[Rec]3 Genèse

The first time I saw REC (2007)I was addicted to it. And I guess a lot of people because an American remake (Quarantine (2008)) was made of this Spanish horror flick. When REC 2 (2009) came out it was another smasher. Paco Plaza, one of the directors did a great job and everybody was looking forward to see REC 3 made by Paco. REC 4 Apocalypse is also on the way, normally shot by the other director of the original REC, Jaume Balagueró.

I was eager to have a watch to REC 3 Genesis but was I disappointed by it. This movie didn't involve the apartment we have seen in the previous entries. Being called 'genesis' I thought it would explain the who and what about the mutated people but it didn't. Here we have a wedding going on were suddenly one of the uncles shows rare behaviour. When he's being helped due his fall he suddenly changes into a mutated one and bites one of his helpers. From there problems starts for the party going on. But also for REC 3. Previous parts did have fast moving zombies here we have slow moving zombies, a big difference! Rec and REC 2 needed the apartment to deliver the creeps by dark corridors here we see them walk in clear light. Don't get me wrong, the movie itself isn't that bad and is a delight for gorehounds but in fact has nothing to do with REC. Only the end when the plastic is used it reminded me of REC. It's a bit like Cabin Fever 2, a flop that had nothing to do with the original one. Here we have the same.

It even has a bit of black comedy and even has a bit of humor itself. Just watch some gore scene's that will remind you of Peter Jackson's Braindead (1992).

Gore it has indeed but it's a love story with zombies walking around. The production decided to clock in on the REC success, if they only had given it another name it would be okay but to say it's a follow up, no. Only hope REC 4 moves back to the apartment.

Gore 3/5 Nudity 0/5 Effects 4/5 Story 3/5 Comedy 1/5

A wedding day is left ruined when the bride, groom, guests and staff have to survive a zombie-like attack.

Running parallel to its predecessors, Rec 3 Genesis follows the 'outbreak' during a wedding night. Director Paco Plaza's sequel although lighter in tone still has its fair share of jump scares, gore, poignant and heartbreaking lose moments. Finley edited Plaza's part 3 is compellingly shot at first in the style of first and second film however after the lengthy prologue it switches to a traditional film style with the soundtrack and score complimenting the the mood perfectly.

Here some of the 'infected' move at a slower pace, there's the obligatory blood spatter, deaths and outstanding special effects including a grizzly chainsaw scene.

Writers Luiso Berdejo, David Gallart and Plaza continue the sub- religious plot established in the other instalments including a nice touch where the rabid guests are unable to cross over hallowed ground. The supporting cast are mostly strong, notably is the bride Clara who is wonderfully portrayed by Leticia Dolera.

After all said and done, Genesis while removed slightly from the Rec and Rec 2 is a good fresh addition with a brave ending if even if a side piece companion of sorts to the originals.

If you have seen the 1st and 2nd parts, you'll notice a few matching events between those previous movies and this one. It's another parallel story, not the beginning as you could read from it's title: "Genesis", instead of a genesis, you get a love story that gets caught in the middle of a zombie-possessed infestation.

At some point the shooting style changes from the hand-held camera to director's view, which although refreshing, breaks the sequel style. I think the first two parts were scary, but this one became a mix of action, gore, with a touch of comedy that also breaks the sequel style, specially some illogical behavior under stress situations. Acting was OK, special effects were not disappointing.

Well where to start...I'm gob smacked that such a brilliant zombie/horror franchise has been defaced.

The film totally departs from REC 1 & 2 with the only link being that "Uncle" was bit by "Jennifer's" (Little girl from REC 1) dog which was impounded from the vets, resulting in the authorities awareness of the infection and quarantining the original building.

I'm not sure what the director was thinking with the black humour/comedy and if it was even intentional or I was laughing at the juxtaposition of mess and slapstick deaths. The camera work itself is NOT hand-held, which totally opposes the 'REC' style and therefore doesn't have the same impact of claustrophobia and paranoia. The acting however wasn't too bad and I feel sorry for Leticia Dolera & Javier Botet, but the appalling storyline and screenplay made it impossible to be a good movie.

In conclusion it's not an entirely doomed film, and is better than most zombie films, but it's just got too much to live up to with its predecessors' and is not of REC standard. I think it's safe to say the REC fans need Jaume Balagueró back! As Paco Plaza simply cannot do it on his own. - Tyron.

Please don't even THINK about watching REC 3. What a huge disappointment! This movie is more like a ridiculous zombie comedy than a horror or a thriller. I mean, at some point two guys grab some knight shields and armors from a church and go out to attack the "zombies" like that (the infected behave like zombies in this one)...I even thought the director was different in this one but no, it's the same guy. I don't know what happened :S All I can say is, this is the first movie in years that I have walked out of. I'm giving it a 0/10. Do NOT waste your money or time on this movie. And to think I was excited to watch it...