Director: James Wan
Cast: Leigh Wannell, Cary Elwes & Michael Emerson
It's never a good idea to trust a writer to be a good actor. This film is a great case to prove that point. That's right! Leigh Wannell, one of the lead actors in Saw, was also the writer. At least he has an excuse for why he failed so miserably at making his character realistic in the slightest bit. To his credit, he and Wan did come up with a nice little twist at the end.
I was also very disappointed with Cary Elwes. Man, has he gone downhill in his career. From The Princess Bride to Robin Hood: Men in Tights to Liar Liar to this? Tsk, tsk.
Aside from the poor acting, I felt as if the film was made by an amateur. The style made me feel like I was watching a teenager playing Resident Evil while listening to some heavy metal. I'm sure this would be a great movie for a teenager on Halloween. But Empire's Top 500? Poor taste.
I was surprised at how easily I made it through this film. I started it with much trepidation, but I wasn't actually very disgusted by much of it. Of course, there's some gore - but it's nothing like I anticipated. I think I mixed the title up with Hostel.
Anyway, to sum it up, I think the only good thing to come out of this film was to give a huge boost to Michael Emerson's career. Lost wouldn't be the same without him!
- Filmed in 18 days.
- Originally intended for a straight-to-video release. After positive screenings, it was given the nod to become a premier movie.
- Contains many references to the films of Italian horror/giallo director Dario Argento. The creepy painted puppet is a reference to Argento'sProfondo rosso (1975), while the unseen killer's black gloves are one of Argento's trademarks and can be seen in almost all of his films.
- After Amanda stabs her cell-mate she is searching with her hands through his guts, the guts are actually pig uterus.
Two thumbs down from Richie.
thumbs up to amanda for sifting through pig uterus though. so gross.
ReplyDeleteFor real! I mean, how does one normally react when they're paid loads of money to sift through pig uterus?
ReplyDeleteMaybe her father's a butcher or something, so she's used it.
I don't know if I can agree with you on this one. I actually enjoyed this movie! Then again, I like any non-sensical gore.
ReplyDeleteAnd as far as Cary Elwes... all the movies you listed are some of my favorites!
Ugh I was never a fan of non-sensical gore! And as far as Cary Elwes, I think they're all great films (although I'm not the hugest fan of Liar Liar), but I think in that order it's clear he's losing his acting ability! Started off great..
ReplyDelete