Roulette

As a psychiatrist I found this movie chillingly instructive. The years from eighteen to twenty seven are formative in their ability to destroy one's life based on choices made during periods of depression, low self esteem, rejection, peer pressure, mental illness. This theme is beautifully portrayed in "Roulette." With the stark reality as members and astute observer's of this generation, the Directors tell the story of five young people who choose poorly. The pacing of the movie enhances the impulsive decisions of the five to play roulette. The winner will take home the money but this has nothing to do with the true motives for taunting death. Are these five young people all suicidal in their own way? Perhaps! Are their reasons for putting the gun to their heads compelling? Of course! Can they really understand the consequences of their actions. No way! At least not until the blood flows. Then their lives are over. It just takes a little while for them to die. Had they not played the game the evolution of their lives would have carried them beyond adolescence into adulthood, which confers on it's participants the life experiences that make life bearable, understandable, and even enjoyable. Unfortunately many young people never find that out. Other than auto accidents, the number one cause of death in this age group is suicide. "Roulette" explores this horrible fact better than any psychiatric text or lecture.

Love this - it's new talent carving a path for themselves. But these directors aren't your run-of-the-mill everybody's-doing-it-directors. They've got talent and the sparks are obvious in their first feature-length film. Shot entirely on a hand-held camera and without a formal script, the team's creativity and editing ability give the audience goosebumps and edge-of-your-seat moments usually reserved for seasoned horror film directors. This is the type of film you have to watch again and again - each time brings new and interesting twists that showcase BadFritter's editing talent and thought process. The film comes with a cast of fresh faces who's convincing performance matches the directors creative vision perfectly. Roulette brings the horror film genre back to its roots with an intelligent twist. Can't wait to see more work from these guys.

Do not be misled by the "horror" genre label attached to this film. And don't come looking for Cravenesque blood and guts either. But if you like clever psychological thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat with mind games and questions without answers, take a spin with Roulette. There is plenty to like in this surprising little film. The actors were very well cast and so believable that, at times, it looked like we were watching an 8mm home movie of some kids in the neighborhood. The sound track was very creative and worth having as a CD were it available--call it the greatest alt-emo hits you never heard of. It rocked from start through the credits.

No matter what else a film has going for it, a good plot, or something worth telling, is a must. There is no disappointment here. Just when you start to fidget a little bit and think about looking at your watch, and maybe even shaking it to make sure it's still working, BANG--things get going and an hour later you realize you haven't moved a muscle since that 15 minute mark.

The film misses a 10 by it's overuse of special effects. It's obvious these boys know all of the tricks, but they're a little too eager to show them off all at once. Maybe they weren't certain there would be another film to make down the road, but it will be obvious to everybody that sees this one that that won't be a problem.

"Roulette" simply reaffirms that talented individuals, even without major funding, typically produce a more engaging, rewarding, and just plain better end product than their high budget counterparts.

The writers/directors of "Roulette" set up a great premise and then actually delivers with scenes that are so intense and visceral that you will be shocked and terrified, but unable to turn away.

"Roulette" quickly connects with the viewer through honest acting and a compelling story line. The camera-work and editing is innovative and exciting, and the fact that it was filmed on video adds to the authenticity and tension to the movie.

"Roulette" is built around a seemingly random group of individuals who are brought together for a fateful night that leaves them changed forever and possibly beyond salvation. The plot line careens bloodily towards a climax that brings closure, but, true to real life, does not provide easy answers.

Consider watching "Roulette" before settling for the mainstream dreck that will leave you feeling empty, disappointed, and like you've just wasted 90 minutes of your life (i.e. "Hostel", "Silent Hill", "Wolf Creek", and on and on). "Roulette" is a more fulfilling, more unique, and a hell of a lot scarier experience!