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Reviews
13 Seconds (2003)
Terrifying, One of the Best Endings Ever
For anyone who has seen THE VILLAGE, it is clear that some films strive for a total twist ending that comes at the expense of previously built atmosphere, tension, or plot. It is almost sacrificial to the film as a whole. Indeed, some filmmakers want to have a plot twist, just to include a plot twist, regardless of how logically it may even fit into or conclude the film. I saw 13 SECONDS several months ago, but I now find that I appreciate it even more after viewing several recent films. The logic of 13 SECONDS is the fact that the film does make logical sense. There is a twist ending, that does surprise the viewer, but it does not come as an insult. Actually after watching the film a second time, it becomes clear how clever the structure of 13 SECONDS is. As the film bounces from one scare to the next, cutting a direct path to the climax, the way is peppered with subtle but effectively dramatic clues. I found 13 SECONDS to be exciting and scary while downplaying its hand in regard to its finale. Part SESSION 9 and part THE SHINING, this film has something for everyone. Plenty of gore, great scares, and a story that twists and turns (logically!) like a roller coaster. You get ax welding, bandaged maniacs, ghosts, white vampire like demons, disemboweling, fingers thru skin, arms thru chests, evil paintings, bloody rooms, a séance, chases, phew... The acting was good for the most part. There were a few times when things were getting really bloody and the characters were still calm and cool. If it were me and my buddy was being gutted by some unseen force, I would be sucking my thumb in a corner. I thought some of the cast was holding back. The film was well shot, especially for an independent. Some very interesting angles were used to keep the viewer in suspense. One of my favorites was the close up of reflections in a door knob.
The only negative I found was the lighting. I know the goal of horror is to keep everyone in suspense and the best way to achieve this is to keep everything in shadowy lighting. But some scenes were just too darn hard to see. It seemed that every actor had light on only one side of their body. This may have been a lighting choice but for me it was one thing that did not work perfectly. However, I should say that the people that were watching it with me did disagree with me. I don't know what the budget was for 13 SECONDS but every penny must have count. The effects were just plain great. Bloody well executed! The film may start out slow but just give it 10 minutes and you will be hooked. Just be sure to carefully look for the clues. Being a veteran, I thought I had it all figured out (well, a few times). But, just when you think you have it figured out, the ax drops again-literally! This is a terrifying fun ride with one of the best endings ever.
Corpses Are Forever (2004)
Fast, Fun, & Ferocious
CORPSES ARE FOREVER is an intelligent, fun filled zombie spy film. In a time when Jason can take on Freddy and Aliens can attack Predators, it seems only natural that zombies should square off against spies. The melding of two genres can be precarious, but here it is pulled off rather startling. This is why independent films are so important, because they take real chances that otherwise generic Hollywood productions would not. The cast and acting of this film really surprised me for its budget. Familiar faces are everywhere and the acting really does shine. Performances were realistic, gritty, fun, and perfectly complimentary to the narrative structure. The cinematography, for me, is where CORPSES ARE FOREVER really hit a home run. Where as so many independent films are shot on video to different degrees of success, CORPSES ARE FOREVER has a legitimate big budget Hollywood film look. But beyond the texture of the image, the film also sports incredible lighting. The contrast and hues are excellent, scary and fun, and recall the earlier imagery of Argento. Whereas I felt the twist ending here may have been a bit over the top, it did keep in tone with the overall feel and mood of the film. Is it logical?
Well this is a zombie spy film. Is it fast and fun? You bet. Add a does of zombies and some legitimately great horror effects and you have a ferocious zombie action film. Check it out.