The Skeleptica Effect. USA 2009. Directed by Rashaan Russell

A bunch of New York City criminals are planning multiple robberies but as the story goes, things don't develop quite well.

The Skeleptica Effect is a feature film by filmmaker Rashaan Russell. Russell's talent can be seen in a dialogue writing, since the sustained verbal fire is just hilarious, funny and mostly interesting. Many other independent and starting filmmakers could easily make the non-stop talking go tiresome, but that isn't the case here. Decent actors (like Reginald Barnes and Ray A. Rodriguez) and actresses do their part to make it all sound quite believable.

The story of The Skeleptica Effect pays a lot of attention to characters, which is a good thing – but at the same time the film losts its pace every now and then. The amount of action and drama are not in balance. With some more editing, Russell's film should get rhythm it deserves.

Unfortunately the technical aspects don't match with the screenwriting. Although the use of colors and contrasts make an unique feel to it and the camera work has many nice ideas, but way too often it looks like the camera had been just been left on the tripod – or just shot without decent planning. Another visual letdown is the confusing use of different kind of titles.

With a little more work at the visual side and making it tighter by leaving some more in the cutting room floor, The Skeleptica Effect would lift its head from the millions of independent films out there.