Director: Darren Lynn Bousman
Writer: Scott Milam (Screenplay) Charles Kaufman, Warren Leight (Original Screenplay)
Starring: Rebecca De Mornay, Jaime King, Patrick Flueger, Warren Kole, Deborah Ann Woll, Briana Evigan, Shawn Ashmore, Frank Grillo
Plot: When a family of criminals Ike (Flueger), Addley (Kole) Johnny (Matt O’Leary) of the run return home they find out it has new owners. They call the head of the family Mother (De Mornay) to help solve the problem. The new owners Beth Sohapi (King) & Daniel (Grillo) are hosting a party leading to the situation where the family has a group of hostage while they discover where the hidden money is. Beth has to help Ike get more money leaving the rest to battle to survive the ruthless family.
Verdict: A good modern horror remake, yes I did just say that
Story: Where do you start we have a great story here, we have the one on one hostage, group hostage and caring doctor trying to turn a miss guided person, all with the backdrop of an impending hurricane. The story work very well in the horror genre and builds great tension throughout with all the secrets coming out along the way. Add the good twist at the end you have a very underrated horror film here. (9/10)
Actor Review: Rebecca De Mornay – As the all demanding Mother who has taught the family all they have ever known but only her beliefs. Rebecca is brilliant in this role her character needs to be in control and through the whole film she is due to the dominating performance. Star Performance Award, Scene Stealer Award (9/10)
Actor Review: Jaime King – Innocent wife who has to spend most of the film with crazed Ike collecting money from around town. Jaime does a good job here controlling the situation as best she can, puts up a good fight and creates a new victim role that could lead onto something bigger against the Mother. (8/10)
Actor Review: Patrick Flueger – Ike has to stay calm to make sure he gets the money for the family but his rage boils over during different scenarios. Patrick creates a very good character the older wiser brother of the family who can control the other brothers. Good work in the supporting villain role. (8/10)
Actor Review: Shawn Ashmore – The calm doctor who helps the injured family member and tries to turn the younger sister by explaining how other things happen in life. An important character here because throughout the film we get teases that she might turn on the family. Good performance from Shawn here proving giving him a chance to do more than ice things is possible. (9/10)
Director Review: Darren Lynn Bousman – From Saw 2, 3, 4 and Repo! The genetic Opera I knew this guy had a ability to tell a great story and this only tells this more creating so many different scenarios and bring them all to one conclusion done to perfect. (9/10)
Horror: Getting trapped and some very horrific scenes with most of the bloodiest scenes of camera just leaving the aftermath. (8/10)
Thriller: Builds up in nearly every scene which always delivers a twist or outcome. (9/10)
Special Effects: Some good make up effects after violent scene. (8/10)
Believability: The hostage situation has happened in the past and all the friends with dark secrets are real, the dominant mother as well a very real scenario created. (9/10)
Chances of Tears: None (0/10)
Settings: The setting is created with the trapped hostage situation adds to the suspense along with the idea they don’t know how things are going with Beth doing everything to help rescue them. (9/10)
Oscar Chances: None
Chances of Sequel: It gets left open for a sequel, but failed to make any money for some reason. So looks unlikely.
Suggestion: A horror film that really seemed to go under the radar here. I have to suggest this to all the horror fans out there it really has a mix of everything you would want in a thrilling horror with plenty of human touches on human nature. (Watch)
Best Part: Twist ending makes it even better.
Overall: A brilliant horror film
Rating 90%