Stonebrook (Web Of Lies)

Excellent Film
Stonebrook is one of those movies inevitably called "a sleepy little film," and in this case, it's an apt description. A low budget indie that evidently went straight to video without hitting cinemas, Stonebrook is well worth the rental money, and is in some ways more satisfying than a lot of big budget blockbusters.

Erik Landson (Brad Rowe) is working as a farmhand when a friend of his late father's, a police detective named Oliver Franklin (William Mesnik), wrangles him a scholarship to Stonebrook University, a fictitious branch of the Ivy League. Erik is accepted at the college, so he packs his meager belongings into a battered Ford pickup, and hits the road.

Unfortunately, he soon learns that the police department scholarship is contingent upon a blood relationship with Franklin. His funding suddenly revoked, Erik has to produce some money fast, and his nerdy roommate Cornelius (Seth Green) proposes a get-rich quick scheme.

The two immediately run afoul of a small-time...

Good for Indie fans & a must for Seth Green fans
While this independent film is flawed, it is nevertheless a gem and time worth spent. If you like suspense-yarns that don't spoon-feed you all the plot connections, you will have fun watching this one. On the other hand, if you need to have everything spelled out for you, this one may be a brain-struggle. Personally, I favor movies that let me do a bit of the work myself. But whatever camp you're in, I think you will ultimately walk away having enjoyed it. Another reason to check this one out is Seth Green who, as always, is in top form. What I like about Seth is how he always brings flair and depth to his characterizations. He is a charming and talented actor, so I wish he had had more screen time. Brad Rowe is well suited as the farm boy lost in a big city, but his performance lacks dimension. For those who haven't seen it, try not and read too much on this movie before seeing it. I've deliberately not delved into what the movie is all about here...you'll have fun finding...

A disappointing indie in which the audience is the mark
I picked this direct-to-video film up based on my respect for Seth Green. It was, unfortunately, a mistake.

This movie, a first-time venture for both Byron Thompson and Steve Morris, ends up failing in so many respects that its skipping theatrical release was as predictable as much of its plot. While the indie market is flourishing, more films like this could stop it in its tracks.

When Erik (Brad Rowe) enters the ivy-league Stonebrook on a bogus family scholarship engineered by a family friend (Bill Mesnik) it is, of course, too good to be true. In the first few minutes his scholarship is revoked and he falls helplessly into the hands of his nerdy roommate Cornelius (Seth Green) and a small-time criminal named Tali (Stanley Kamel).

Cornelius and Erik begin to dupe virtually everyone around with their elementary confidence scams before discovering they are in much too deep. In the midst of the myriad scams, Erik finds a love interest in the form of Londyn (Zoe McLellan) who...

Click to Editorial Reviews