Don't Sleep

I'm pretty surprised with the talent of actors like Elwes, DiMatteo and Alex Rocco of "God Father" fame would be in a film with such a stupid plot and terrible, Total "B" class production value. This is not to say any of these actors are top notch Hollywood "A" listers. They are, however, talented and have been in some very good films and TV shows.

That said, this is simply one of yet another non-relevant mediocre at best, attempt to delve into a Horror story that tries to be different. Let's face it, it's not the easiest task of creating a "new" type of horror film that has not been done in one way or another 100's X's over. But, every once in a while a really good new film comes out that does manage to be original despite using formats already used many times. (Sinister, The Conjuring, Paranormal activity, Saw, Hostel Deliver us from evil etc)....

It seems as though anyone with a few bucks and a decent camera can write, produce, direct and sell crap dressed up as scary and unique yet, us Horror and Thriller fans pay (with time and $) hoping we find something worth telling your friends about. They are few and far between. If you do tell anyone about this film in the form of a recommendation, make sure you say "steer way clear".

Don't Sleep is no different. Acting was way below par surprisingly. One caveat, in defense of Cary Elwes, he is only in a few scenes. Direction was all over the place and the flashback scenes made no sense. Frankly, it was a boring film that I had to struggle to get through. The makeup (for the Demons/Ghosts?) was akin to something you would expect from a 10 year old kid showing up at your door on Holloween. Yes, it really Is that bad.

I don't like writing spoilers in any of my reviews and won't do that now, although I should and save you all a lot of wasted time and $.

The name of this film should have been "Do sleep"! And there should have been a recommendation at the beginning of the film advising to do just that for the next 97 minutes rather then a quote from Nitsche, which was, BTW, the best part of the film.

Go and rent ANY of the films I mention above if you want to see an original, worthwhile film that will put a fright into you.

Don't, Sleep

"Don't" bother watching this. And yet, ironically (or is it just coincidentally?), this may represent a cure for insomnia.

The plot is described as "After moving into a cottage together, two young lovers confront the horrors of a forgotten childhood." which initially creates some form of interest but fails to deliver. The movie follows Zach Bradford and partner Shawn Edmon moving back to Zach'a neighbourhood, where he suffered trauma from nightmares where there was an evil version of himself.

My biggest gripe with this film is, ultimately I just wasn't very entertained. It's not by any means the worst movies I have ever seen but it is very forgettable, not providing anything of note and within these movies I believe there needs to be that 'Oh my god!' moment, of which is seriously lacked.

The movies also used overused glitch style effects which does the opposite of complimenting the world the movie is trying to build here, which maybe down to budget which is, I suppose forgivable but not very complimentary for the movie.

The Make-Up/SFX was also rather disappointing, I'm not one to shame people for their work however I just had thoughts of "they've just brought someone who hasn't finished Make-Up School to do this." Acceptable for a Halloween Party but not something I expect in a movie, honestly.

While I have given this movie a lot of negative feedback it was "okay", below average without a doubt but if you just want to watch a free movie when you have prime.. it is still a movie I suppose, just don't expect to remember much about it.

By the end of Don't Sleep I felt bad, the ending was so interesting that I wished that I had enjoyed the film. But I didn't, I simply couldn't.

Starring Cary Elwes (Princess Bride, Saw, Top Gun) and Drea De Matteo (Joey, The Sopranos) but both as side characters this supernatural thriller staggers along at a dreadful pace from start to finish.

The story a mess, the creation abysmal and yet there was something there something frustratingly beneath the surface but unable to break free.

In the hands of a decent writer this could have been something quite watchable but Don't Sleep is far from that in its present form.

The Good:

Well the ending was certainly interesting

Cary Elwes

The Bad:

Lame/dull leads

Dreadful story

Things I Learnt From This Movie:

I learnt that we had a backup pack of ibuprofen at the back of our cupboard for the headache this 95 minute embarrassment gave me

The ending music happens. 🙄 This was beyond disappointing. I may actually sue for damages.