The Hideaway, from filmmaker Christina Hazelwood, is an interesting short featurette (37 minutes), with quality camera work, effective use of light, good sound and some strong acting performances. The action is well-paced to heighten suspense and create dramatic tension, but may raise questions in the mind of observant viewers. For example, when Clem (David Keslick) drags Luther (Matthew McDonald) from the truck to the roadhouse and the audience doesn't know if Luther is alive or dead, this creates the desired dramatic effect but one has to wonder: why didn't Clem just pull up in front and drag Luther's dead weight 20 feet instead of all the way from the paved road? SeAnne Simpson as Mae turns in an excellent performance, very believable as the volatile, half-crazed female lead. David Keslick is solid, if unexceptional, in the role of Clem. John Rawling was excellent in his role as the roadhouse barkeep, and the rest of cast did a good job as well. Bodo Holst did a noteworthy job as cinematographer, his camera work and lighting enhancing the action considerably. If there was a weak link in this film - it was the storyline. While containing some original aspects, it was another variant of the 'period gangster' piece that we've all seen time and again, with somewhat predictable elements and characters. Still, overall the film was very well executed and is definitely worth a look. Oh, and... ignore the trailer! It doesn't do the film justice. click here to visit the ROM website click here to order The Hideaway on VHS The Hideaway (2001, ROM International, Inc.) (out of 4) co-written, directed, produced and edited by Christina Hazelwood co-written by Stephen J. Mullin SeAnne Simpson as Mae David Keslick as Clem Matthew McDonald as Luther John Rawling as the roadhouse barkeep Scott Shonts as Johnny Shelby Medlang as Donna return to wholmmovies main page