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HORROR 101: THE A-LIST OF HORROR FILMS AND MONSTER MOVIES  VOL 1

(2007)
Directed by Jamie Blanks
Starring Nadia Farès, John Brumpton, Robert Taylor, David Lyons, Mathew Wilkinson

A couple stranded out on some deserted island come across a pair of twisted brothers and their even more deranged father.  As the couple being tormented and tortured, we know one of two things is going to happen.  Either they are going to snap back and do some heinous revenge on their captors.  Or it’s going to be one where the bad guys win, and we leave the movie in a very dark mood.  I personally am getting tired of these types of movies.  We sit and watch these people be tortured or just tormented by people that are made out to be so bad, that we are cheering for their demise.  And for the most part, this film really isn’t much different.  But more on that a little later.

During the audio commentary, writer Everett DeRoche says the script was written around 30 years ago.  But it could never get the green light due to the graphic violence in it.  But due to the success of WOLF CREEK, they were finally able to get the approval.  DeRoche had written quite a few other Australian genre films, such as RAZORBACK, ROAD GAMES, LONG WEEKEND, and PATRICK.  Unfortunately, even though it was written that many years ago, seeing it now after all the similar themed movies, it just plays out as just another one is a long line of retreads.

I will say that there is something here that might take this film a little bit above the rest.  And that is the special make-up effects.  Any gorehounds out there will be pleasantly surprised at some of the red and gooey stuff that is shown here.  There is plenty of blood spilled, and most of the time, it’s not in a pleasant way.  Plus there is a sequence where the young lady comes up with her own version of “personal security” that will make every man watching cringe and shudder.

The film was directed by Jamie Blanks, who gave us the very forgettable URBAN LEGEND and VALENTINE.  But at least here, back on his home turf of Australia, he’s able to show some of his talent.  Not only directing the film, but he also co-edited it, as well as composing the films score.  The score is very somber and ominous, giving the film a very dark feel to it.  He is currently in post-production on a remake of LONG WEEKEND, starring James Caviezel.

It really is a shame that the film doesn’t play off as original as it should.  Since the film does show a talented crew of filmmakers here.  This film is a great example where CGI is used, but you really don’t see it.  Whether it’s rain that has been added in, or giving a false skyline to the house that was built on a set, it’s occasions like that when it’s done correctly.

The production design, by Robby Perkins, is also top notch.  For having little money, he was able to build the set of the house and barn and make it look very real.  Granted it looked quite similar to a lot of other movies from TEXAS CHAINSAW to WOLF CREEK, to a countless other films, but he still pulled off an admirable job.  The set can really add to the feeling of how these people live, even down to the blowup sex doll, with the dirty handprint on it's ass.  Little touches like that, can say quite a bit.

Since the film only has 5 characters pretty much for the entire film, you really need to rely on them to carry the film.  The main lead, played by Robert Taylor, seems a bit downplayed.  Nadia Farès, who plays his wife, starts off as a bit timid, but comes out of her flower to show her dark side.  Once again, nothing really new, but you do give her credit for having some balls.  The trio of evil, the father and two sons really seemed to have fun taking their performances over the top.  David Lyons seems to have the most fun going creepy crazy for the camera.  While Mathew Wilkinson does the harder job of playing the youngest of the family, one that is the usually the target of most of the abuse.  And lastly, John Brumpton plays the father of this demented family.  Where most would try to out-perform the others in his demented family, he underplays it.  This actually makes him scarier, since he’s very serious in what he does.

This DVD release comes out under Dimension’s “Extreme” label.  And for once, this film really fits it.  I guarantee any gorehound watching this will give a round of applause, a grimace of the mouth, or a crossing of the legs, at least once during this film.  If not several times.  Though I do think they could have come up with a little bit better of a title.  Since it’s they get lost on this island before the storm hits.

Unfortunately, like a lot of the Extreme releases, there’s not much in the way of extras.  We do get a great commentary track that features the gambit of the film crew.  You have the director Blanks, writer Everett DeRoche, actor Robert Taylor, producers Mark Pennell & Pete Ford, DP Karl Von Moller, production designer Robby Perkins, and special FX artist Justin Dix.  The commentary track is very informative, funny, twisted, and entertaining.  Just what one should be.

But other than that, there is just a trailer, teaser and then previews for other Dimension releases.  For a film that focus this much on special effects, it would have been great to be able to see some behind-the-scene footage.  Or any stuff showing the making of the film.  Shame really.