Seems like we're getting back on an even keel with the rating viewings now. Quite liking the new pag...
Seems like we're getting back on an even keel with the rating viewings now. Quite liking the new pages in a way. Thanks for all your rates.
Member since:07.11.2005
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Bit of a gruesome one in places, really. I came across this one last night on TV, so I don't have the benefit of having watched any DVD extras: this is a film only review. Mind you, having watched the film, I'm not really sure I want to see the extras. Don't get me wrong, I actually rate this film quite highly for what it does, but there's enough gruesome cannibalism in the film without having to worry about it cropping up through a series of extras as well.
The film is a remake of Wes Craven's 1977 release of the same name, and it follows a simple enough plotline, as a US family decided to go off road in the deserted rocky plains, only to come across a family of cannibals. Nuclear testing in this deserted area has led to the rather disfigured existence of the cannibals, and their grudge is against humanity in general. Our unlucky tourist family happens to break down in their 'area' and pretty soon the gruesome cannibalism starts.
While there are no real twists to the film (for the most part), to go into further details would spoil the surprising and jumpy moments in the film. I was a bit tired and didn't fancy too many jumpy moments, but there are quite a few, and it didn't hamper my enjoyment of the film. The main 'horror' aspect comes with the deformation of the 'fallout family', and their sheer violence and hunger for eating human flesh. Whether or not this is due to not having anything else to eat, or if it part of their rebellion against being exposed, I'm not sure, but the special effects are well done.
In terms of acting, the most familiar faces will be Losts' Emilie De Ravin, as well as Hollywood stalwart Ted Levine and an on form Kathleen Quinlan. The remainder of the cast do a very good job in convincing us of their characters, with some of the cannibalistic acting quite real and frightening.
However, there remains a few unrealistic elements to the film that spoil it a little. Some of the scenes just aren't convincing, and it lowered the fear factor for me a little. Although I was grateful for this, a masochistic part of me had wished for a consistent 'on the edge of your seat' performance throughout.
Most of the horror comes with the fear of the unknown, and the suspense is dealt with excellently throughout the film. Slow filming and 'tiptoe round the corner' scenes explode into frantic and frenetic struggles for survival for a lot of the characters, and this heightens the enjoyment somewhat. Overall, it's a very well done horror film, with the gruesome nature doing the talking, and it leaves it nicely open for the sequel, which I have yet to watch.
I will watch the sequel, but perhaps this time, I'll watch it in the dark and in the right mood. The Hills Have Eyes is available on DVD from amazon.co.uk for around the £4 mark, and is well worth a watch. Just be prepared for gruesome scenes and some jumping!
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Production Year: 2000 - Horror - Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Carmen Electra, Anna Faris, Kurt Fuller, James Van Der Beek, Keenen Ivory Wayans
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