[REC] and [REC2] (2007 and 2009) This is one of my favorite horror double features, somewhat akin to watching Alien and Aliens back-to-back (first one horror, second action/horror). Theyre Spanish flicks, and as theyre of the found-footage genre (both take place inside an apartment building), I think the foreignness lends a strong air of authenticity. See, the American remake (Quarantine) cast the sister chick from Dexter in the lead, so theres no way you get the full suspension of disbelief, but in the Spanish original, well, unless you REALLY into Spanish films, you wont recognize a soul and youll find most everyone seems very real, very authentic. It all kicks off with a late night TV show being filmed in a fire station. Its a two-person gig - a pretty young reporter and her cameraman - and they film people who work at night to give audiences a slice of their lives. I love this sequence. The reporter angle gives the film a decent reason to keep the camera rolling even when shit gets scary, but mostly I love the banter between her and the firemen. Its funny and very genuine, it gives you insight into her occasional callousness, and it sets the suspense going as she hopes the firemen get a call while theyre filming...but a call doesnt seem forthcoming at first... It happens, though. Not a fire, but simply a woman trapped in her apartment. Shes breathing kind of funny, though...geez, I really dont want to give it away. Scary shit occurs. The pacing is brisk and intense (both [REC] and its sequel are less than an hour-and-a-half) and it all builds to what I find an extremely satisfying conclusion. A conclusion thats mirrored in generalities by its American counterpart, but is wholly different in specifics. And that difference paves the way for the excellent sequel, which begins RIGHT at the end of the original but consistently defies expectations as to where its headed. Its first big twist is *so* much fun to experience, very much changing the genre you thought you were in for. Sorry to be vague, but I really dig these two flicks (skip the third, same as Alien 3) and the less you know the better. Some violence but not a ton of gore. Oh, and I know these flicks arent readily available everywhere, so shout if you want to borrow them. 4 out of 5
Posted on: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 07:46:52 +0000
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