Expanding Universe, Maturing Characters Keep Fans Guessing

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MOVIE REVIEW
Rosemary & Sage Turn Back Thyme

Genre: Action
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: TBD
Director(s): Jared Campbell
Writer(s): Jared Campbell
Cast: SJ Brady, Jill Symes, Kristal Jimenez, Ben Johnson, Cade Carver, Hailey Jensen, Isaac Yarborough, Antonio Binns, Donnie Lester, Jackson Parker
Where To Watch: TBD, to view some other Spring Lane Films, including last year's smash hit ROSEMARY & SAGE RACE AGAINST THYME, click here www.youtube.com

RAVING REVIEW: This won’t be like my traditional reviews; the end of the third act hasn’t even been shot. I got a sneak peek at Director Jared Campbell’s newest entry into this cinematic universe crafted with heart. Campbell frames a narrative that irresistibly pulls viewers into its realm. The cast of these films has grown through each entry, and they continue to mature in their craft; even from the beginning, though, it was clear that this no-budget series more than made up for it where it counts. This seamless transformation and the depth of the narrative promise a genuine experience for all.

This time, we get the newest entry in the franchise ROSEMARY & SAGE TURN BACK TYHME. The entire series revolves around Parsley, representing the heart and core of the story, as that character we learn to root for. Rosemary's relentless pursuit of retribution for Parsley becomes a pivotal part of her character development. Vengeance and resolution evolve as the central themes in Sage's storyline. This entry is a high water mark for the series; even with a meager budget, we get some of the most believable portrayals of these characters, and you can tell how comfortable everyone has become in their skin.

This film took almost every part of its predecessors and turned it up to eleven while maintaining a fantastic and grounded approach to humor. One of the best parts is that you can pretty much start with any film and still get the jist of what’s going on without needing all of the backstory filled in. It also explores ambiguities in the original, adding richness to the plot. In response to previous criticisms, the film ditches the disconcerting 'shakey cam' technique, opting for a calmer, steadier visual narrative. The charming cop duo, Isaac and Antonio, now take center stage more.

From a technical perspective, the film is shot at 24fps with a distinctive camera that adds a polished finish to the cinematic journey. The narrative tactfully places characters in progressively challenging situations to stir emotions in the audience. The imminent danger to a character's life is a testament to the audience's attachment, a feat achieved with a leaner budget of $136, contrasting with the original's hefty $1275. All of the effects makeup for this film was done by cast member Jill Symes (Samantha Sage) and fit this world perfectly.

The timeless adage, "A picture is worth a thousand words," finds itself echoed in the stunning poster art by Suspirialand. Each poster for this series is jam-packed with little hints and clues in the incredible designs.

This piece serves less as a traditional critique and more as a peek into a franchise's future and past that has captured my sentiment. I can’t wait to watch the finished film and see what the future holds for Rosemary, Sage, and all the others involved.

Oh, I almost forgot, my favorite new character in the film! A.L.A.N. (A.L(ittle).AN(droid)) I don’t want to spoil anything, but some of the best one-liners ever! lol

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[photo courtesy of SPRING LANE STUDIOS]