Review – Cropsey

Once again indie filmmakers come up with a great idea that goes nowhere. This starts out as an exploration of the connections between childhood boogeyman stories – in this case the Staten Island local version of the Cropsey legend – and Andre Rand, a real-life child killer who stalked the area back in the 80s. Where the production focuses on its stated purpose, it’s actually quite good. Unfortunately, in fairly short order this switches from a thoughtful contemplation of the relationship between reality and legend and turns into yet another dull criticism of the justice system. Did Rand really do it, or was he an innocent mentally ill person who made a convenient hook to hang some convictions on? Compared to a thoughtful consideration of childhood terrors, the question isn’t all that interesting to anyone other than Rand himself. Mildly amusing