When you're dealing with movie magic, how do you know what's real... and what's not? In December 2014, Travis and Lane crossed that movie magic line, or did they?Directing this 104 minute horror/thriller is David Rountree.
Trying to dodge the cut is: David Rountree as Travis Simon, David Banks as Lane Hayes, Chris Moir as Jake Anderson, Sam Scarber as Homeless Man, Dahila Salem as Chloe Jo and Gabrielle Stone as Gabby. With appearances by Suze Lanier-Bramlett and William McNamara.
Travis wants to make a film, but he wants it to be something different and original. After a having a
talk with his co-worker Lane, Travis gets an idea. Find and film people being scared... for real. Since
the prop warehouse that Travis works at has everything he could need to make a movie and is closing soon, he figures this is his chance. Together Travis and Lane start working on the film. Unfortunately, things start to get out of hand when Lane goes too far, and before they know it, the "real" factor Travis wanted is a little too real.
How do you make a slasher flick stand out amongst all the others? Well, writers David Rountree and David Banks figured out how to do just that... don't go the typical route. Here Rountree and Banks came up with an idea that takes the audience on a thrill filled roller coaster ride to the very bloody end.
I liked the idea of the story, yeah it's a slasher flick, and yeah that's nothing new to the genre. Yet, the writers found a way to deliver it and make it feel different which, in a over populated genre, is always a breath of fresh air. They put together a flick that still gives the audience plenty of blood just like any slasher flick should have, and a good storyline that is worth watching.
The playthrough was really good and it had no problem holding my attention. Now, the hook of the film is that it's a horror movie about making a horror movie. So, I guess you could say, it's double the horror? Well, I'll let you be the judge of that one. Either way. I liked the pace of the flick, it starts already throwing stuff at you to make sure you're paying attention and then they keep it going from then on. I also liked that they didn't go with the "found footage" route.
As far as the acting went, I thought Rountree did a really good job with his character. Now, I have to admit, towards the opening of the film I seriously didn't care for the character Lane, and was hoping he would be the first to die. Then oddly enough, once things took off Lane's character shifted and not only was he not annoying but I was looking forward to watching what happened with his character. Now for a geek out moment. It was freaking awesome to see Suze Lanier-Bramlett show up in the film, even if it's only for a few minutes.
The special effects makeup that Brittany Duncan did along with the visual effects by Sara Andelaal and Ryan J. Thompson made for some bloody great looking scenes. Another element that really helped the way things turn out so good was the cinematography work by Ace Underhill, who also made an appearance in the film as Officer Underhill.
Overall, is this a big blockbuster flick? No, and I think that's what makes it so good. Sometimes when you don't have a lot, you make do with what you have. Be it, a camera man that also fills a spot in the film or finding ways to make a scene stand out and look huge with small sets and good camera angles. If this is the kind of work that Rountree is going to put out, then I can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve next.
It's rated R for violence and language.
4 stars