Serial Slayer

[The_Driller_Killer]

Just picked up this little gem pre-viewed from my local Hollywood Video. I was pleasantly surprised with this low-budget suspense/thriller. Upon viewing the trailer, I groaned with the realization that it was filmed on DV. I've never been a fan of this form of photography and a lot of the time, I feel it ruins the movie. In this case, however, it did not tamper with the film's quality in the least.

Serial Slayer involves a maniacal killer picking off innocent people from their rooftops by use of a crossbow. In the midst of all this mayhem, three co-workers get together for the weekend in a lush part of the suburbs. All goes well until the electricity is cut and footsteps above can be heard. What ensues is a diabolical game of cat and mouse where the three women try to outsmart the killer any way they can. Very well paced and written and there is a great deal of suspense, especially since you do not actually see the menace until the very end. Another particularly enjoyable and original aspect of this film was the fact that it takes place in broad daylight, whereas countless other films of this kind take place in the dead of night.

I give props to Melanie Lynskey (Heavenly Creatures, Detroit Rock City) for her credible and memorable performance. She was probably my favorite part of the film. And for all you Night of the Living Dead fans, there is a special appearance by Judith O'Dea in the opening scene.

Has anyone else seen this film?

[countchocula]

Arrow's review dissuaded me from renting it, but I wasn't compelled to pick it up in the first place. The synopsis reminds me too much of the wretched Phobic.

[The_Driller_Killer]

The Arrow's review can be a bit dissuading, yes. But I've learned not to go into these no-budget horror flicks with such high expectations. Is this film deeply flawed? On so many levels, yes, and The Arrow has made some of the very same observations I have upon my first viewing. But what can I say? I liked it a lot. I thought it was hell of a lot better than some of the other no-budget garbage being released these days.

For example, the bullshit, shot on video snooze-fest Massacre. This movie was so unbelievably bad, it just blew my mind. Poorly edited, written, directed, and acted. I was astonished that the director decided to give some no-name band a little plug by playing their song (almost the entire song) in one uneventful scene. And no, it doesn't stop there. In the corner of the screen, very MTV-esque, it displays the name of the band, the name of the song, and the name of the album it's from.