Short Review: This is a film about a broadcast signal that makes those who hear it irritable and irrational - so does the movie.


This is a very odd film. Three filmmakers (David Bruckner, Dan Bush and Jacob Gentry) co-write and direct a movie broken into three parts. Upon viewing it is obvious each man handled his own part of the film and they seamed them together in the end. This multiple directors each taking a segment isn't new (see Four Rooms for example) but it is the reason why this is such a strange movie. I do not know which director handled which of the three segments of the movie so as I go forward please forgive my inability to give credit or scorn to the rightful target.

The film is very simple, it is a stock zombie movie structure. The twist is that instead of a world full of flesh eating undead, the population is turned into frantic psychotics. A signal is heard and seen over all broadcast signals. Once a person pays attention to the signal it "replaces the thoughts in their head". Okay, great premise, it turns the zombie genre in a new way and has space for some good social commentary. The opening third of the film is very well done. Its not brilliant but it is notably good. The opening gives us an atmospheric and compelling story that promises good things to come. The dialog is strong, the plotting of the scenes is carefully measured. I found myself doing something I don't do too often watching horror movies anymore, enjoying the film. The acting is likewise strong. The young actors, given some good scenes, do well with their work. The standout is Justin Welborn as Ben, the lover of young wife Mya (Anessa Ramsey). Welborn proves to be a solid lead and gives the film much of its gravity. His intense presence grounds the film, in particular when it careens off course. I expect to see him more. I'd tag him as a performer with strong potential. Ramsey seems to struggle a little in her role, not because she's not a capable actress but because its obvious young men wrote her role. Mya is thinly written when compared to the male characters. Her dialog is passive and common and her motives are compulsory instead of naturally developing.

Following the wondfully constructed first segment, the other two segments are an incredible disaster. Particularily the middle segment. The film goes from being a haunting psychological work to being a campy, hack-fest. Where the first segment had tension and an interesting set-up, the second descends into a sophmoric, and horribly written dance of studpity. Black comedy is difficult to pull off and in the hands of someone who is so clearly a) not talented and b) devoid of any humor or sense of irony, it becomes embarassing.

The final segment attempts to regain some ground but the film is sent so far afield by the inept second segment (honestly, whoever handled that, please leave the field of filmmaking) they are unable to get their footing. The final segment's has two main flaws. The first is that it is far too blunt with its gore, we don't actually NEED to see someone have their head crushed, you can imply it. The second flaw, and this is the more serious issue, its boring. The dialog is forced, the direction of the narrative is over managed and the "surprise" ending is laughable.

Overall, if the person who was in charge of the first segment handled the whole production, I would most likely be telling you right now that I just watched one of the better horror movies ever made. As it is, I watched a solid twenty minutes of film followed by amatuer night.


Related Reviews:
Zombie movies
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Other Critic's Reviews:
ReelViews
The Critical Critics