Another good movie at the Gasparilla International Film Festival is Clear Lake, WI, a thriller more concerned with psychological trauma than gore, and that's a good thing. It also has Michael Madsen playing a man of the cloth, which seems odd at first. Then you realize he's Mr. Blonde all over again, just on a mission from God.

The Reverend, as he's known, went a little funny in the head 15 years ago, believing a toxic spill that caused several deaths was God's vengeance against sinners, especially horny teenagers. A few straight arrows agreed with him, setting off a Manson-style massacre of classmates. Needless to say, everyone cleared out of town after that.

Taking a cue from Stephen King's It, a group of survivors return to deserted Clear Lake to confront their dark memories, speaking exposition into a video camera a bit too much. Bodies start piling up, and it's obvious that the Reverend's work isn't done.

Clear Lake, WI is a solid flick, and Madsen is worth watching anytime (although his role is limited to flashbacks and a killer kiss-off). It's co-produced, written by and co-stars Morgan Simpson, a Plant High School graduate now living in L.A., and this is a nice calling card for future work. Simpson will join two other Plant grads -- executive producer Charlie Poe and musician Robert Cooper -- at Friday's 9:15 p.m. screening at Channelside Cinemas. Tickets are going fast.