I wasn't sure what to expect from this film, as there's been a spate of 'Virus' horror/thrillers of late. To be fair, it was a lot more engaging than I anticipated with 'Memento' styled flashbacks and some great acting. The characters start out being typical teenage horror fodder but develop into interesting and well rounded people that as a viewer, it's difficult not to like and feel sympathy for. The action does jump around a lot and at times you're not sure where in the time-line the characters are currently, but this is a minor annoyance. Despite being a bit lost during the first 10-15 minutes, as the plot unfolds everything comes together and tells a fascinating tale, warning of the foolishness and greed of humanity. Honestly, this movie is the best and most engaging I've seen in a while and doesn't just rely on special effects and/or make-up, but actually tells an interesting and gripping story.
Reviews
18 Reviews
Death Valley
(2015)
You'll be pleasantly surprised.
24 November 2015
Although there was obviously not much in the way of budget for this film, and the acting isn't exactly the best, it's not a bad thriller. The desert surroundings are stunning and you really feel the isolation and desperation of the characters as the action heats up. If you can look past the predictability of the plot and just take it at face value, it's a surprisingly decent, little movie. Fortunately, the director doesn't try and make it too 'Arty', just sticking to clean, fresh shots which works very well and helps the overall flow of the picture. Once you get into the plot it keeps the viewer constantly entertained and surprised, even though the climatic final scenes are a bit of a let down. I've certainly seen a lot worse.
Curve
(2015)
Average survival horror.
9 November 2015
As survival films go, this one isn't bad but doesn't bring anything new to the table. It's more of a thriller than a horror because there's really not much blood and gore to speak of. That said, the twist ending is a nice surprise although most of the film plods along quite predictably. There's some great acting and impressive cinematography, so I assume there was a decent budget for this movie. It's just a shame that no matter how much money you throw at something, a mediocre story is still a mediocre story. The script was entertaining though and evoked a real sympathy for the characters, so it's worth a watch if you enjoy this genre.
Agoraphobia
(2015)
An interesting and entertaining premise.
5 November 2015
Although the acting leaves a lot to be desired and the script isn't exactly the best, this film is quite a thought provoking one. With an interesting plot and some (rather predictable) twists and turns as the narrative progresses, it's not the worst film I've seen by a mile. The characters are a bit weak and not very well rounded or well thought out but if you can look past these few issues and just accept that it's not a big budget, Hollywood blockbuster, the film does have its good moments and is quite entertaining. I found this a rather mediocre offering at best, and feel that the original concept was a good one that sadly wasn't portrayed to its full potential.
The Hoarder
(2015)
A nice twist on a slasher flick.
2 November 2015
Although this is a plot we've all seen many times before in previous films, this movie harks back to the style of the '80's horror film and is surprisingly entertaining. With an interesting setting and cast, it brings a modern twist to the concept of people being trapped and stalked. Although not really very frightening (more of a thriller really, with little blood and gore) it's a film that keeps you on the edge of your seat and contains some shocking twists and turns as the narrative progresses. The finale is well done and doesn't leave unanswered questions for the viewer, really making you think about the fate of the characters and the choices they made.
The Inhabitants
(2015)
Nothing special.
1 November 2015
As films go, it's not too bad but certainly not as wonderful as previous reviews would have you believe. It's often the case with lower budget films that the acting isn't the best and this is no exception. Although the plot is an interesting one with real potential, it starts out as an interesting concept but just doesn't have the script to carry it off. There were no real 'Scares' or moments that made me jump and I found the films progression quiet formulaic and predictable. I've seen a lot worse, but I've also seen a lot better - It makes a change to see a film in this genre that's free of blood and gore, even though this is a rather average offering at best.
Momentum
(I) (2015)
Surprisingly entertaining.
25 October 2015
This action thriller is surprisingly entertaining. Unlike most political action movies, the plot in based around a strong female lead and has an interesting and exciting narrative. There's plenty of action, car chases, fight scenes and more, for those who like an action packed movie, as well as an engaging story with plenty of twists and turns. Although this film doesn't really bring anything new to the table, it's a very entertaining way to spend 90 minutes and I'd recommend it to all fans of the genre. Excellent acting and a lot of familiar faces within the cast ensure this will become a firm favourite of many viewers.
June
(I) (2015)
Not bad, but could have been better.
25 October 2015
To be fair, I've seen a lot worse films. This is a supernatural thriller which takes its influences from films such as 'Carrie', 'Bless the Child' and 'The Omen' so don't expect to see much originality. The acting's not bad but the script leaves a lot to be desired - I guess you can only work with what you're given. The narrative is rather simple and brings nothing new to the genre, however the cinematography is superb and a joy to watch. It's entertaining enough as movies go, but I can't help feeling that it could have been so much better. You're never going to make a film as beloved as the classics (The Omen, Rosemary's Baby etc) but with a more interesting plot, that stands up on its own, things could have been greatly improved.
A Christmas Horror Story
(2015)
A surprisingly great film!
21 October 2015
To be honest, I didn't expect much from this title and only thought I'd give it a watch because there was nothing else on. I have to admit to being pleasantly surprised and found it a very well made movie with some great casting and cinematography. There are so many cheesy, novelty, horror films released which center around a particular season or holiday and they seem to be mainly low budget affairs which aren't worth watching. This is a well made collection of stories which all interconnect and come together dramatically at the finale. William Shatner is a great boon and brings his character to life in a realistic and yet amusing way, with the dry humour we know and love. There's plenty of blood and gore for the die hard horror fans as well as an interesting collection of narratives, filled with black humour and intrigue. What a surprisingly great film!
Listening
(2014)
A real 'Diamond in the Rough'.
16 October 2015
This is an excellent film which tackles some very interesting moral questions in an understandable and entertaining way. It's rare to see such a strong narrative which holds your interest for the entire film. With surprisingly good production values and some great casting choices, this really is a 'Diamond in the Rough'. There are plenty of twists and turns in the plot, which deals with basic human freedoms and ethics - even though it can seem a little slow at the start. If you stick with this movie and give it a chance, you'll find yourself drawn into a world of secrets, espionage and brain-computer interfacing. If you enjoy films that pose interesting moral dilemmas and aren't just full of action, stunts and CGI effects, this title is one of the best I've seen in quite a while and I'd recommend it highly.
Eaters
(2015)
Don't waste your time on this title.
12 October 2015
It's been a very long time since I've seen such horrific acting, casting and directing. To find all three in the same film doesn't surprise me when a 'Biker Gang' consists of four normal looking men trying to look imposing and missing by a mile. As a biker myself, I'm used to seeing stereotypical representations of motorcycle riders, but this just made them look like fools. The plot is (you'll be unsurprised to hear) a common one that frankly has been done a lot better in other movies. The characters are as weak and two dimensional as the acting and the narrative and script appear to have been written by teenagers without a firm grasp of what making a film should entail. Unless you enjoy watching paint dry or grass grow, I'd give this shocking excuse for a film a wide berth. Low budget doesn't have to mean low quality, it's just a shame no one reminded the director and production team associated with this disaster.
Hidden
(I) (2015)
Brilliant narrative with plenty of thrilling twists and turns.
12 October 2015
Although a little slow at the start, sticking with this film really rewards the viewer with a psychologically thrilling atmosphere and some shocking twists in the plot. The oppressive sense of doom and fear really make for a wonderful backdrop to this tale of family unity and it's hard not to feel empathy with the characters. Superb acting and cinematography (although a little too dark in places) make this a fascinating study of the psychology of isolation. It's wonderful to see a film that's different in so many ways and doesn't try to rehash the same tired narrative of so many others. If you're looking for a thrilling movie which surprises you at every turn, this is a real winner that I'd highly recommend to anyone.
Coherence
(2013)
Far too confusing and overly complicated.
11 October 2015
As an avid fan of film I watch a lot of movies from a wide variety of genres, so like to think I have some idea of what makes an entertaining evenings viewing. Sadly, this film takes an interesting idea and ends up 'Overdoing it' to the point where I was left confused and lost for the majority of the time. There were simply too many plot twists and metaphysical happenings to get my head around even though the primary scientific concepts were glossed over in an attempt to appeal to a broader audience. Towards the end of the film, things got so overly complicated that I found it very difficult to follow the plot at all and felt rather cheated by the way that the storyline just plods on regardless of the ideas depicted being understood or not. If you have a exceptionally high IQ or an in-depth knowledge of physics I suppose you may see something which makes this film easier to follow and understand - unfortunately, I spent so long trying to work out who was who, that I must have missed the point.
Big Sky
(2015)
Stunning scenery but a very mediocre film.
11 October 2015
This film is rather confusing in the respect that a serious mental health disorder is sort of skirted over and not really addressed in an honest way. The female leads are quite interesting characters, but most of the others are a bit one dimensional and dull - and the acting isn't exactly award winning either. What seems to start as an original and interesting premise, fails to deliver as we follow an ever more bazaar set of circumstances which unfold very slowly before our eyes in what can only be described as a totally unrealistic mess. Slow, boring and at times rather confusing, this tale isn't going to be everyone's 'Cup of Tea' and if you're looking for a realistic interpretation of mental illness or the circumstances the characters find themselves in - prepare for disappointment. Personally, I had high hopes for this title and was annoyed that it missed the opportunity to deliver by a mile.
Pod
(I) (2015)
A great idea that missed the mark.
11 October 2015
Although the acting and character development in this film are very good, I was left at the end with too many unanswered questions and unexplained plot holes. It's always difficult to realistically display mental health disorders in a sympathetic and factual way and this title managed to cover such an emotive subject in a sensitive way, which was quite impressive. However, the storyline isn't a strong one and does little to explain who the characters really are, let alone how or why they make the choices they do. People are introduced and never explained, leaving you feeling that you have no idea where people have appeared from or what their motives are. I understand that sometimes as a viewer you have to 'Put the pieces of the puzzle together yourself' but it constantly seemed as if a lot of the pieces were missing and there was no way to see the whole picture. Overall, this movie was rather disappointing and missed the opportunity to create a great atmosphere as well as subjecting us to a rather strange and badly thought out narrative.
The Boy
(I) (2015)
I'd rather watch paint dry.
9 October 2015
To be honest, it seemed like an interesting idea that simply didn't work as a film. Although there's some great acting, the plot moves so slowly that it's like pulling teeth. I found myself getting very bored quite early on and things just never really picked up from there. The characters are interesting and well developed, but just don't seem to engage the audience, leaving you with little sympathy for them as events unfold. As always, I stuck with this movie to the end hoping that it would improve or that I'd be dazzled by some shocking twist in the plot towards the end, but to no avail. As a study into mental health disorders or the origins of psychotic or sociopathic behaviour it's probably excellent - as an entertaining movie to watch one evening at home, unfortunately it fails on many levels and leaves you wondering why you bothered to waste your time.
Hellions
(2015)
Bazaar - and not in a good way.
9 October 2015
Unlike previous reviewers of this film, I failed to understand it one iota. I gave one star for the amazing cinematography and use of interesting camera angles and effects, but the plot (if there even was one) appears to have escaped me entirely. Like many of the movies which rack up independent film awards that few of us have ever heard of, this title promises so much and delivers so very little. It's as if someone came up with a good idea for frightening protagonists and got a good director on board but then asked a stoned hobo to come up with a storyline. For us mere mortals (who just enjoy a good movie) sadly, 'Hellions' is a complete waste of time. I stuck with it until the bitter end, hoping that somehow it would all come together or be explained, but alas I was left confused and bewildered. If you're willing to sit through the multitude of dream sequences, psychedelic backgrounds and don't require any sort of plot you're able to follow or even grasp at all, then perhaps this is the film for you.
Contracted: Phase II
(2015)
A surprisingly good sequel.
9 October 2015
Having thoroughly enjoyed the first installment, I wasn't sure that a sequel could really add much to the general plot line. I'm happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the impressive acting, well rounded characters and introduction of a whole back-story to the original film. This movie works well as both a sequel and a stand alone feature, so you don't have to have seen the first film to enjoy this one. Although lacking the shocking impact of the first, this film is an explanation of the protagonist and their motives, as well as exploring what people have 'Contracted' in more detail and depth. A great new spin on the usual offerings within this genre and well worth an evenings viewing.
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