Lone Gunslinger Pictures is back with another end of summer adventure. One thing about film-maker Beau Yotty, he always knows how to take a desolate location and turn it into a battle ground between life and death. It just goes to show, when it comes to making a movie, the script is always your jump off point, and the rest should fall into place. Don’t go above your limitations and deliver the product to viewers that they’re absolutely going to expect. Snake Resort does all of this and somehow manages to do it against an atmosphere that feels like the fun creature features from the 1980s/1990s. It’s filled with drama, mystery, good looking women – and let’s not forget some editing silliness. I mean, it was obvious that the snakes weren’t in the room half the time. Not that this is a complaint because I’m a sucker for a campy creature feature.
Snake Resort tells the story of genetically enhanced rattle snakes that bring a certain level of Hell to the citizens of a small, secluded town in Arizona. Then it’s up to the survivors to put an end to the critters, which is difficult when a single bite can kill you. Snake Resort is written, directed and produced by Beau Yotty. Jeff Serdy and Jim Perry also served as producers. Lead cast members include Beau Yotty, Lindsay Beach, Katrina Kelly, Dan Weisgerber, Elley Ringo and Jim Perry. Snake Resort is available to stream on Vimeo and Roku, and will probably be available through the Lone Gunslinger Pictures website for DVD purchase at some point. Roku is free, of course, but watching it on Vimeo is $9.99 and that money goes directly to the director, thus supporting independent cinema and keeping them in business. So, make your choice wisely… or I’ll send some snakes after you.
This hour and a half narrative is pretty good, but it has a few things that I would have corrected. Some scenes linger just a little too long – whether it be on the snake, the victim, the aftermath, or the surrounding area in general. Some acting performances are much better than others, and the set lighting during the day was much better than the night shoots. Other than that, I really liked Snake Resort. It has Beau Yotty’s typical blend of western science fiction with the quasi love interest thrown in for good measure. I will say, though, I’m waiting for Yotty to have is big Rambo moment in one of his films. No shirt, big head band, war face paint and sweatiness before swooping in to save the day with so much violence you could shake a rattle snake tail at it. And guns, I guess. Alas, this may have to wait for the next adventure. I think my point is basically that Beau Yotty is ready to take the next step in his film career, specifically in his own movies, so don’t be afraid to hit it with stride.
Snake Resort features 10 death scenes at the hands of those bastard genetically enhanced snakes. Instead of hack and slash, this is bite and dash. Pure campy, bloody goodness and that’s all I need to be entertained. Well done. Final Score: 7 out of 10.
