The independent will rise again. This movie made his way over here in Europe due to mouth to mouth advertisement. The acting really is convincing and the storyline is okay but there was just something missing for me. I was never frightened or had a creepy feeling. The killings really are okay, the blood flows and sometimes are even gory but still I expected a bit more of it. It surely is an ode to old school slashers but I guess the killer itself failed a bit. Made me think of Donnie Darko, you will know what i mean once you've watched it. But the filming and editing was okay. When you see the so-called shots of the story of the book, the colors are into those of the seventies. A lot of flare is used, something we don't see these days. Again, there is enough for everyone. Blood, a bit of suspense, humor and of course nudity. Good effort, but as said, it's the killer who let me down. And if you don't like killing by hammers, don't watch it, it's hammer time!
12 Reviews
Could of had a better twist.
mdnobles1912 December 2010
It's like Before Sunrise meets slashers like Scream but on acid! The movie is kind of a fresh take on the genre with OK performances from the leads which to me the movie was more interesting with them talking and bickering and making up zany horror stories than when it becomes a reality. To me it fails at a horror/comedy because there weren't enough laughs and it fails at an actual horror movie because there weren't enough scares and suspense, it just becomes a typical, self aware slasher movie that it looks like it was going against. It was ambitious and there were a few nice gory bits and it is somewhat a change of pace for psychological/slashers but the ending just sucked and didn't make much sense, was it all in his head? I don't know but it could of had a much better twist. Skip it. More of a 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Interesting concept, but too contrived, predictable, and flat
whigrose6 November 2009
Warning: Spoilers
If you can't guess what is going to happen within about 10 minutes, then you obviously paid no attention during your literary courses and you need some serious mental help. Of course, this movie sets itself up as being all about the journey itself, and on that note, I feel it must get a mixed review. As others have pointed out in some reviews I've read, there is some visual appeal here and there. I did love the peep hole scenes and odd camera angles. But they spent way too much time telling the 'story' of the murders at the cabin, all of which includes too much unnecessary gore. Something about the film just feels wrong, like they tried too hard and rushed too much rather than taking their time, or maybe they just alloted the time they did have to all the wrong things. The concept of a serial killer revealing his recent killing spree to someone in the disguise of a fictional story is intriguing, but I think the concept could've been executed much more effectively as a drama than a predictable, fairy-tale-like parody of already cheesy 80's slasher films. Think about it--let the characters meet, maybe let the killer be more complex and less one dimensional so he has genuine feelings for the girl, then somehow they unintentionally end up back at the scene of his crimes. In that scenario, you wouldn't know what he would choose to do. Will he kill his new love interest? Will he sacrifice himself to spare her? Maybe she is a bit dark as well, so there's even a question as to whether or not she'd turn him in anyway. Now that is a movie I'd like to see. This one, not so much. A pleasant diversion, visually, but you'd have to be a zombie to even feign surprise at the outcome. I mean, come on, a creepy guy who makes no bones about hating the girl from the very beginning? How could that possibly go wrong?
Red Velvet pile of crap
tonycollums5 May 2020
Very well acted, well shot, all wasted by a dumb ending
jbar1926 April 2010
I had high hopes. The story was compelling and Henry Thomas and Kelli Garner were great together. The film was beautifully shot with lots of fun saturated colors, the technique of jumping between the horror story and the conversation between the 2 actors was fantastic and the dialogue snapped....
It just fell flat at the end. It was a fairly predictable ending and way too weak for such a great build up.
It's a good example of how great acting and film technique can be undermined by a weak story. It's sad really. It was like having a delicious appetizer, a great main course and then eating crap for dessert.
The film makers show promise, but overall a 7 was the highest I could give this. It had an 8.5 going into the last 10 minutes.
One of the dumbest endings ever.
It just fell flat at the end. It was a fairly predictable ending and way too weak for such a great build up.
It's a good example of how great acting and film technique can be undermined by a weak story. It's sad really. It was like having a delicious appetizer, a great main course and then eating crap for dessert.
The film makers show promise, but overall a 7 was the highest I could give this. It had an 8.5 going into the last 10 minutes.
One of the dumbest endings ever.
One of the most Unique Slasher Films In Years
excalibeartx9 March 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I just saw this film at Fear Fest 2 in Dallas, TX, and I must admit this film was absolutely amazing. So many elements combine to create a film that all fans of the slasher genre has to see to believe.
The chemistry between stars Henry Thomas and Kelli Garner was excellent. They clicked perfectly,and the bond they developed felt natural. Plus it was fun seeing Henry Thomas in a role like this. I honestly think he would be excellent in a good comedy.
The scenarios of how the murders were executed were so original and unique, that I refuse to give away ANY of them here. Let's just say, you have never seen some of these murders put on film until now. Also, the design of the killer itself was great: a killer who takes a Polaroid picture of the victim so that the last thing they see is themselves dying is just beyond messed up but it works.
If this comes to your town in a film festival or a convention DO NOT MISS THE SCREENING! When it gets released on DVD...RENT IT! Wonderful film.
The chemistry between stars Henry Thomas and Kelli Garner was excellent. They clicked perfectly,and the bond they developed felt natural. Plus it was fun seeing Henry Thomas in a role like this. I honestly think he would be excellent in a good comedy.
The scenarios of how the murders were executed were so original and unique, that I refuse to give away ANY of them here. Let's just say, you have never seen some of these murders put on film until now. Also, the design of the killer itself was great: a killer who takes a Polaroid picture of the victim so that the last thing they see is themselves dying is just beyond messed up but it works.
If this comes to your town in a film festival or a convention DO NOT MISS THE SCREENING! When it gets released on DVD...RENT IT! Wonderful film.
Most Witty and Original Horror Film in Years!!
sjahier1 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Red Velvet is one of the goriest and wittiest horror movies not just of this year, but EVER! Its highly original script gives the genre of horror hope amid all the PG-13 films made for tweens and wretched remakes clogging the video shelves.
The film was screened to a packed house (standing room only!) at this year's Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors in Los Angeles and no one in the audience left disappointed. The script is uproarious in all the right places while still maintaining its horror sensibilities and having some truly splatterific set pieces. From the opening scenes in the laundromat where Aaron and Linda are trading jabs to the hilarious scene where they come up with the "perfect killer," the film is blackly comedic. And then there's the gore the amazingly bloody gore! Like one scene where an unfortunate dude gets sawed in half. Or the scene in which a couple tries to climb out of a deep hole but the end of the rope is attached to an alligator that keeps getting steadily and steadily closer to falling in the hole every time the couple climbs a few more feet how's that for original? The acting is superb with Henry Thomas giving a manic, off-kilter performance as writer Aaron. Kelli Garner as Linda holds her own as well and proves that she won't be bullied by Aaron's snide remarks 'cause she dishes 'em right back! It was nice to see her character wasn't the stereotypical "helpless" female victim, but one who fights back. The supporting cast holds its own through the ever-changing characters' as Aaron molds his story to fit the personalities and looks of Linda's friends. Despite the many character incarnations, all of the actors held their own, among them Eric Jungmann (Killer Pad), Michele Nordin and Carlie Westerman (An American Crime).
Heightening the atmosphere is the direction by first-time director Bruce Dickson. The shots are engaging and beautifully bathed in unnatural reds, purples, yellows and oranges (especially for the story-telling scenes). The uniquely disconcerting score also gives the audience the impression that they are entering the "Twilight Zone" and that we are in for something truly special and weird.
My only complaint with the film was the ending, which lacked the punch of the rest of the film. Other than that, I am aglow with high praise for Red Velvet. It is truly one of the most memorable and unique horror films I've ever experienced.
Read the entire review at www.fatally-yours.com.
The film was screened to a packed house (standing room only!) at this year's Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors in Los Angeles and no one in the audience left disappointed. The script is uproarious in all the right places while still maintaining its horror sensibilities and having some truly splatterific set pieces. From the opening scenes in the laundromat where Aaron and Linda are trading jabs to the hilarious scene where they come up with the "perfect killer," the film is blackly comedic. And then there's the gore the amazingly bloody gore! Like one scene where an unfortunate dude gets sawed in half. Or the scene in which a couple tries to climb out of a deep hole but the end of the rope is attached to an alligator that keeps getting steadily and steadily closer to falling in the hole every time the couple climbs a few more feet how's that for original? The acting is superb with Henry Thomas giving a manic, off-kilter performance as writer Aaron. Kelli Garner as Linda holds her own as well and proves that she won't be bullied by Aaron's snide remarks 'cause she dishes 'em right back! It was nice to see her character wasn't the stereotypical "helpless" female victim, but one who fights back. The supporting cast holds its own through the ever-changing characters' as Aaron molds his story to fit the personalities and looks of Linda's friends. Despite the many character incarnations, all of the actors held their own, among them Eric Jungmann (Killer Pad), Michele Nordin and Carlie Westerman (An American Crime).
Heightening the atmosphere is the direction by first-time director Bruce Dickson. The shots are engaging and beautifully bathed in unnatural reds, purples, yellows and oranges (especially for the story-telling scenes). The uniquely disconcerting score also gives the audience the impression that they are entering the "Twilight Zone" and that we are in for something truly special and weird.
My only complaint with the film was the ending, which lacked the punch of the rest of the film. Other than that, I am aglow with high praise for Red Velvet. It is truly one of the most memorable and unique horror films I've ever experienced.
Read the entire review at www.fatally-yours.com.
One great Horror Flick!!!
reyna-1031 May 2008
I must say it's been awhile since I have seen a good horror flick, and when I had the chance to see Red Velvet, I jumped on it. The movie is so unique and different it kept me wanting more even when it was over. I admit I jumped during the movie and I laughed at scenes. It was both scary and comedic at the same time that's what makes it so cool to watch. Leaving the theater I had both a smile on my face and a feel of being satisfied, I finally got to sit down in the theater and watch something different, something original, something unique other then re-makes.. That same night I had a dream that my boyfriend was the killer in the movie and after me, so for the movie having that type of effect on me, I think that's awesome. Recommend for any Horror lover....
Reyna Young- Owner- Last Doorway Productions- www.lastdoorwayproductions.com
Reyna Young- Owner- Last Doorway Productions- www.lastdoorwayproductions.com
See this movie if you have the chance
kissingtoast-22 June 2008
I was lucky to see a screening of Red Velvet at Fear Fest 2, and I really, really enjoyed this film. The film is currently being shown around the comic/horror convention circuits. The producers stated that they then hope to have a limited theatrical release, culminating with the DVD release sometime in the Fall.
If you enjoy Argento-esquire cinematography, an eerie Goblin-esquire score, a good cast including Henry Thomas in the lead, goobery-gore ala 70's/80's slasher era, and finally a very funny dark comedic script, then you will more than likely enjoy this film.
If you get the opportunity to see this film I highly recommend you do so...you will not be disappointed.
If you enjoy Argento-esquire cinematography, an eerie Goblin-esquire score, a good cast including Henry Thomas in the lead, goobery-gore ala 70's/80's slasher era, and finally a very funny dark comedic script, then you will more than likely enjoy this film.
If you get the opportunity to see this film I highly recommend you do so...you will not be disappointed.
Superb tongue in cheek horror movie that delivers the goods...
Indyrod19 September 2009
This is a very interesting movie being marketed in a non-traditional way. Amazon has the exclusive rights to it as I understand, and the DVDs are kind of made to order. Whatever the marketing and how it well it works for them, this horror movie with a wink of the eye, needs to be seen, especially by fans of Dario Argento and the old school slasher films. Filmed in 35MM 1.85 A/R, the movie looks amazing. The colors are brilliant and definitely an homage to Argento, as are other aspects of the movie. The first time I watched it, I wasn't sure what to think, because I had read too much hype, and was expecting a dumbed down horror comedy making fan of slasher movies. In other words, I had low expectations, and after the first viewing, it left me a little confused. That's why I wanted to listen to the commentary on the second viewing, and this time, I found it to be a very good horror film even if it doesn't take itself too serious. The story is about Aaron (Henry Thomas) who has a problem with his noisy upstairs neighbor Linda (Kelli Garner). He manages to watch through his keyhole and meet her at a laundromat, where he comes off as a big jerk of a neighbor. But he does manage to get her to have lunch with him, where she tells him she is mad because she was invited to a birthday party in a cabin by a lake, and her boyfriend won't take her. So Aaron decides to tell her a story about taking revenge on those friends with a goofy looking stalking killer, that has a Polaroid type camera on his head, and takes a picture of his victim before the slice and dice routine. Yea, the killer is pretty silly, but his killings in this story Aaron is telling, is not silly at all, and pretty gruesome. Linda gets a little fed up with creepy Aaron and leaves, but they both live in the same building, so they meet again, and then Aaron agrees to drive her to the cabin and the birthday party. That's probably as much of the story and plot I should tell, because this movie is basically a story within a story.
The technical aspects of the movie are brilliant with very vibrant colors and excellent camera work, and very good acting and direction. Listening to the commentary is important, because it is easy to miss all the homages on first viewing, and Joe Moe's producer commentary fills in all the blanks. On the gorehound level, there are two or maybe three good kills, and one excellent gore scene with a guy getting sawed in two head to belly. I definitely liked that one, and that along with at least one more would definitely eliminate an R rating, so it's good they didn't care about the rating. But outside of some pretty decent kills, I liked the whole idea of the setup and payoff, even though I pretty much had the whole thing figured out pretty early. It doesn't matter, because watching it all unfold is a lot of fun, especially with the excellent creepy performance by Henry Thomas. I would definitely recommend this movie, it delivers the goods, and is absolutely a delight to watch visually. You could say, it's a very pretty horror film, and even though it does make a little bit of fun of the slasher genre, it doesn't go too far and comes out being just plain silly. On second viewing, it came out much more to me as a good horror film, than a homage to the slasher genre. Give this one a try, it comes with some very good extras, and as I said, a very very good commentary. It's also the last time you'll see of the late Forrest J Ackerman in a brief cameo. Congrats to producer Joe Moe, and director Bruce Dickson for producing a rather unique horror film that is also a lot of fun.
The technical aspects of the movie are brilliant with very vibrant colors and excellent camera work, and very good acting and direction. Listening to the commentary is important, because it is easy to miss all the homages on first viewing, and Joe Moe's producer commentary fills in all the blanks. On the gorehound level, there are two or maybe three good kills, and one excellent gore scene with a guy getting sawed in two head to belly. I definitely liked that one, and that along with at least one more would definitely eliminate an R rating, so it's good they didn't care about the rating. But outside of some pretty decent kills, I liked the whole idea of the setup and payoff, even though I pretty much had the whole thing figured out pretty early. It doesn't matter, because watching it all unfold is a lot of fun, especially with the excellent creepy performance by Henry Thomas. I would definitely recommend this movie, it delivers the goods, and is absolutely a delight to watch visually. You could say, it's a very pretty horror film, and even though it does make a little bit of fun of the slasher genre, it doesn't go too far and comes out being just plain silly. On second viewing, it came out much more to me as a good horror film, than a homage to the slasher genre. Give this one a try, it comes with some very good extras, and as I said, a very very good commentary. It's also the last time you'll see of the late Forrest J Ackerman in a brief cameo. Congrats to producer Joe Moe, and director Bruce Dickson for producing a rather unique horror film that is also a lot of fun.
One of my top 10 films of the year.
Darrin-18 November 2009
To lump this film in with horror comedies is doing it a disservice, as I think it's so much better than that. Personally, I don't care for horror comedies and thought this film was way too smart, clever and enjoyable to be deemed just another horror/comedy genre film. I can't wait to watch it with the commentary to see what I missed.
You need to watch this film, and watch it on Blu-Ray as it looks amazing. I'm not going to tell you the plot of the film, so go read the reviews if you want to know what the film is about, just don't overlook it, as it's a true gem. If your looking for a lame slash and gash flick with horrible dialog and predictable story plots then this film isn't for you, go watch Cabin Fever again. Solid, solid little film!
DustinL
You need to watch this film, and watch it on Blu-Ray as it looks amazing. I'm not going to tell you the plot of the film, so go read the reviews if you want to know what the film is about, just don't overlook it, as it's a true gem. If your looking for a lame slash and gash flick with horrible dialog and predictable story plots then this film isn't for you, go watch Cabin Fever again. Solid, solid little film!
DustinL
Campy take off on the slasher genre
DeborahPainter8557 October 2009
The cinematography and music are excellent and real standouts in this parody of the slasher films that have dominated horror movies for many years. Henry Thomas is a screenwriter who takes a break from his work because of the screaming matches going on in the apartment across from his. In the laundromat down the block he sees the very girl (Kelli Garner) who has been arguing with her boyfriend in the apartment across the hall. They are antagonistic toward each other at first but before the second rinse cycle they agree to eat lunch together. To entertain her he tells her tales of the untimely demises of all her friends who are at this moment at a cabin deep in the woods, throwing a birthday party she could not attend because her boyfriend did not want her to go.
Later, she and the screenwriter take an impromptu drive up to that very cabin. I won't reveal any more of the plot, but suffice to say that the story is well written and the ending will shock you! "The Sci-Fi Guy" himself, "Mr. Monster", Forrest J Ackerman, has a cameo rather early on in this movie. Watch for him!
Later, she and the screenwriter take an impromptu drive up to that very cabin. I won't reveal any more of the plot, but suffice to say that the story is well written and the ending will shock you! "The Sci-Fi Guy" himself, "Mr. Monster", Forrest J Ackerman, has a cameo rather early on in this movie. Watch for him!
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