|
A lot of people are doing some amazing things within the
horror genre. Horror is alive and well. On all levels. The Indy level.
Mainstream level. Some of them are good. Some of them are awful. Some of
them are just gore for the sake of gore. The horror film I'm reviewing
is done more on the psychological level. The film I'm talking about is
'Point of Fear.'
The formula is really nothing new. 4 teens go on a vacation somewhere
and find out about a murderer. We have seen this formula in 'Texas
Chainsaw Massacre', 'Hostel', 'Wolf Creek', and a number of horror
films. We know how it is going to start. We know how it is going to end.
What counts is the middle. I am happy to say the middle of the film is
well-acted, chilling, and has a kick ass soundtrack that gives the film
a "I'm going to kick your ass" feel.
Upon doing research for the review, I read that most if not all of
everyone involved in this film has theater experience. This really helps
as a good portion of the film is verbal. So if their performances feel
wooden, bland, or forced; the verbal portion of the film will fail.
Another key is how the films characters are not your typical dumb movie
characters. They rely on emotions a lot but also use their brains. The
star of the film without a doubt is Jason Benjamin. He is a life force.
He has a history in the pro wrestling industry and his heel persona (bad
guy) in this film is intense, enraged, and liable to snap at any point
in time. He is called "the fear doctor" and he helps people overcome
their fears. He also has some fears and regrets of his own. Such as the
passing of his wife and child. Some of his methods are a bit extreme and
often lead to death. He is like the pro- wrestling version of Dr. Phil.
He soon starts to lose his grip on reality when one of the teens sees
him for a session and he believes it is his long lost wife.
He captures her and holds her hostage and pretty soon her friends start
to wonder where she is. Also, he begins picking off his patients in
assembly line fashion. A guy with a fear of spiders and a large African
American man who has a fear of water end up in bad shape. Director
Brooks Benjamin is smart in not being graphic with the violence, but
focusing on the fear aspect more then anything. Also, a human being is
doing the damage. Not some chainsaw wielding psycho.
The film was filmed in Tennessee and gets the small town right. From the
Pepsi-chugging overweight cop to the clueless cop. Not to mention the
feisty woman cop. Also, how the people react or don't react in certain
small towns. It does this without ever making fun of them or looking
down on them.
Look for 'Point of Fear' at festivals near you. It is not one to miss.
Between 'Bad Reputation' and now 'Point of Fear', I'm loving what the
Indy horror cinema is bringing me. Well-written, smart, and intense
horror/dramas.
|
