Wuchakk

In the remote bayou of the Caddo Lake region of eastern Texas, near the border of Louisiana, a redheaded "swamp rat" (Jennings) is accused of murder and so the sheriff and deputy, along with men from the victim's family, venture into the deep swamp to get her.

"Gator Bait" (1973) is an indie made by the same husband/wife team behind "Hitchhikers" from the year prior. It was inspired by the success of "Deliverance" and obviously made as a showcase for Claudia. Her beauty is nicely captured without getting disrespectful. The authentic bayou locations are also a highlight, along with the wildlife. Unfortunately, the story isn't as compelling as "Deliverance" and the father/son cops are a little too hammy, but there's quite a bit of action.

Petite brunette Janit Baldwin plays the protagonist's sister, Julie. There's a gem of a small scene involving her with several kittens, along with the kid brother and mother cat. Janet was attractive in a unique, winsome way as observed in the Columbo episode "Swan Song" from the next year; and would go on to play a nerdy girl in the nigh excellent "Humongous" nine years later. Her 'B' career lasted a dozen years between 1972-1984.

Speaking of 'B' careers, Claudia's lasted throughout the 70s when she was in her 20s, but a fatal vehicular accident in Malibu, 1979, put an end to any further possibilities at the age of 29. Thankfully, we have movies like this by which to remember her.

I shouldn't fail to mention redhead Kacie Kippenbrock, who also appears on the feminine front in a gloried cameo as Laura Lee Bracken.

If you like flicks about yokels like this, try "Baker County, USA" (aka "Trapped) from nine years later, which is arguably on the same level as "Deliverance." "Southern Comfort" was no doubt influenced by it (of which I'm not the biggest fan, but it's a'right).

It runs 1 hour, 27 minutes, and was shot mostly in Uncertain, Texas, which is on Caddo Lake near the border of northwest Louisiana, a 50-minutes drive northwest of Shreveport. Thibodaux, Louisiana, is also listed for additional shooting, which is about 60 miles southwest of New Orleans.

GRADE: B-

After a tragedy, a disillusioned husband & father (Sam Worthington) ventures out to a remote cabin in Oregon to have it out with the Creator. Radha Mitchell is on hand as the wife while Graham Greene shows up in the last act.

Based on the novel from ten years earlier, "The Shack" (2017) is a drama/fantasy in the mold of the heralded "Field of Dreams," just focused on struggling with the LORD (which is what 'Israel' means in the Hebrew). As I was watching, it struck me that this ain't no cheap indie. I discovered later it cost $20 million to make, which is a lot for this kind of flick (the excellent "War Room," for instance, only cost $3 million). Like "War Room," it was a surprise hit at the box office.

I thought it did a good job of tackling some of the most difficult questions of life, like how can a good God allow evil and suffering? The script is full of meaty material on which to reflect, but the movie needed tightened up since it seemed to drag. Still, the locations are great (listed below) and the main actors rise to the challenge (although the scenes involving Kate at the end could've been done more effectively, which is just a quibble since they just flash by).

A critic complained that it "changed the biblical narrative," but it's not based upon any biblical account and takes place in the modern day. As such, there's some leeway in depicting the Almighty and the corresponding tri-unity. Some might criticize the character of Sarayu, but isn't the Holy Spirit represented by a dove in the Bible? Is that a masculine comparison or feminine? Also, the Lord said "Spirit gives BIRTH to spirit" in John 3:6. Is giving birth (physically or spiritually) a masculine trait or a feminine one?

As far as doctrine goes, the movie plays down the wrath of God without totally omitting it. Unfortunately, it confuses casting cares on God with forgiveness, which is typical in Christian circles. I'm talking about the idea that believers are obligated to forgive everyone for everything all of the time, no conditions whatsoever, which is completely unbiblical and a widespread myth. People who teach this are really talking about casting one's cares on the LORD, which should be done across the board, absolutely, whatever the burden or offense (see Psalm 55:22).

Concerning forgiveness, to 'forgive' literally means to dismiss the charge or offense. Believers are only obligated to forgive the penitent. For instance, in the Lord's hypothetical scenario in Matthew 18:15-17, he plainly said that the impenitent offender was to be disfellowshipped from the assembly and treated like a tax collector, which means he was NOT forgiven. Also see Luke 17:3-4. If he eventually apologizes then, sure, forgive and wholeheartedly so.

As far as heinous crimes go, it's utter folly to forgive in such cases because, if you dismiss the charge (that is, forgive), you naturally won't press charges and the offender will get away with his horrible crime, which promotes lawlessness. Keep in mind the Bible makes it clear that the LORD loves justice and hates crime (Isaiah 61:8). Rather, believers are to submit to the governing authorities (and the moral laws thereof) because they are "agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer," aka the criminal (Romans 13:1-6). Once the thug is in prison paying for his gross crime, you can forgive him IF he wisely turns from his sin.

So, by all means, cast your cares on the LORD in all situations because "he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7); this is healthy. But forgiveness of serious offenses is reserved for the repentant. Keep in mind that God only forgives the penitent (1 John 1:9) and we are called to "forgive AS the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:13). When did God forgive you? Only when you humbly 'fessed up.

It runs 2 hours, 12 minutes, and was shot in British Columbia (Mission, Cultus Lake and Stawamus Chief Park), as well as Oregon (Multnomah Falls and Wallowa Lake State Park).

GRADE: B/B-

A young woman escapes her abusive beau in Kansas and hitchhikes to Los Angeles to find work (Aqueela Zoll). She ends up meeting a paranormal expert and his assistant (Omar Paz Trujillo & Lauren Parkinson), who are interested in a string of brutal slayings involving males with their guts ripped out. Could the crimes have anything to do with a Moon-worshipping countess from Romania (Tatiana Neva)?

"Dances with Werewolves" (2017) is cut from the same cloth as Jason Momoa's "Wolves" from three years prior, meshed with a little Coppola's "Bram Stoker's Dracula," such as bits of the score. Like "Wolves," it's reminiscent of Marvel Comics' Werewolf by Night, at least the Don Perlin stint. It could've been the next sequel of The Howling franchise, after 2011's "The Howling Reborn."

The writer/director team has a good eye for photographing women without getting sleazy. Protagonist Aqueela (Cassie) is the highlight, as well as Tatiana as the countess, both semi-statuesque. Winsome Kali Cook (Sheri) is worth a mention, although her part is small. Madeleine Wade (Queeni) and Jacqui Holland (Lady) are also on hand, but they're prostitutes, which is a turn-off for me, not that they stay in that occupation (lol).

The elaboration on the differences between werewolves, skin-walkers and shapeshifters is interesting, as is the idea of exorcizing a werewolf of its bestial infection. Sure, the cast are no-names and the flick's comic booky, but it's well made for what it is and delivers the requisite entertainment.

It runs 1 hour, 26 minutes, and was shot in the Los Angeles area.

GRADE: B.