elements from at least two other films - the boy killer locked in hospital most of life till he escapes and hunts down his surviving family which really shows it's Halloween influence. I think the script and the performances of the actors are the elements that really failed to connect with me. Lines were fluffed and stumbled over and screaming was used as a substitute for emoting more than once. The whole demonic thing was dropped into the film almost like it had Fallen out of another film. So much of the film was wasted in scenes of little relevance and yet very little time was used to establish that this was a demonic possession. A completely irrelevant lesbian love scene forces it way into the story for no good reason heaves itself to a climax before expiring brutally just as expected.

I was really impressed with this film overall. It left you wanting more and eager to see the sequel after viewing it. The acting and story were superb. The film progressively got better and better as it went along. Now before you say it's similar to Halloween, it is. The director, Chris R. Notarile states that Halloween was an inspiration for this film and originally he was hoping to do a remake of it. Which Rob Zombie beat him to. Anyway, Chris R. Notarile's new horror icon, The Dollman is on a whole other level though and nothing like Michael Myers. But, the Dollman will scare you just as much if not more! Also, the movie is totally original in the sense that it's the world's first "Basher" film, ever! Now that's impressive.The director really got some talented actors for this film which included: Brandon Slagle, Stephen Muzzonigro, Niki Notarile, Charles Cyphers, Tony Dadika, Dan Werzinger, Thomas Daniel, and Christine Allanach. All of who portrayed their characters really well and helped bring the director's vision to life. The lovely Suzi Lorraine and Damien Colletti also portrayed their characters well in their scenes but had smaller roles. Oh, in case you didn't know, Charles Cyphers was Sheriff Brackett in Halloween 1 & 2 so it was great seeing him in this horror film. Wish he was in it even more.I must say though, out of all the actors I was most impressed with newer actor, Stephen Muzzonigro, who played the Nicholas Matthews / Dollman. His looks behind the mask and movement were great. Then when he came out from behind the mask, he was a totally different character! I also thought he could of played detective Colin McDermott really well (based on his performance outside of the mask). Not taking anything away from Brandon Slagle's performance in playing that role.This was the director's first full length film. That in itself is very impressive considering how good this film turned out. Looking forward to seeing more of his work or the sequel. Methodic's ending definitely leads it into a great sequel where it will answer more questions about the mysterious Dollman too!