I’ve been following the YouTuber, Kris Collins/ @KallMeKris for quite a while. Surprisingly, through my daughter’s scrolling through YouTube. She would introduce me to this person who played multiple characters in these well thought out videos. They were humorous and better executed than most of what my kid finds entertaining. It’s true and I don’t placate to her choices…What. She and I search out “funny videos” we can watch together. It’s our thing. It’s what we do. 8 times out of 10, we get some duds. But when it hits, we crack up.
Separately, I have seen fellow YouTuber Celina Myers/@CelinaSpookyBoo randomly on the internet. Okay, that sounds weird. She is known for being a sleepwalker.
Yep, that’s her. She’s funny in her own right. She and her husband Adam would have some playful banter and may lean toward a more grown up audience in comparison to KallMeKris. She and Kris are friends and they are both amateur ghost enthusiasts. So, when they announced they made a horror movie together, my curiosity was piqued.
Their movie is called House on Eden and it’s in the found footage genre. Unlike previous found footage movies, House on Eden feels more authentic. More amateurish. For better or worse, depending on how you look at it. It’s very much inspired by The Blair Witch Project. Whereas that too was shot in a handheld, amateur style, House feels like non-professional friends making a movie over a weekend. Actually, it’s reported they filmed it in 7 days.
It takes a while before the movie finds its footing. When it does, the frights are few and far between. The ending seems rushed and abrupt. Its payoff, though earned, makes you question, “Who found this footage?” And “Who set up some of those shots?” Those questions don’t take you out of the story. But you will find yourself scratching your head if you think about it for too long.
Celina: “And you can call ME, Celina…Spookyboo.
Who am I to critique? I’m the true definition of an amateur. I’m a non-professional just trying to be creative in my endeavors. Celina and Kris set out to make something and they did it. Was it a bullseye? No. But they hit the board. Hell, they even got their movie played in theaters! So, Brava.
Look, I champion creative people that aren’t in “the system”. There was a time when I would get upset when an Internet personality or a YouTuber would suddenly have success or some notoriety. They would either come out of nowhere or their talents were questionable. There they were, starring alongside actual actors/actresses. Today, I believe everyone has a journey. Sometimes the path isn’t a paved road. Sometimes it’s not even a road but a trail that leads to a heavily wooded area…where you find a rickety shed…then you find an old house…
Arguing With Myself 