"Last Orders has a constant feeling of dread that permeates the film and a tension that deliciously runs from start to end. It is creepy, suspenseful, anxiety-inducing edge-of-your-seat stuff that leaves you guessing for its entirety [...] Last Orders feels nothing like its indie cousins and more like a masterwork in comparison. It is, for all intents and purposes, a beautifully crafted short film. [...] It is a wonderful short film with a clever narrative and a twist ending, meticulously pieced together through a labour of love"
- Nevermore-Horror.com
"Watching Last Orders, the new short film from Jon James Smith, I couldn’t help but wonder what his first full-length feature might be like? I say that because based on what I watched in Last Orders I would anticipate something great, or at the very least, ambitious. Last Orders is first a magnificent horror short... What I got from it was a great story with some ambiguity (for the better), all wrapped in tidy little short that is ominous from start to finish... Last Orders lives in the horror that burns slow and breathes atmosphere as a horror short."
- HorrorFacts.com
"...an intriguing premise that establishes a mystery that you can’t wait to get to the bottom of... The story is brought to life by the excellent, realistic performances from the leads and exquisite, professional production values that make the world feel truly lived in... incredible amount of talent on display..."
- SickFlix.net
"Of course, a stage is nothing without the actors who portray the story, and in this regard, Last Orders also delivers... Last Orders is 21 minutes of quiet, ominous British horror. It’s the sort of thing that seems to nestle lovingly into the darkest hours of the evening, when the mundane world is blanketed by night and the people that are still awake are left alone with their thoughts and fears... I’d say it’s well worth checking out."
- Casey-Douglass.com
"Jon James Smith's 2016 Winning Shriekfest Commercial captures exactly what Shriekfest is all about... following your dreams! Jon did an amazing job showing how a dream can turn into a reality with hard work! We are honored to have this awesome commercial!"
- Denise Gossett, Festival Founder & Director
"Seemingly every scene is a twist that dramatically shifts your opinions and predictions of the plot. Every line of dialogue, camera movement, or cut could potentially reveal new and astonishing information. Every sudden storyshift also leads to subtle, but clever, change in genre. [...] It is a perfect example of how to reveal the exact amount of information in a scene needed for the scene to work."
- UK Film Review
"...this is tautly plotted; not a word of dialogue, not a shot or edit is wasted in telling us an actually quite complex story... It's Jon James Smith's attention to detail that really impresses... hugely recommended. MJS rating: A"
- MJ Simpson
"Really thrilling and suspenseful stuff" - Film Shortage
"This looks and feels like it could be taken right out of a big budget Hollywood blockbuster thriller... If you get an opportunity to see this film please take it. You'll be glad you did. Strong recommend."
- ScareTissue
"...a beautifully crafted story and film unfold. Shot confidently and with an eye for flair, Director Smith never wastes a moment... Jon James Smith has crafted a clever and gripping film that made me want to see more than the 14 minutes given. His creative team and talent should be proud of this little gem and all the recent accolades are well deserved. I look forward to Mr Smith's future works"
- UK Horror Scene
"a compelling piece, composed of endless twists, turns and red herrings. Expertly shot, with keen focus and attention to detail [...] Smiths’ work is undoubtedly engaging- catching the viewer from the very first moments of screen time. The piece also employs interesting characters, compelling details, passion, and yes, even the occasional chuckle."
- FestivalReviews.org