Wilderness Survival for Girls

Caught this one during a one-week run at a Denver theater. Although I initially was intrigued by a movie filmed in my home state, WSFG actually was an accomplished film for reasons other than its location. Three girlfriends head up to a family cabin for a post-high-school-pre-college getaway (a tradition many of us, including myself, participated in). As the three do some hiking, sunbathing (this part may give some older viewers an uncomfortable, dirty-old-man vibe), drinking and pot-smoking, divisions between the three characters are revealed, and gradually go from subtle to tense. Things really get complicated when the stoned girls begin to hear noises outside the cabin. Just when it looks like WSFG may be the kind of McSlasher that studios churn out every other week, the story gets deeper as the mysterious stranger in the woods is revealed to be a sad-sack middle-aged guy who has been squatting in the cabin. As the night progresses, the characters' motives are revealed, and may just surprise the viewer. WSFG sets itself apart from the aforementioned generic slashers because the filmmakers understand that, if properly handled, a tense dialogue can be more jarring than a nubile teenybopper running from a maniac. In this movie, characters are developed and real, as it is revealed that each of the girls has her own issue to confront, scary man in the woods or not. Distribution for WSFG is precarious. If you happen to get the chance, however it may come, to see this little picture, fans of suspense movies likely will be taken by this stronger-than-usual offering. P.S. I have no connection to the filmmakers, BTW. - JF

This first feature from the talented producer, director, writer and editor team of Eli Despres and Kim Roberts, shot on video in 18 days, marks an impressive debut and one not to be missed, if you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to catch it in a film festival or in its limited theatrical run. Otherwise, keep your eyes peeled for the DVD and video release, if you like indie films that have that unpredictable and slightly off-center (but completely authentic) feel about them.

I, for one, appreciate films that can't easily be categorized, or that use established genres in interesting new ways, and this film qualifies. Three girls go to an isolated cabin retreat in the mountains of Colorado to celebrate their graduation from high school. Almost immediately lots of possibilities present themselves: Is this going to be a coming of age story? Is it going to be a "stranger in the dark woods terrorizing teenagers" slasher movie? Is it going to be a comedy about how bratty teenage girls treat each other? Well, what if some talented filmmakers put all those ingredients into a blender -- along with a few more -- and whip up a whole new, satisfying recipe? Sometimes these "genre-bending" exercises can fall flat on their faces, but in this case, the filmmakers -- because of a great script, great acting, and some beautiful camera-work and sure-footed editing -- take you along for the ride.

"Death Game" is a somewhat similar themed film where an unsuspecting male is tormented by young females. That 1977 film, stared Sondra Locke. Here the three teenage protagonists hold a hermit hostage, vacillating on what to do with him. In their minds he could be the one responsible for a double murder in a nearby cabin several years ago, or simply a loner who had been living in the girls' rarely visited cabin. Not always logical, sometimes lurid, the outcome is never certain, which keeps things interesting for the tight running time of 78 minutes. The acting is totally acceptable, and the Colorado rockies on location photography stunning. - MERK

There is tension, but not really horror. Threats, but more imagined than real, but still possible. Three just graduated high school age girls head up in the mountains to the family cabin. Ruth, who is 17, seems naive, Deborah uncertain, and Kate, rather outgoing and sure of herself, who smokes and has pot. Near the cabin 8 years earlier was a gruesome murder of a young babysitter and girl. The case was never solved. One night, along comes a stranger, Ed, who is 48, and is living in their cabin while he is not out in the woods. This sets up tension, as they cannot be sure who he really is. And it allows their imaginations to run wild, especially when there is no phone service, and the one girl cannot get their vehicle started to go for the police. A goof appears early in the film when they enter the cabin and open the freezer. There is a fox in there, but it is not rigid nor frozen, but the cabin has electricity and water. But it was shot, and Ed said he shot it. The color of the print just seems off. Maybe the film used, or degradation of the print.

I like to browse through Tubi for Bad movies to watch. Usually I find them but sometimes I stumble on a surprise. This movie was quite well acted for the low budget and was a surprisingly interesting thriller. I was impressed by the movie. Its no Citizen Kane but her its free and enjoyable.