I'm not sure if I watched the same movie as the other people on this comment section or people have no taste in movies anymore, or these people work for the production company but this film is "just bad". The comments and trailer makes it out to be this great monster movie. It was just a mess, the writing, the acting, the effects the lack of scares, or lack there of, and the guy from Ghost Hunters Britt Griffith should be banned from acting because I have seen boards act in a more exciting manner than he did. The story is all over the place from a action to a bad, bad B movie horror flick. I just did not get any of it and I think I even dosed off a couple of time during it. A sea monster showing up every 30 years? Does he have a clock and a calender? I really should have turned it off after the first 15 minutes but I figured maybe, just maybe it would get better but it never did. The poster kinda resembles Piranha and who ever put together the trailer I give the one star because they got me to watch this trash. Otherwise the movie just stinks of bad rotten sea monster.Oh and by the way where was the monster? I was waiting for his or her grand entrance but all I got is a few peeks and some groaning, roaring or whatever the sound crew had in their short list of monster sounds. If you want to watch a move about the water then you can watch this move because it stinks like dead fish.
30 Reviews
Direct to DVD?
dtf8590118 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This entire movie (I don't know why I watched the whole thing)... was shockingly awful. I LOVE bad movies. But one moment I'm turning up the volume to hear the speech over the loud sound track, the next I'm turning it down because everyone is yelling.
I kept hoping it would get good. It had tons of potential... but it just never met that potential. What was the point of Auriel? She did NOTHING in the movie. I'm pretty sure she was just a hot piece of tail for eye candy.
The biologist accomplished nothing. Solved nothing. In 30 years, that oversize Lamprey Snake is going to come back. But good news! She gets to play the grieving adult orphan! Never mind she hadn't spoken to her father in like 20 years.
But,then again, it's a town of meth heads, so maybe there isn't really anything worth saving?
Awful movie. Even by my standards. Only gave it 3 stars because as bad as it was, it still kept me interested enough to watch the whole thing, even if I DO regret it now.
I kept hoping it would get good. It had tons of potential... but it just never met that potential. What was the point of Auriel? She did NOTHING in the movie. I'm pretty sure she was just a hot piece of tail for eye candy.
The biologist accomplished nothing. Solved nothing. In 30 years, that oversize Lamprey Snake is going to come back. But good news! She gets to play the grieving adult orphan! Never mind she hadn't spoken to her father in like 20 years.
But,then again, it's a town of meth heads, so maybe there isn't really anything worth saving?
Awful movie. Even by my standards. Only gave it 3 stars because as bad as it was, it still kept me interested enough to watch the whole thing, even if I DO regret it now.
One of the worst films I've seen in a long time
phantasmda21 May 2014
Pro's: It ends.
Con's: It's boring, boring to the point of complete tedium.
The characters are the most, miserable, nasty and downright unlikable cast you will ever see. I literally wanted them ALL to die.
The effects, they're aren't any, a little bit of blood in the water and lump of rubber that jabs into a leg over and over as the camera shakes around all over the place, so you can't tell what you are looking at. You NEVER see the monster barring a quick flash of some kind of teeth in the last few minutes.
The plot, seriously, it actually does have a nice idea in there somewhere but the story just keeps jumping from one set of people in one location, to another set in another location, while trying to cleverly follow about 5 different story threads. It just becomes confusing and fails miserably. The actual monster plot takes up about 5 minutes of the whole film, the rest might just as well have been a dull family drama.
The camera work, sound and lighting in this film are dreadful. Shaky camera work, bad lighting and sound that at some points, is so low that you can't hear anything and then in other parts, it's loud and bellowing.
The artwork for the poster is misleading and the people named on the poster are only in it for a few minutes. James Duvall must have about 2 or 3 minutes of screen time, it's ridiculous.
All in all a really dull, boring and poorly made, horror (sniggers) film. Avoid!
Con's: It's boring, boring to the point of complete tedium.
The characters are the most, miserable, nasty and downright unlikable cast you will ever see. I literally wanted them ALL to die.
The effects, they're aren't any, a little bit of blood in the water and lump of rubber that jabs into a leg over and over as the camera shakes around all over the place, so you can't tell what you are looking at. You NEVER see the monster barring a quick flash of some kind of teeth in the last few minutes.
The plot, seriously, it actually does have a nice idea in there somewhere but the story just keeps jumping from one set of people in one location, to another set in another location, while trying to cleverly follow about 5 different story threads. It just becomes confusing and fails miserably. The actual monster plot takes up about 5 minutes of the whole film, the rest might just as well have been a dull family drama.
The camera work, sound and lighting in this film are dreadful. Shaky camera work, bad lighting and sound that at some points, is so low that you can't hear anything and then in other parts, it's loud and bellowing.
The artwork for the poster is misleading and the people named on the poster are only in it for a few minutes. James Duvall must have about 2 or 3 minutes of screen time, it's ridiculous.
All in all a really dull, boring and poorly made, horror (sniggers) film. Avoid!
A shocker of a movie. Avoid at all cost.
mablake-656-13802522 September 2014
Very poor filming with sound bites not constant. The movie has little or no story line or character development. Needless drawn out moments do not build any suspense or contribute to the plot. The music and background soundtrack music is fair - the only kind word I can say about the entire movie. Not sure what the United Stated soldiers in 2002 Iraq Desert Storm action bit was about at the beginning of the movie unless it to build some mojo in some of the lead charters - if it did, it failed completely. Little or no suspense or even a suspense build up. How does such a big creature go unnoticed in a confined clear water lake? The science is not believable or supportive of the plot. The feature creature is non-show. A dreadful ending. Do I need to say more.....?
Not salty enough for me. Needs more blood.
stoptheomg18 May 2014
If you like mystery monsters you'll appreciate this film. I liked the plot but I would have liked to learn a bit more of the history of the characters. I was lost at the beginning but towards the end it came full circle. Way too many settings. Enough to make you dizzy. You'll be in one place and before you can blink you're somewhere else. And it had just the right amount of flashbacks. Some films get carried away with those. I don't think they used any CG in this movie which I liked as well. It has gorgeous actresses that didn't act all ditsy or brainless — well not all of them — like most horror flicks. The dialog was a bit quiet in some parts where I could barely hear them speaking. Not a movie that would make me wake up in a cold sweat making sure all my body parts were still there. Anybody want to go swimming?
Your better off watching paint dry for 80minutres
Shooby33725 July 2014
Do yourself a favour and don't bother.
I've watched some bad movies in my time', those sort of no brainers you go in knowing are going be bad like those on movies on the syfy channel, but jeez this is terrible. The only good thing about it is when it ends!
The acting is bad, the sound is bad, the filming is bad, and that stupid monster groan has no justification for being used at any point, it's beyond ridiculous.
I have seen better home movies shot on a iPhone!
If you paid to buy this I'd write to the makers and demand your money back, even if it was only 50 pence, it be worth the postage stamp for the principle of the matter!
I've watched some bad movies in my time', those sort of no brainers you go in knowing are going be bad like those on movies on the syfy channel, but jeez this is terrible. The only good thing about it is when it ends!
The acting is bad, the sound is bad, the filming is bad, and that stupid monster groan has no justification for being used at any point, it's beyond ridiculous.
I have seen better home movies shot on a iPhone!
If you paid to buy this I'd write to the makers and demand your money back, even if it was only 50 pence, it be worth the postage stamp for the principle of the matter!
what were they thinking?
night-rev201417 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Stop rating movies over actress's looks and just bikini's. Surely this title couldn't have got over 2 for it's content.
I like horror, science fiction, even some documentaries.
I have watched, and loved many sci-fy channel movies & asylum remakes, but this movie, in my opinion is the worst of the worst.
This would be an "ok" movie if you want something about "Urban Legends".
low budget...please, "the blair witch project" was low budget, but was a lot more interesting than this.
Scary ? only in the idea that it went so long before coming to an end. monsters ? was none of any interest.
Do yourself a favor. Avoid this movie and watch a normal television program. Even a re-run of "A nightmare on elm street" would be more interesting.
I like horror, science fiction, even some documentaries.
I have watched, and loved many sci-fy channel movies & asylum remakes, but this movie, in my opinion is the worst of the worst.
This would be an "ok" movie if you want something about "Urban Legends".
low budget...please, "the blair witch project" was low budget, but was a lot more interesting than this.
Scary ? only in the idea that it went so long before coming to an end. monsters ? was none of any interest.
Do yourself a favor. Avoid this movie and watch a normal television program. Even a re-run of "A nightmare on elm street" would be more interesting.
This is the worst movie I have ever seen.
jmkaep18 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Please do not spend a dime to see this movie. It is the worst movie released ever, please trust me. I only watched until the end because for some weird reason I wanted in to get better but it never did. A monster in a lake that has to receive a human offering every 30 years so that is doesn't kill tourists. Was this script written by a thirteen year-old? Terrible acting. Terrible script. Flat boring cringe worthy dialogue. Nonsensical lines like "I can't leave this town because of all my memories", spoken by some crusty old loser who is the leading lady's father. (And the worst actor ever...) Everyone involved in writing, acting and directing this movie needs to think seriously about a career change. Right now! Actually I feel kind of sorry for him now.
IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE ANYBODY WE LIKE
nogodnomasters17 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
A town on a reservoir has to sacrifice one of its own every 20-30 years to appease a serpent we know nothing about, or even see other than occasional glimpses. Note to self: Move somewhere else.
That is pretty much it. Some unlikable main characters. Lack of decent dialogue and characters made this a snoozer. Difficult to sit through with so much lack of action.
Parental Guide: F-bomb. Brief nudity.
That is pretty much it. Some unlikable main characters. Lack of decent dialogue and characters made this a snoozer. Difficult to sit through with so much lack of action.
Parental Guide: F-bomb. Brief nudity.
Dead in the water
TheLittleSongbird27 March 2018
Had absolutely no prejudice towards 'Dead Sea' before watching out of curiosity. Was also not wanting it to be bad, despite having understandable nervousness as it was a low-budget creature film (a type of film that has a generally dubious reputation for good reason).
Actually, was kind of hoping that 'Dead Sea' would be one of those sort of guilty pleasure films regardless of how good or bad it was. The idea was not a bad one at all, not exactly unique but it intrigued at least, and the advertising was strangely fascinating. Do not know what it is with me and low budget films recently, but 'Dead Sea' is yet another film with a semi-decent concept done nothing with and basically just poorly executed. The least bad thing is the scenery, which is the only thing that shows any signs of real effort.
Don't know where to begin with the criticisms. Aside from the scenery, it is drably shot and sloppily edited with some abysmal effects. The direction has no personality or doesn't show any skill for visual flair, how to tell a story or how to direct actors let alone get the best out of them. The monster is criminally under-utilised to bare existence and bears no menace at all.
The characters are impossible to root for, it's one thing that very little is done to develop them other than a little overwrought padding but it's another when they are so annoying that you are actually rooting for them to be gotten rid of, as terrible a thing as that sounds.
Less said about the acting the better. Especially with the lead actor giving one of the most embarrassing performances seen by me in a while, the acting is so bad it's beyond description. The hateable characters and the incompetent direction does nothing to help them.
Nor does the writing, which is little more than cheesy and awkward gibberish. Despite a decent idea, the story was very difficult to get into with such a leaden pace and then such a jumpy structure, that, on top of having no suspense or thrills and lots of intelligence insulting ridiculousness, it became less easy to follow.
Overall, very poorly done. 1/10 (a rare rating for me these days, dislike giving them out). Bethany Cox
Actually, was kind of hoping that 'Dead Sea' would be one of those sort of guilty pleasure films regardless of how good or bad it was. The idea was not a bad one at all, not exactly unique but it intrigued at least, and the advertising was strangely fascinating. Do not know what it is with me and low budget films recently, but 'Dead Sea' is yet another film with a semi-decent concept done nothing with and basically just poorly executed. The least bad thing is the scenery, which is the only thing that shows any signs of real effort.
Don't know where to begin with the criticisms. Aside from the scenery, it is drably shot and sloppily edited with some abysmal effects. The direction has no personality or doesn't show any skill for visual flair, how to tell a story or how to direct actors let alone get the best out of them. The monster is criminally under-utilised to bare existence and bears no menace at all.
The characters are impossible to root for, it's one thing that very little is done to develop them other than a little overwrought padding but it's another when they are so annoying that you are actually rooting for them to be gotten rid of, as terrible a thing as that sounds.
Less said about the acting the better. Especially with the lead actor giving one of the most embarrassing performances seen by me in a while, the acting is so bad it's beyond description. The hateable characters and the incompetent direction does nothing to help them.
Nor does the writing, which is little more than cheesy and awkward gibberish. Despite a decent idea, the story was very difficult to get into with such a leaden pace and then such a jumpy structure, that, on top of having no suspense or thrills and lots of intelligence insulting ridiculousness, it became less easy to follow.
Overall, very poorly done. 1/10 (a rare rating for me these days, dislike giving them out). Bethany Cox
Terrible
bbriddell22 November 2014
Warning: Spoilers
If there is a story, then I can watch regardless of budget. However, the story, if we can call it that; jumbled around aimlessly until after 30 minutes I couldn't take anymore. Shallow water, SEAL team in Middle East dealing with terrorist, archaeologist doing dig, drug dealers killing a custie, young people partying on a lake/dead sea, then monster attack.
It looked more like a student film in which no one decided that there should be something to hook the viewer into watching. It was like a few stories thrown at the viewer to see which one would stick and if it did, then the viewer would have been disappointed and left to write their own story.
It looked more like a student film in which no one decided that there should be something to hook the viewer into watching. It was like a few stories thrown at the viewer to see which one would stick and if it did, then the viewer would have been disappointed and left to write their own story.
Where's the monster?
eightysixme21 May 2014
I checked out this movie because of the cover art depicting a giant snake looking thing with a tongue, apparently used to lap up succulent girls...
...but I didn't see this monster in the movie. Distributors have been known to use DVD box art to market films in a certain way, but this one takes the cake as you buy it expecting Piranha 3DD but get a psychopathic mystery movie instead, which probably explains the polarizing reaction to it in the user reviews here (including my own polarizing reaction) and is why I'm writing my first review I guess.
The story is interesting enough but the film itself is not consistent to it. The PTSD guys are scarier than the monster we see (when we see it). Sound is a bit messy. Someone pointed out that the monster has tentacles but I thought they were smaller monsters. WE never see their tails so that's up for debate.
5 or 6 of 10, now that I've settled down from my complete and utter shock that this isn't the movie I wanted to see.
...but I didn't see this monster in the movie. Distributors have been known to use DVD box art to market films in a certain way, but this one takes the cake as you buy it expecting Piranha 3DD but get a psychopathic mystery movie instead, which probably explains the polarizing reaction to it in the user reviews here (including my own polarizing reaction) and is why I'm writing my first review I guess.
The story is interesting enough but the film itself is not consistent to it. The PTSD guys are scarier than the monster we see (when we see it). Sound is a bit messy. Someone pointed out that the monster has tentacles but I thought they were smaller monsters. WE never see their tails so that's up for debate.
5 or 6 of 10, now that I've settled down from my complete and utter shock that this isn't the movie I wanted to see.
not at all what I expected but worth at least a rental
huntercode27 May 2014
I picked this up (Family Video) because of the box, thinking it would be a Sharknado or Sharktapus and instead got a long episode of Breaking Bad with a snake monster and its babies. You don't see them too much. The story is more about a town of unsavory drug dealers and other lowlife. The story is about a Marine Biologist with a drinking problem who is sent to investigate dying fish in a lake but it turns out its the same town she grew up in and left when she was a teenager, without a word to her dad. The truth of the matter is she's just in time to be offered up to a snake-creature that shows up every thirty years to get a sacrifice so everything can be gravy.
The movie has almost nothing to do with the monster on the box. You don't even see the mother and her babies very often. The movie is more about the drug dealers in the town and there's a lot of chasing and guns, not a lot of snakenado. I liked the action but just wish it had more of what the DVD cover had. This happens a lot lately with these kinds of movies, the DVD cover doesn't have anything to do with what you get.
The movie has almost nothing to do with the monster on the box. You don't even see the mother and her babies very often. The movie is more about the drug dealers in the town and there's a lot of chasing and guns, not a lot of snakenado. I liked the action but just wish it had more of what the DVD cover had. This happens a lot lately with these kinds of movies, the DVD cover doesn't have anything to do with what you get.
Good movie...until...
Freshslatepictures17 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I was super excited to watch this piece of quality cinema. I love a good monster movie. And THIS is a good monster movie -- except for the serious lack of monster in it. Whoever did the lamprey -- I'm not sure what was up there. It was almost like they didn't even have a lamprey -- very Jaws, if I do say so myself.
Anyways, besides a good monster flick, who doesn't dig a movie with a bunch of hot chicks, guns, and a story? This movie delivers! And I was stoked to watch it, up until Slagle's face popped up on screen. Now, you have to understand how terribly frightening this was. I peed my pants. Literally. Because Slagle's face came on my screen. Don't do that to me again! I'd give this movie an 8/10 -- except that it cost me a happy ending kind of night. Thanks for casting such a ridiculous actor! Whoever Directed this movie should be fired!
Anyways, besides a good monster flick, who doesn't dig a movie with a bunch of hot chicks, guns, and a story? This movie delivers! And I was stoked to watch it, up until Slagle's face popped up on screen. Now, you have to understand how terribly frightening this was. I peed my pants. Literally. Because Slagle's face came on my screen. Don't do that to me again! I'd give this movie an 8/10 -- except that it cost me a happy ending kind of night. Thanks for casting such a ridiculous actor! Whoever Directed this movie should be fired!
Worst Movie Ever
bienvenidos205019 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I have seen piranha 3d, jaws and many more movies but this movies is like what if i had a remote in my hands and do fast forward. Acting was over-acting, TV serials are better then this actors. 2nd thing, there is no monster i seen, just its teeth snatching it. 3rd i was hardly understand the movie where the story connecting with others.The army then ancient thinkers and many other parts i was not able to understand. When you make the movie, you make it understandable and worth watching. And the ending was worst ever. All the time action was not good and wasn't entertaining. The story writer would have made a better story. 4rth i think maybe producer would be having less finance so maybe low budget movie. But even low budget movies goes success. But this movie when i watched it reminds me jaws, piranha and many other movies are better then this one.
I think filmmaker should remake it and make it better or come up with better story, animation, acting, drama and action.
I just can't give a better rating, well lets say he tried to make better but its very bad movie ever, will give 2 ratings out of 10.
I think filmmaker should remake it and make it better or come up with better story, animation, acting, drama and action.
I just can't give a better rating, well lets say he tried to make better but its very bad movie ever, will give 2 ratings out of 10.
3 million dollar budget????
jamesmccrimmond10 June 2018
Got this in my horror libarary thinking ok the cover has me intrigued i think IMDb need to put a 0 rating its that bad. It makes Ulli Lommel zombie nation a masterpiece. Might end up trashing it in the bin like i did zombie nation another film using a false slick cover as bait.
Watchable, could use a bit more life.
bombersflyup4 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Dead Sea has low production values, poor cinematography and acting, but the story's okay. The opening scenes are so poorly handled with no context. The sacrifice only makes sense for the daughter's welfare, because the town's dead and no one's gonna do it again in 30 years. Perhaps a flashback and more backstory of what their original ancestors got in the first place. Unsure if that other girl has any relation to the serpent at all.
Some good ingredients, but no monster
robertemerald19 October 2019
How do movies this bad actually end up being made? Who has responsibility for overseeing that the story is making sense, or that the production is keeping some sort of standard? How is such a venture, or a career, destined to be profitable when all who buy the dvd end up feeling utterly ripped off? My dvd cover featured a beautiful woman about to be devoured by a huge gaping maw and row upon row of colossal teeth, about the size of the worm monsters in Tremors or Dune. That is not what the movie delivers. For starters the monster is only ever portrayed as about the size of a large man. Even that doesn't matter as we never see it! We only see a few, very few, isolated half-seconds of maybe a side or a few teeth, flashing about amid murky waters at night alongside kicking legs of victims and bits of ragged seaweed. The soundtrack is relentless, and while not inappropriate, is such a continuous dramatic drone that it loses all sympathy. The story is badly managed fits and starts, with some inexplicable moments. I saw a car abandoned for no apparent reason when a car was badly needed. I saw a woman collapse from exhaustion after a 10 minute chase followed by a couple hours hiding in a cave, then a short walk back to the road. What the hell exhausted her?! The script lacked imagination, and the actors over act. I was interested in the cameras they used which is why I gave it a point. Dead Sea is a poor effort.
Whoa whoa whoa WHOA!
billperez41418 May 2014
I'm already seeing some wildly different opinions on this film. Rather than spend time mudslinging the other reviews or accuse them of being "insiders" or fluff, I'd prefer to analyze why. One actually said "if it was an urban legend film it would be good". Okay, so as an "urban legend" film it works, but as a Syfy channel monster movie it doesn't? Either it's good or not and one shouldn't hold the film responsible for their own misperception. Also if you have to resort to claiming that other reviews "were done by people in the production" then that's a surefire sign of your own lack of any discernible writing skill.
Anyway...
On to the film. There is a giant lamprey out there, traveling the world and becoming mythic, and if it comes to your land, you had best give it a willing sacrifice, or there is hell to pay. That is the dilemma this unnamed town is facing, and Victoria, a former resident, is facing an even bigger one. She's been assigned to investigate the mass deaths of marine life that happen to be taking place in the town she grew up in and quickly left. It seems this town is one of those where people just don't do any good with their lives.
Kier and Castor are also residents of the town, both having severe PTSD from participating in the Afghan War (particularly Kier, who is the most frightening character in the film, moreso than the monster, and NOT poorly acted, contrary to one of the other reviews). Now that many years have passed and they're back at home, they're drug runners, and Castor wants local man Callan (yeah the names are a bit strange) to join in as a "mule". Are their actions over the top? Maybe. They do tread a bit of a fine line in regards to depicting servicemen poorly. Whether or not that was the filmmaker's intention is another question, but it makes sense within the film.
Victoria arrives in town and high school sweetheart Kier is not happy about it, and Victoria isn't happy when she accidentally meets up with her father. The scenes between the two actors are NOT what you'd normally expect from this type of film, and are actually surprisingly good and heartfelt, if not a bit strange tonally.
Kier and Castor throw Kier's methhead bootie call into the water to see if there are any monsters about, and there are. There's also a lonely, lost town girl who is like a mini-version of Victoria, obviously in a similar life path. Both characters seem to be there for exposition.
Lamprey-looking creatures are there, but sparingly. You can tell the film had budget constraints, or perhaps moments of "the creature not working". There are far more guns and profanity than there are creatures, and that's fine. The brief action scenes are actually pretty well done, if not also sticking out like a bit of a sore thumb in this type of film.
Despite being a clusterf**k of genres, melding a lot of aspects of drama and action that seem out of place at times and some pretty obvious plot holes, Dead Sea isn't a bad late night or mid-afternoon watch. I don't quite understand why a few "cinephiles" who spend more time illegally downloading films feel the need to berate movies like this when they are already the ones doing a disservice to the filmmakers and distributors by STEALING it, but that's another issue altogether.
Is it perfect? Absolutely not. Will you have fun? Maybe.
Anyway...
On to the film. There is a giant lamprey out there, traveling the world and becoming mythic, and if it comes to your land, you had best give it a willing sacrifice, or there is hell to pay. That is the dilemma this unnamed town is facing, and Victoria, a former resident, is facing an even bigger one. She's been assigned to investigate the mass deaths of marine life that happen to be taking place in the town she grew up in and quickly left. It seems this town is one of those where people just don't do any good with their lives.
Kier and Castor are also residents of the town, both having severe PTSD from participating in the Afghan War (particularly Kier, who is the most frightening character in the film, moreso than the monster, and NOT poorly acted, contrary to one of the other reviews). Now that many years have passed and they're back at home, they're drug runners, and Castor wants local man Callan (yeah the names are a bit strange) to join in as a "mule". Are their actions over the top? Maybe. They do tread a bit of a fine line in regards to depicting servicemen poorly. Whether or not that was the filmmaker's intention is another question, but it makes sense within the film.
Victoria arrives in town and high school sweetheart Kier is not happy about it, and Victoria isn't happy when she accidentally meets up with her father. The scenes between the two actors are NOT what you'd normally expect from this type of film, and are actually surprisingly good and heartfelt, if not a bit strange tonally.
Kier and Castor throw Kier's methhead bootie call into the water to see if there are any monsters about, and there are. There's also a lonely, lost town girl who is like a mini-version of Victoria, obviously in a similar life path. Both characters seem to be there for exposition.
Lamprey-looking creatures are there, but sparingly. You can tell the film had budget constraints, or perhaps moments of "the creature not working". There are far more guns and profanity than there are creatures, and that's fine. The brief action scenes are actually pretty well done, if not also sticking out like a bit of a sore thumb in this type of film.
Despite being a clusterf**k of genres, melding a lot of aspects of drama and action that seem out of place at times and some pretty obvious plot holes, Dead Sea isn't a bad late night or mid-afternoon watch. I don't quite understand why a few "cinephiles" who spend more time illegally downloading films feel the need to berate movies like this when they are already the ones doing a disservice to the filmmakers and distributors by STEALING it, but that's another issue altogether.
Is it perfect? Absolutely not. Will you have fun? Maybe.
Good indie character driven creature feature.
fullspectrumfilms21 May 2014
Dead Sea is not your typical creature. The film is a good slow burn feature that focuses on character development and relationships more than the evil creature itself. In fact you could go as far as to say the real creature/s of the film are a selection of the characters beautifully illustrated by Brandon Slagle through the story telling. It is easy to think that every creature feature must with any question have something jumping out at you consistently through the whole film. Not true. Sometimes it's enough the real creature is right there in your face the whole time without scales and a tail and not jumping out at you but plotting with the other creatures.
A selection of the main characters played by Alexis Iacono, Devanny Pinn and Brandon Slagle all have strong performances throughout the film. I can't leave out all the other cast members each adding to the flavor of the film and helping the above actor and actresses deliver those performances by creating good on screen moments.
It is easy to see this film is made with love and clearly a good crew of individuals who do it for the art of making good film. Congrats to each of them for adding a indie film to the pool that has it's own voice and does not relay on re-wrapping a typical creature feature in new paper when underneath it's just the same old thing.
A selection of the main characters played by Alexis Iacono, Devanny Pinn and Brandon Slagle all have strong performances throughout the film. I can't leave out all the other cast members each adding to the flavor of the film and helping the above actor and actresses deliver those performances by creating good on screen moments.
It is easy to see this film is made with love and clearly a good crew of individuals who do it for the art of making good film. Congrats to each of them for adding a indie film to the pool that has it's own voice and does not relay on re-wrapping a typical creature feature in new paper when underneath it's just the same old thing.
Interestingly different creature feature
joelwright3320 April 2014
Interesting entry in the creature feature subgenre, not because of the fact that is has monsters, but because it deals in prosthetics and suspense rather than CGI and schlock. Don't get me wrong, bikini girls DO show up and are quickly offed (which felt like a jab at the typical Two-Headed Shark Garbage that regularly appears on Syfy no thanks to Asylum).
Every thirty years a creature (and it's offspring) returns to a town in Southern California to feed until it is given a willing sacrifice. If it isn't given this, horrible misfortune comes to the town.
Set against the obvious backdrop of Salton Sea (though not set in it), the town is both beautiful and sad. You see fish skeletons lining the shore (which calls to mind the actual history of its filming location) and endless roadways made up by homes the time forgot.
Kier and Castor are inhabitants of the town, and the film's heavies. They are drugrunners and generally not very nice guys. Victoria is a marine biologist who at one point fled the town to escape her controlling father, Callan. Ariel (or Auriel? It is pronounced like the Little Mermaid) is a young girl who seems to be following in Victoria's footsteps.
There are a few holes here and there and occasionally but rarely the film's low budget comes through, but overall this is a rather nicely acted (which doesn't happen often these days) creature feature heavy on characterization and action violence. There are aspect of the film that a lot of different people will enjoy, without catering to one group or alienating another.
Every thirty years a creature (and it's offspring) returns to a town in Southern California to feed until it is given a willing sacrifice. If it isn't given this, horrible misfortune comes to the town.
Set against the obvious backdrop of Salton Sea (though not set in it), the town is both beautiful and sad. You see fish skeletons lining the shore (which calls to mind the actual history of its filming location) and endless roadways made up by homes the time forgot.
Kier and Castor are inhabitants of the town, and the film's heavies. They are drugrunners and generally not very nice guys. Victoria is a marine biologist who at one point fled the town to escape her controlling father, Callan. Ariel (or Auriel? It is pronounced like the Little Mermaid) is a young girl who seems to be following in Victoria's footsteps.
There are a few holes here and there and occasionally but rarely the film's low budget comes through, but overall this is a rather nicely acted (which doesn't happen often these days) creature feature heavy on characterization and action violence. There are aspect of the film that a lot of different people will enjoy, without catering to one group or alienating another.
Bikinis, Babes, And Monsters Oh My!
FredThiel10 May 2014
Although it wasn't what I expected, the film is very good! Devanny Pinn, Alexis Iacono, and Brandon Slagle are all scene stealers throughout the film, but truthfully, the entire cast is great in their roles. I feel that the film itself is more of an action/thriller than a horror film though. But, as a credit to Brandon, he does put the film's roots in the horror genre, and doesn't make a mockery of it like other water-monster films. Sharknado, I'm looking at you. He also respects the craft enough to give the monster enough credit to where it is a formidable foe, leaving mankind helpless in its wake. The score in the film is solid as well, assisting the mood of the scene like it's supposed to, rather than trying to make more money off of an album. Some of the set design is amazing, especially the beach of dead fish (you'll have to see it). There is also a ton of cameos in this film from the indie film scene, including Truth Or Dare's Ryan Kaiser, and indie icon James Duval, so what's not to like?
But, at the end of the day, although this is a monster flick, I felt the film itself is about family. It's about coping with the loss of loved ones, the reuniting of a father and daughter, and trying to escape the past and the places that you grew up. It's a very cool film with a lot of intensity! And if you have to chance to see it during its premier run around the US, I highly suggest checking it out! There's action, drama, monsters, and chicks in bikinis!
But, at the end of the day, although this is a monster flick, I felt the film itself is about family. It's about coping with the loss of loved ones, the reuniting of a father and daughter, and trying to escape the past and the places that you grew up. It's a very cool film with a lot of intensity! And if you have to chance to see it during its premier run around the US, I highly suggest checking it out! There's action, drama, monsters, and chicks in bikinis!
Intense scenes and great use of the Monster
onlyfacebookdca21 April 2014
I saw Dead Sea at the Stanley Hotel Premiere. Good story. This is a study in "small town" mentality as much as it is a scary movie. Characters are drawn "back" to their hometown even after they have "escaped". The interactions between characters who have not see each other in years was nicely done. I liked that they did not rely on the monster too heavily. Best scary movies let your own imagination fill in the gaps and do not rely on gimmicks and props. Only complaint is that the filming locations were so different. Town was dry and barren but then the lake area (also part of the town) was green and beautiful. Overall, film is enjoyable and has enough going on I would watch it again.
Great Film! Creature Feature with a brain!
tomgleba26 May 2014
Writer/Director Brandon Slagle's follow up to last year's successful "The Black Dahlia Haunting", "Dead Sea" manages to avoid the sophomore jinx by relying on: strong characters, taut action sequences, and intricate plot threads. Set in a small, lakeside town, this "creature feature" with a brain combines a lot of familiar elements of genre fare into an interesting, fast paced feature.
After a violent Gulf War setpiece involving Kier (Slagle) and Castor (Griffith), and a "Piranha" inspired boat party gone horribly wrong, we find marine biologist Victoria (Iacono) returning to her hometown to investigate a recent rash of mysterious fish kills, and we soon learn that her connection to this town isn't all pleasant childhood memories.
A large hungry seas beast is awaiting it's next meal, Victoria is making science sexy again while also dealing with daddy issues, Kier and Castor are involved in less-than-legal activities, and Auriel washes up on a beach full of dead fish looking hotter than she did when she went into the drink--these things and more are what make "Dead Sea" a great watch. Throw in a Lovecraft (and more than a few shades of Stephen King) inspired sub-plot involving the entire town and the suspense just ratchets from there.
Great performances from an excellent ensemble cast (many ported over from the aforementioned "Black Dahlia") and an engrossing story make the monster almost secondary in this study in small town America and the relationships and secrets that hide just under the surface. Iacono and Pinn are both brilliant, and Griffith's acting chops just keep getting better. Superbly shot, with some really effective underwater camera work, "Dead Sea" is technically sound as well. Slagle's previous efforts are carefully timed exercises in suspense, while containing intricate plots that just suck you in (no pun intended...), and "Dead Sea" shows a director honing his craft. Keeping the plot accessible while maintaining his "signature" style of complex characters, a cerebral narrative, and a strange disconnect between camera and viewer, this is definitely a unique film that keeps the focus more on the players as opposed to dazzling effects.
Combining the elements from at least half a dozen sub-genres into an intelligent, cohesive, and ultimately entertaining film is no small task. Slagle and company have proved to up to the challenge--"Dead Sea" is another winner!
After a violent Gulf War setpiece involving Kier (Slagle) and Castor (Griffith), and a "Piranha" inspired boat party gone horribly wrong, we find marine biologist Victoria (Iacono) returning to her hometown to investigate a recent rash of mysterious fish kills, and we soon learn that her connection to this town isn't all pleasant childhood memories.
A large hungry seas beast is awaiting it's next meal, Victoria is making science sexy again while also dealing with daddy issues, Kier and Castor are involved in less-than-legal activities, and Auriel washes up on a beach full of dead fish looking hotter than she did when she went into the drink--these things and more are what make "Dead Sea" a great watch. Throw in a Lovecraft (and more than a few shades of Stephen King) inspired sub-plot involving the entire town and the suspense just ratchets from there.
Great performances from an excellent ensemble cast (many ported over from the aforementioned "Black Dahlia") and an engrossing story make the monster almost secondary in this study in small town America and the relationships and secrets that hide just under the surface. Iacono and Pinn are both brilliant, and Griffith's acting chops just keep getting better. Superbly shot, with some really effective underwater camera work, "Dead Sea" is technically sound as well. Slagle's previous efforts are carefully timed exercises in suspense, while containing intricate plots that just suck you in (no pun intended...), and "Dead Sea" shows a director honing his craft. Keeping the plot accessible while maintaining his "signature" style of complex characters, a cerebral narrative, and a strange disconnect between camera and viewer, this is definitely a unique film that keeps the focus more on the players as opposed to dazzling effects.
Combining the elements from at least half a dozen sub-genres into an intelligent, cohesive, and ultimately entertaining film is no small task. Slagle and company have proved to up to the challenge--"Dead Sea" is another winner!
Excellent Sea Monster.....
juliendelattre23 June 2014
Brandon Slagle directed with his partners Britt Griffith and Devanny Pinn a wonderful monster movie. The acting was fantastic. Shooting on the water must be difficult but Brandon got it. He has an eye for details. I was happy to see Alexis Iacono as a marine biologist. She a very good actress. The special effects were incredible. I thought i was watching a multi- million dollar movie. The casting of the extras was perfect. You found a group of military guys that really worked in harmony as a team. It was nice to see Britt without a bear. The elements of the movie flow together. I highly recommend this movie to fans of the genre.
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