Slumlord

I spend my time watching bad horror movies for a good laugh. Me and my friends (improper grammar, sorry) go to netflix and look for the worst possible story, visuals, and overall effect. But, one day, while browsing, this caught my eye. From the trailer, it genuinely looked suspenseful and interesting. So we thought, why not watch something that looks good? And we were satisfied. The acting was a little bit stale at some parts, but the amount of story was balanced perfectly. Between the couple, and the Slumlord, both received equal screen time. So much so, that I felt wanted to see the other when another was getting their time in. Overall, I recommend it!

I don't know where to start with this movie. It's a low budget horror movie, so don't expect high quality camera work. That being said, the plot actually isn't half bad. The movie kept me engaged the whole time, which usually doesn't happen when I watch low budget horror movies on Netflix. The Gerald character is really disgusting- there are moments where I wanted to gag just looking at him. But overall, there are definitely worse movies out there.

I'm not normally one for calling a movie dumb, but where this picture is concerned it's a word that practically leaps out at you in every frame of this poorly constructed piece.

A young couple awaiting their first child rent a house from Gerald (Neville Archambault), a grotty foul smelling man who has secretly installed cameras so as to spy on his new tenants...

OK! Ignoring that upon first meeting Gerald a sane couple would run a mile - because with that there's obviously no film - but what we are asked to digest from that point on beggar's belief. How are we meant to react to a couple (and a film maker) who find a locked secret stairway only for them to not give it a second thought for the rest of the film?! It's actually insulting. The dumb set-ups and that of the character's behaviour continues unbound right up to the ridiculously staged finale. As for the acting on show...

It's a big chance missed for something genuinely unnerving, maybe even for a bit of cerebral social commentary. Avoid this if you are looking for either of those things. 3/10 for a toothbrush scene that will either make you squirm or laugh in equal measure.

"13 cameras", having its world premiere at FantAsia in Montreal, I discovered this dark take on the expansion of the world public and now home surveillance (& "security") camera market. Ingenious, funny and freighting this horror fare is fairly straightforward but has 2 elements going for it. 1) It focuses on the well written and acted familial drama of a couple with real life-changing and challenging issues. 2) It has a voyeurism background with a choice actor and appropriate filming angles to capture the imagination, instantly instilling discomfort and distress.

The editing and crisp pacing make it move along nicely and the only move you do not want to make is in this house with the "slumlord" watching attentively...

Kudos to Victor Zarcoff for building tension and a multi-layered cast of characters in a captivating setting and to the four convincing main actors for bringing us close to the abyss.

A sure hit.

USA 2015 | 84 mins | FANTASIA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL | DCP | English

It's not one of the best horror or suspense films, but for me it kept me interested to see what would happen at the end. If you're expecting a happy ending, don't hold your breath. But it makes you think if this is happening to you in your house/apartment/etc. I liked it for the weird/fear factor. Not everyone's cup of tea. Worth a view in my opinion.