Wow I am just loving films from this country over the last decade that started with Wolf Creek. So buckle yourself up and get ready for a twisty, gutsy, gory and entralling thriller from down under that will have you head spinning to New Zealand. This was a film that could've been 3 hours long and I would've still wanted more. This film will never hit the house waves considering it has visited the filmfest circuit for years and just now has displayed its insidious roots to DVD. I believe the film was made in 2008 and just saw the light of day of DVD in 2011. What a shame!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! because there are a plethora of great directors and films waiting but its too bad that they will lurk in the Panumbra and never see the eclipse...
... View MoreAs always, a review by a horror films freak, not a professional critic nor even a cinema student.For starters - allow me to admit that, having watched the film from beginning to end with no pauses, as the credits rolled I was left completely bewildered. As the twists occurred, I was able to realize I was in fact witnessing a twist, but not thoroughly comprehend what the twist was or what made it a twist.As always, I came here to IMDb as soon the film had ended, and was much relieved to find out I wasn't the only one with more questions than answers... It was as if James's shirt slogan ("question everything answer nothing") was meant for this film. So after doing a little reading I was able to fully understand the plot, the twists and how they came together. All in all I'd have to say that the story was quite good and that the "bully" and "serial killer" genre clichés were collaborated in quite an original and artistic way (if somewhat unnecessary). However, the fact that I and many others found it so hard to follow and understand (whether due to poor storytelling or the extremely confusing shooting and cinematography) is a shortcoming in my book. Although I did find the cinematography, as well as the use of sound during the flashbacks, to be innovating and impressive. Some of you might find it tacky though.Finally, I really loved the soundtrack, definitely going to look it up! So in conclusion - while this film could have been better, if you manage to look closely and carefully follow every scene you'll probably enjoy it. Won't be easy though!
... View MoreJust read some of the other reviews on here and I have to disagree.First - good cinematography with some really great shots. End of story. The tripe fest that is The Descendants that was filmed in beautiful Hawaii with a much larger budget looked like a brochure. Ugh.Second - cries of clichés, ridiculous plot twists and poor acting per reviewers. Can anyone really name a film that does not have some clichés (excludes any movie that did it first and more than 20 yrs ago). I've never seen 3 human beings sewn ass to face before, but then everyone cries how it's just for the shock value, too disgusting. Can't win either way. Poor acting from teen actors - was there room for improvement? Yes. Has anyone spent actual time around a couple of teen boys who were same sexed raped??? I'm thinking these kids are not too emotive, erratic, angry and confused with a dash of self-destruction and death obsession. I'm fine with the plot twists; kept it moving. As long as there was no cop-out dream sequence, then I'm willing to give some leeway.
... View MoreACOLYTES – CATCH IT ( B ) Acolytes is about two teenage Boys and a Girl who find a dead body in the forest and rather then telling the police, the boys plan to use the serial Killer to take their revenge from the Guy, who molested them when they were kids. The concept of the movie is really interesting and the execution is also very enthralling. Although, in the end it became lot more Twisted than expected. Sebastian Gregory, Joshua Payne and Helena M.Lawrence make a dynamic trio. Watching them juggling through all was quite enjoyable. Joel Egerton is becoming my favorite Aussie Man, I loved him in Animal Kingdom and here he didn't have much scoop but he did creep me out through his mustache. Michael Dorman as Child Molester was pretty darn good. Overall, really good Aussie Thriller, I enjoyed it because of its story and performances by ensemble Aussie actors.
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