Kill List (2011) + Official Trailer

With Ben Wheatley's recent achievement Sightseers garnering critical acclaim, I thought I'd seek out and review his previous effort Kill List. The story revolves around a hit man Jay (Neil Maskell) and his family as he is tempted to take on a new assignment with a promise of a large reward. Things are not as simple as they seem. Jay is still trying to recover from a botched job and it takes some convincing from his old buddy to take up the job offer. With little or no money and his feeling of inadequacy and uselessness at home as the main provider, Jay takes up the offer. As the plot unravels the assignments are not as simple as they seem.

What this film does (very cleverly) is to incorporate an intense drama into a criminal thriller. The first half an hour plays out like a normal (but very intense) domestic story about a frustrated man and his family. There's a air of simmering tension as a dinner party fast turns into a slanging match whilst the guest are still present resulting in a violent outburst.

As the tension builds and builds, you feel that things are never going to go smoothly. Jay's tendency to snap at any given moment makes his character like a lit firework waiting to explode. On the assignments, it's clear from the outset that these kills are not the usual jobs they take on. When they try to uncover the reasons for the killings they unearth a nightmare they were not ready for nor expecting.

Without giving too much away, there is a sharp turn in narrative and style. In the last third all hell breaks loose and the film becomes almost horror like in terms of atmosphere and aesthetics. There are hints and clues as ever more weirder events occur and even if you can see what is about to happen, it is still brutal.

The violence won't be for everyone as skulls are smashed and many savage and unrestrained shootings emerge throughout the journey of the two hit men. The style of the film is shot very naturalistic, with low level lighting, simple editing and the action captured through one camera so many of the composition is immediate and grants the film a grittiness and realism. In a way it some times feels like a ambitious TV movie. This isn't a criticism, it tricks you into thinking it's small scale film but with it's ideas and vision it is much more.

A brilliant low budget Brit flick which showcases Ben Wheatley as a emerging talent to watch out for. The film successfully pulls off three genres with an ever present feeling of terror throughout. A film that pulls the wool over your eyes with it's contrasting styles in terms of narrative and tone. Thoroughly recommended.

Acting: 4/5

Technical Merit: 3.5/5

Narrative: 4/5

Entertainment: 4/5

15.5/20

Vamp (1986) plus Trailer

There are only two films that I can remember Grace Jones starring in. One is the James Bond vehicle A View to A Kill, and the other is Vamp.

An 80's comedy horror about a couple of college students Keith (Chris Makepeace) and AJ (Richard Rusler) looking at getting into a fraternity to make use of their accommodation. The only condition for them getting in is that they have to get a stripper to their party. With no car, they make a deal with the Duncan (Gedde Watanabe) who is the only guy on campus to take them to find a stripper.

Unbeknown to them they head into a city after dark, to a club run by vampires (clearly an idea nicked by "From Dusk till Dawn"). Having travelled hundreds of miles it's a fight for survival to find a way back to campus against Grace Jones' head vampire and her many minions.

An incredibly cheesy but thoroughly entertaining movie, littered with equally cheesy dialogue where the characters are goofy but likable and the use of Grace Jones as the head vampire is a stroke of genius. Just as Arnold Schwarzenegger gave The Terminator a great robotic performance, Grace Jones has the creepiness and down right weirdness which makes her perfectly believable as a vampire.

Similar to Scorsese's "After Hours", the film is mainly set at night in a strange environment where the locals are vampires instead of oddballs. It shares the same energy and enthusiasm, it's hard not to like this throwaway 80's film. The effects are above average and the acting is good. Sure it's dated with the haircuts, fashion and style, but there's no denying it, it is a fun and easy watch and there aren't many of those around these days.

Acting: 3.5/5

Technical Merit: 3.5/5

Narrative: 3.5/5

Entertainment: 4/5

14.5/20

Prometheus International Trailer (2012)

When I go to the cinema I sometimes find it really hard to switch off and just enjoy a film. I'm finding more and more that when I go to watch something, I put my critical head on and think about finding negatives and positives. Alas I did the same with this film. For those of you not in the know, Prometheus is set in the same world as the "Alien" films, a semi-prequel. A couple of explorers found clues to the origins of mankind and embark on a quest to find "answers" as to who and why we were created. The company funding the trip is Weyland (the same company who feature in the Alien universe) and a select group of scientists and company employees go in search to find the meaning of life. 

Much is expected from this film and I for one, am one of those who could not wait to see it. As a big fan of the Alien films, I had high expectations, but when it came out and there were whispers of it not being anything more than a big sci fi film which happens to co exists in the same world as the great films that preceded it, I was apprehensive. It wasn't an alien film....but in it's defence, Ridley Scott has always claimed that this is a standalone film which echoes from the Alien universe. 

The main problem I had with it is the fact I feel the film uses it's links to the classic films to garner audiences to go and see it. I don't think the film would have had a big budget or the director if it was just another science fiction film. Is the film any good though? Well, it's not bad but it's not great. It is lacking in thrills and suspense but has some interesting ideas. I enjoyed it but I had many reservations with character's and some few plot points/holes. 

The film's characters are sketchily drawn, only a few are given more depth and personality while others just stand and look on in awe. With Noomi Rapace's character (Elisabeth Shaw) she is feisty and a survivor and the main protagonist so comparison will undoubtedly be made to Ripley. The only other character to have any depth would be the android David played with cool calmness by Michael Fassbender. Unfortunately the others are all forgettable and lack any real emotional connection.

A personal frustration I encountered with this film is that throughout numerous questions are raised but most are left unanswered. There is little or no clear resolution. The ambiguity throughout allows for viewers to interpreter their own answers and reasons to why things happen, which some may like but does little for me.  It clearly has the stamp of 'Lost' (writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof is on script duties) all over the narrative. The motives of the engineers (the space jockey from Alien) are never clear, and neither is David. It leads to an unsatisfying feeling.

On the positive note, the location and cinematography is superb (but I never expected it not to be). The attention to detail on the ship is magnificent and the mood and lighting effects are in keeping with the Alien universe. There is clearly a deliberate attempt at making the film echo it's predecessors in tone as well as in it's dialogue, and that gives the film a sense of the familiar and allows the audience to feel comfortable in it's setting. 

One feels that this film would not of had the excitement or expectations if the film was not set in the same universe, but then it's kind of hard to see this working without it. Many of you would no doubt do the same and make comparison to the other films, but it's unfair to do so and to watch it without thinking of the other films is really hard. In fact all this films does is make me want to watch Alien again.

Acting: 3/5

Technical Merit: 3.5/5

Narrative: 3/5

Entertainment: 3/5

12.5/20

Top 10 John Carpenter Films

Since I've started my film blog, I've realised I have only reviewed films. So from now on I will do a list of Top Ten things to do with films. My first top ten will be John Carpenter films. He his one of my favourite directors and has made films in a number of differing genres ranging from sci-fi, comedy and to of course, horror.


Here's my list of the best John Carpenter films

1. The Thing (1982)

A remake or a reworking of a classic? Matters not when you watch the film you will forget there ever was an original. The Thing brings together suspense with out and out gore from Rob Bottin's dazzling special fx and a wonderful script and brilliant acted by an all male cast, it's not short of a classic that was never given it's recognition on it's initial release. Still watchable and still jaw dropping. 

2. Halloween (1978)

The birth of the slasher film. It's not an easy burden to bear but in John Carpenter's hands you'll be in for a pure scarefest. Starting the film with the bravado steadicam we come into the film from the killers point of view, we the audience are implemented in the act of murder. A massive success which has gone on to spawn countless of pale imitations but this is only one that truly needs to be seen. A masterful work of suspense with barley a drop of blood or gore, it's given us the cold silent killer in a mask and provide a spine tingling soundtrack.

3. Assault On Precinct 13 (1976)

A modern remake of Howard Hawks "Rio Bravo". John Carpenter has always been heavy influenced by Hawks and this is his homage to the great director. A  siege film with a simplistic plot yet highly effective thriller. A mass of hundreds against a handful of men and women, held up in an abandon police station all caught up in a spat of mindless violence. The action is tightly edited and the pace is spot on. A low budget classic that deserves viewing (This remake has also in turn been remade into a less successful vehicle staring Ethan Hawke and Laurence Fishburne).

4. Escape From New York (1981)

Set in an alternative future (1997), New York has become a maximum security prison and the president has been taken captive and the government enlist the help of a criminal Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell) to retrieve him. A classic sci-fi adventure action flick which stars the iconic Snake Plissken as an anti-hero forced into rescuing a president he cares nothing about. A film full of ideas and another great soundtrack it as a crying shame that this movie had a disappointing follow up. Forget the sequel and watch this cult classic.

5. In the Mouth of Madness (1994)

The last great Carpenter film which is a cry shame as this film is brilliantly wonderful at times even if the plotting can get a bit confusing but stick with it as it can be really entertaining. It tries to be overly intelligent with it's reality clashing with fiction, though the film has fun in doing so. Sam Neill stars as an insurance investigate trying to find the whereabouts of a missing horror novelist. A film seeped in Lovecraftian and Stephen King references, it's fully of little winks and nods that you may miss on first viewing. It's a fitting end to Carpenter self proclaimed Apocalypse trilogy.


6. Starman (1984)

A romantic sci-fi drama which is Carpenter's most human and touching film. An alien crash lands onto Earth and takes the form of a widows dead husband and kidnaps her so he can meet a deadline to return home. Jeff Bridges stars as the Alien and provides an emotional performance as a being trying to learn why we do what we do and to understand what it is to be a human. It's a great testament to Carpenter who handles the story and characters very capably but like many of Carpenters big budget movies it wasn't a big hit, so there wasn't many more opportunities for Carpenter take on more mature themes and serious dramas.

7. The Fog (1982)

A wonderful effective tale about a group of zombie like ghost who come back to a coastal town in California to take their revenge. When the town begins it's 100 year celebrations, a fog bank starts to roll in, but this isn't any normal fog, there is something within the fog. A film that is fully of creepy atmosphere and a great sense of impending doom. The film isn't perfect by any means but what the film lacks in character development, it makes up for in suspense and tone.

8. Prince of Darkness (1987)

An Apocalyptical horror story about the arrival of a being who will bring the end to the world. An interesting ideas film about Satan's attempt at bringing his "father" to our dimension. The power of the film relies heavy on the viewers imagination as the film is more heavy on the dialogue than in action. A well crafted slow burner. Will you be able to look at mirrors in the same way after this..... The middle segment of John Carpenters Apocalypes trilogy, starting with The Thing, then The Prince of Darkness and ending with In the Mouth of Madness. 

9. Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

Yet again, another flop but a film that shouldn't be taken seriously as the film clearly has it's tongue in it's cheek. A film that confused audiences on it's initial release, this film mixes western action with eastern martial arts and mythology . Starring Carpenter's regular Kurt Russell who accidently gets caught up in a mystical battle between good and evil in San Francisco's Chinatown. A fusion of genres which is fun and funny. A comedy as well as an action film it has a hero who isn't the most heroic and a villian who isn't completely human. A film definitely for those who would like a good laugh with no thinking required. 

10. They Live (1988)

Starring wrestler Rowdy Roddy Piper as a drifter who stumbles across some  special  sunglasses that reveal a secret alien invasion plot taking place. The glasses allow him to see the world as it really is. Subliminal messages and aliens posing as humans are revealed and only he can stop them. A wildly imaginative piece of storytelling, which returns to Carpenters roots of low budget and effective narrative.




With so many of his films being remade or re-worked, you wonder why Hollywood doesn't let Carpenter free rein to work on new material. The latest film of his in the works is Escape from New York, you only have to watch one of his films to see what a talented director Carpenter is. Pretty much most of his back catalogue has been remade, The Fog, Halloween, The Thing and Assault on Precinct 13, if his films weren't any good at all why would they be remade? Watch and enjoy.

The Silent House (La Casa Muda) 2010 - Official Trailer

A Uruguayan film which claims to be filmed all in one shot and in real time! I was intrigued to see whether the claims were true. As film making has progressed, what is to stop anyone from making a film in one long continuous shot? Well here's an attempt from debut film maker Gustavo Hernandez.

The plot is based on a true story of an event which happened in the 1940s in Uruguay. A father and daughter are called to a cottage/farmhouse to house sit until it's eventually sale. It doesn't take long to find things are not as quiet and serene as they seem. The daughter Laura, (the main focal point in the film) starts to hear some noise coming from the rooms above. She wakes her father who goes reluctantly to investigate and that's when the film kicks into gear. After a few minutes and the non re-appearance of her father, Laura decides to find out what has happened to her father.

What happens next is a series of what I would call "boo" moments, as the film makers try to catch the viewer off guard by springing up flashes of images and dark shadows in the background to instill some scares. As a veteran horror fan it wasn't too successful as it was predictable. What the film does succeed on though is giving the sense of claustrophobia. Having only one view point can be really unsettling, as the camera follows our protagonist from behind and slowly switching views to being in front and occasionally becoming the POV shot, there is no cut away or a secondary view point. The film makers really have tried to make the film flow like an uncut one long continuous shot.

But is the film really filmed with no cuts? Unforutnately no, those of you with an eagle eye will probably be able to spot the "seemless" cuts between the passing through objects or anything dark. That isn't to say that there isn't a lot of technical achievement on show but the claims of the film are clearly not 100% accurate. There is a lot to say about only having one view point as it can seem really restrictive but in turn it can boost the overall atmosphere and tension. The lack of film score also adds to the sense of dread as every little sound is magnified.

The only thing criticism I would level at the film is it's last reveal or final revelation. When you find out what is really happening there's an enormous sense of let down. For all the films technical flair, the film is severely hampered but it's silly turn in events. If you have seen the French film Haute Tension then you will understand what I am talking about. It should have kept on going as a haunted house story instead of what it turns out to be.

An interesting idea, clever uses of light and dark and the generation of tension is admirable. Clearly influences by other low budget horrors like Blair Witch and the video game Silent Hill. A girl walking around a house with only a torch to light the way only conjours up memories of playing the old survivor horror game. Alas, I feel I would have more fun and rewarding experience playing the game than watching this film. A flawed experiment.

Acting 3/5

Technical Merit 4.5/5

Narrative 2/5

Entertainment 3.5/5

13/20

Chatroom (2010) with Trailer

An outdated film about an outdated topic. It baffles me how the films producers, writers and financiers would ever think that this was a good idea. Roping in Hideo Nataka (Ringu & Dark Water) to direct would make you hope and/or think that it'll turn out all okay. Unfortunately as the old saying goes, you can't polish turd.

The story is about five young(ish) teens who accidentally meet in the virtual world of chatrooms. All are slightly troubled by their own little problems (though some more than others) and feel a connection with one another and decide to form a tight friendship where they meet and discuss their problems or issues. William (played by Aaron Johnson-Kick Ass) has other things on his mind than sharing his problems. He has a plan to destroy one of them in the real world (as well as the virtual world).

This is a subject matter that the film-makers may well think needs to be brought up and talked about in the media. The topic of cyber bullying hasn't really been tackled on film and I feel that maybe there is a good reason for that. It just doesn't work. The lack of realism and the lack of a good script. The intention is there but they've failed to bring any solution or how to tackle the problem.

The other problem I had is how little the characters are developed. Yeah sure, each character have their own little problems from feeling unloved, crush on a friends sister to feeling misunderstood and jealous of their sibling. They are all painted too thinly to stand out and only a bit of overacting allows for some form of distinction. Aaron Johnson character William, plays a disturbed young man who manipulates the group towards acting out and to eventually convince the others who he see as his candidate for his plan. His motivation? Not really too clear really, he's presented as a boy from a family who are successful and has a brother who is equally as successful and the film seems to make out as if he is put out by all of this. We learn that he has suffered from mental issues from flash backs and an interest in watching someone end their life online. Is this what causes someone to be like a predator to find someone worthy of his macabre obsession? 

The film isn't without some merit. The clay motion sequence are very well achieved and accomplished and the visual representations of chat rooms are bought to life vividly in an never ending hall way of different topics and subjects. It's only let down by the fact that people have moved on from chatrooms. It's a decade or so too late and the film suffers because of it. With so many ideas touch upon within the film, none of them are fully explored. A teen who develops sexual feelings for an eleven year old is touch upon but is never really particularly addressed. The film wants to be challenging but doesn't really have an opinion or how the issue should be resolved. Consequences of their actions don't seem to amount to much.

A failed and flawed film which doesn't entertain and can be infuriating. Hopefully all involved can move on from such dire mess and look back at this as a failed project and try to forget it. I for one, am trying to already.

Acting 2/5

Technical Merit 3/5

Narrative 2/5

Entertainment 1/5

8/20

The Thing (1982) with Trailer

A delightful and charming story about a visitor from another world who lands on Earth and comes in contact with several humans whilst trying to find a way home....And this, is another film where an alien being, comes down and takes the form of several humans (and dogs) trying to disguise itself and avoid being found to then return home. How similar are ET and The Thing? Both are made in 1982, both are about alien visitors and both films show the obstacles faced in their plight to return home. Well, I suppose one film is more sickening than the other (I mean how much mush, sentimentality and sweetly sick story can one person take?) But enough about E.T, The Thing has become something of an underground classic during the heydays of VCR rentals, where it's outstanding scenes can be paused and rewound to be watched over and over again. Some of the scenes within the film are jaw-dropping and it's all done pre-CGI. It's amazing what could be done in those early days of creature animatronics.

The Thing is directed by John Carpenter and is probably one of his best, but unfortunately it was not a hit. A remake of sorts (John Carpenter was hugely influenced by Howard Hawks) however this is an altogether different beast. Set in Antartica, an American expedition group are interrupted one day by gunshots from a far. A couple of Norwegians are firing at a husky from a helicopter. With sporadic gunfire, one of the American scientists takes a shot in the leg. Shots are fired in response and as a result the Norwegians are killed. The dog is taken in and held with the other dogs in the camp. Unbeknown to the American group, the Husky is not what he seems. Eventually the team set out to discover why the pair of Norwegian were shooting at the dog and what they find out is beyond their darkest nightmares.

The plot isn't anything original as the group is picked off one by one until there is one man standing (or in this case two), with it's remote location it's very similar to another classic sci-fi horror that is Alien....but where Alien only really has one complete genuine gross out moment, The Thing has so many that it's a wonder when you see the first gruesome transformation how they can top it... but they do. The whizkid at the time (Rob Bottin) deserves so much praise as his effects beat anything that modern special effects can bring to our screens. He was also only 21!

The central themes on what makes us human and the loss of identity is dealt with in vivid detail. As men in joining the tribe we gain a sense of belonging but as a result we lose personal identity. Paranoia and trust are tested to the limit. Characters start turning on each other, they begin shooting and eventually resort to tying up one another. In one of the films more lighter moments, they devise a test to see who is human and who is not, from this comes one of the most memorable and perfectly delivered lines. There is relief amongst all the bodily gore.

The technical achievements in this film is what makes it so watchable. The score by Ennio Morricone is a haunting yet deliberate heartbeat which is minimalistic yet menacing. One of the only films where Carpenter hasn't had an input on the scoring, but nevertheless Morricone's approach is very suited and matches and enhances the films eerie atmosphere.

There is a lack of character development within the film (that is the only flaw I can say), and it seems that Kurt Russell's character (MacReady) is the only one who is given enough personality for us to root for. The majority are unfortunately given the basic stock character traits, though the acting by all is well above average, there isn't enough depth to them.

With a tight a script, direction and amazing effects work by Rob Bottin's crew (never has intestinal and flesh mesh been so beautifully realised), it has still stood the test of time and is always a joy to watch. One of my all time favourite films. 

5/5 Technical Merit

4/5 Narrative

4/5 Acting

5/5 Entertainment

18/20

[REC] (2007) with trailer

A Spanish horror flick filled with numerous heart pounding scares and shocks. A film that needs to be seen on a big screen (either in the cinema or a massive plasma flat screen tv), sat in the dark, on your own with the volume turned up loud. It's a nerve shattering and terrifying experience.

The film starts off with a tv crew of two who are out on location reporting on the life of the local fire station during their night shift. Interviews are taken by our reporter Angela Vidal (played by Manuela Velasco) and her cameraman Pablo (played by the film's cinematographer Pablo Rosso) but boredom soon sets in. Luckily (for us the viewers) an emergency call comes through and the reporters follow the firemen to the location of the call to investigate and help with the reported emergency.

They arrive at an apartment block where all the residents have been woken by screams coming from an elderly woman's room. The police are on the scene and with the fire crew and the two reporters they go and seek out the commotion. What they find is the old woman (who is obviously not well) who proceeds to attack and bite one of the policemen. Here begins the start of events that spiral out of control. They find themselves quarantined and trapped in a building. Bodies start to pile up and an infection soon spreads throughout the residents and it becomes a race against time to find a way out.....

What I found utterly compelling about the whole film is the way it is set up. Everything is shown through one perspective (through the lens of the cameraman) and the action is unrelenting and extremely claustrophobic. Shaky camerawork adds tension, atmosphere and some dizziness. The idea is not new of course, it follows on from what Blair Witch Project first set out to achieve. A film where it tries to disguise itself as a documentary/reality tv.

The film succeeds on so many levels. We can only see what is right in front of the camera which can be so unsettling but you just can't take your eyes off the screen. You're left wondering what is lurking around the corner or what is behind them. With the right amount of lighting and sound effects it becomes so nerve wrecking and physically draining. The sound effects are superb as screams come flying towards you and the heavy breathing from behind and in front of the camera, building up more and more apprehension.

There are so many frightening moments within the film but it's the last 10 minutes which are the most terrifying where it becomes such a ferocious beast of a film. Night vision employed, the overall lack of awareness of surroundings and the incomplete visual and audio ratchets up the atmosphere to such unbearable heights you'll feel worn out by the time the credits roll. A rollicking ride which builds and builds and never lets up.

5/5 Technical merit

3/5 Acting

3.5/5 Story

5/5 Entertainment

16.5/20

The Human Centipede (First Sequence) (2010) with trailer

A film about a mad scientist (is there any other kind....?) who goes out to create a new species...the human centipede. As you can imagine, a lot of furore and controversy came about on the eve of the release of this horror flick, though anyone who has seen it would know it really isn't that sick or gruesome. As an ardent horror aficionado it was quite tame to be honest (though it may be due to the fact that I have become pretty desensitized by anything that is truly horrific with the amount of horror films I have seen).


The clichés of your modern horror movie are clear and present from the start. We follow two American tourist in Europe (Germany to be precise) who try to find their way to a trendy nightclub....where (of course!) they become lost and the car they travel in, receive a puncture. So far, so predictable...what's more predictable is their mobiles have no signal and they are stuck in the middle of nowhere (in the woods!). So they decide to venture out and after a couple of minutes they come across our mad surgeons house (where you can probably guess what's about to happen...).



Anyone looking for gross out gore will probably be a tad disappointed. It never reaches the depths of say, the Saw movies in terms of on-screen violence but it's the general idea which I think is suppose to be the sickening aspect of the film. To be honest, most of it is done with a great slab of black humour. To see them trying to work together and walk (maybe that should be crawl....) is actually quite amusing and it isn't because I have a sick sense of humour, though it may help if you wish to watch this film which includes a bowel movement that you may think is particularly in bad taste (pun intended).

The part played by the Dieter Laser (The surgeon Dr Hieter) is acted out extremely well and conveys a sense of controlled madness with his piercing mad wide-eyed stare which is so fitting to the role and adds so much to the film. No explanation is given as to why he is pursuing his quest to create the human centipede expect maybe for the fact he is an expert at separating Siamese twins. The acting by the two American girls (Ashley C Williams and Ashlynn Yennie) are passable but once they are sewn together to the unfortunate (or fortunate if you know what I mean) Japanese captive, they're "acting" becomes muffled screams and hand gestures....

The fact the film claims to be "medical accurate" (who am I to argue, I'm not going to find out either!) just adds to the controversy, but to re-iterate, the film is not at all gruesome and is in fact mildly amusing. It's not laugh out loud mind you, just you can tell the film makers are having fun with their topic subject. There are a few plot holes and some remarkably bad decisions made by the characters in the movie but without them, the narrative wouldn't be able to progress and we wouldn't get to the films U.S.P. which is to see what a human centipede looks like.....right? A tame but intriguing horror where the imagination and your belief in the films plausibility is tested (and maybe your stomach for those of you who are very faint hearted).


12/20

In The Mouth of Madness (1994) with trailer

The last great John Carpenter film before he started to regurgitate and recycle his own movies. This is the final part of his apocalypse trilogy which started off with "The Thing" (1982), then following on with "The Prince Of Darkness"(1987) and ending with this Lovecraftian influenced story.

The story involves an author aptly named Stutter Cane (sounds remarkably similiar to Stephen King) who has disappeared on the eve of the launch of his latest masterpiece. Enter our "hero", John Trent (Sam Neill), an insurance fraud investigator hired by the publisher to locate the author and the unreleased novel. Rumblings through the press and media describe how some fans of the books become crazed and deranged by the effects the books have on them and become hysterical, eagerly awaiting the release of the forthcoming book.

Sceptical over the whole media circus revolving over the disappearance and believing it all to be a ploy to drum up more frenzy and interest for the new novel , Trent sets out to prove it as just a marketing strategy to increase sales. Accompanying Trent is Cane's editor Linda Styles (Julie Carmen), who tags along to make sure the novel is found and delivered on time for publication

Sam Neill as Trent

Over the course of the film Trent discovers not all what it seems. He tracks Cane down through his book covers which lead him a town written in his books called Hobb's End which doesn't appear on any maps and finds them driving on a freeway for hours and hours aimlessly before they suddenly stumble upon this eerie and dis-quietening town. Of course Trent still thinks that all of this is some sort of gimmick and a trick where the town and it's townsfolk are played by actors to represent the fictional characters along with the buildings and locations written in the novels by Cane. As the unexpected start to happen, Trent realises that the towns folk and the town isn't a theme park based on the books but in actual fact, reality and fiction mixing and merging where the words of the author becoming a deadly reality and leaving is not so easy.

That's the main arc of the narrative and Carpenter manages to weave the complex and interesting ideas which not all come off but manages to combine suspense with a few jumpy moments (some which are cheap and expected) but a John Carpenter film is always watchable. It's only let down by the sheer weight of the story, it doesn't finish as strongly as it starts. But that doesn't mean it's not an enjoyable film. The direction by Carpenter is by far the strongest element though soundtrack isn't one of the more memorable Carpenter compositions. The acting on the whole is good, though some actors do look a little out of place (Charlton Heston as the publisher being one) not saying the performances were bad, they just felt odd.

Jurgen Prochnow as Cane

There are some great set pieces and great build ups to some of the scenes that it makes me sad to think Carpenter hasn't had a hit or made a good film in such a long time. Like I stated at the beginning, this is the last great John Carpenter film which is cruelly unavailable in the UK (you can import the French DVD which is compatible in the UK but has French subs if you can stand it). I luckily have a copy as I was sick and tired of waiting for UK release. If you can find a copy on VHS or it scheduled to show on TV give it a go. The last great, master of suspense horror film that isn't all blood, guts and gore but a great showmanship of skill and talent from what was once a brilliant director who seems intent on tarnishing the memories of what was once a glittering career. I am holding my breath for his new film "The Ward" which is due to be released this year. Lets keep those fingers crossed....

16/20