'Serving Up Richard'
(Ross McCall, Jude Ciccolella, Susan Priver, et al / R / 97 mins / Dance On Productions)
Overview: 'SERVING UP RICHARD,' a psychological thriller, is served up with a dollop of humor, a dash of blood and generous portions of suspense!
Verdict: The film, directed by the impressive Henry Olek opens with narration from the man himself, Richard Reubens (Ross McCall), a mid-level Wall Street investment specialist, who has just been relocated from CA to FL with his beautiful girlfriend in tow. "You never believe anyone can be born evil," he proffers first, before adding, "They plan to eat me - and I'm not the first!"
Richard, against the wishes of his GF goes to se a classic car for sale at a great price. There he encounters the owner, Everett Hutchins (the always-brilliant Jude Ciccolella), who doesn't mess around in capturing Richard and locking him inside a cell in their front room. Along with his pale wife, Glory (the understated Susan Priver), they then proceed to tease and torture Richard for the next few weeks - and yes, they actually eat another poor sap who shows to look at the car, and give bits to Richard in his scrambled eggs!
For Everett and Glory, due to their extensive travels around the world, now find themselves as active cannibals! Sure, it's not exactly a Main Street practice these days, but with a need for 'provisions,' well, this is their life: for better or for worse.
Not to give anything away, but Richard tries to escape many times, gets angry and frustrated many times, calms down and tries to talk sense to Glory many times, and overall seems to give up as the weeks turn into months. But, he never does, and so his spirit prevails - but at what cost. Originally entitled 'The Guest Room,' this film is just so creepy that it is compeling, trust me.
Trailer