Some Kind of Hate

At the start of the movie, I wasn't expecting to enjoy myself as it appeared to be another "loner" gets bullied and fights back scenario. There's also a lot of washed-out colours in the opening sequence where we see Lincoln getting bullied. I think this would have worked a lot better had Lincoln not been the stereotypical loner-come-nerd - your typical movie bully fodder. They had a chance to address the whole bullying issue but missed a common truth, anybody can be bullied. Also, the entire scene would have been more striking if you weren't expecting it; get rid of the diffused colours for normal light. This would have also added a deeper and more prophetic character later in the film. In fact, it's the stereotypes that let this film down the most, even though they are well acted by a decent cast.

As I stated above, the director likes to use colour effects to create atmosphere, which on the most part works well, though he doesn't stick to his own formula for the whole film, which gives it a jagged feel at times. Also, some more imaginative camera shots wouldn't have gone amiss and would have helped in a couple of murder scenes, especially as the murders were carried out in a specific way.

For me, the best selling point of the film is the kills. Just for the original way they are executed. The fact that Moira has to cut herself for those slashes to appear on her victims is a magnificent idea... particularly when those cuts cause her pain. This is a woman willing to suffer in death to give death. The other good detail of the film is when Lincoln realises what's happening to his bullies and tries to stop Moira... believing she's acting on his wishes... Though it's the story's climax where writer and director, Adam Egypt Mortimer, and writer, Brian DeLeeuw, make up for not addressing bullying correctly. The scene where Moira meets her nemesis is well written and acted with feeling by Sierra McCormick. You can feel Moira's anguish, fear, anger, and hate seeping out of her dead pores.

As for the rest of the cast, they are okay, though are restricted by the writing, in general. This could have been a stronger and more relevant story had a few things been altered.

I would have to warn people, though, that the scenes of self-harm are a little hard to watch at times. So I have to give respect to the director for this. It shouldn't be an easy thing to view.

If you like vengeful ghost stories this is the film for you... or if you've been bullied it's nice to see the bullies get their comeuppance, even if it's fictional. For the gore-meisters out there it's worth a watch for the originality of the kills.

Some Kind os Hate is a clear example of I want to and I can't. An example of I have the idea but either I lack the resources and/or talent to carry it out in a worthy way. It is an example of good script, weak casting (although it doesn't help that I have seen it in such a poor Spanish dubbed version) and a direction that stays between two waters, those of the mystery and those of the slasher without getting clear at any time, making the plot insipid and drowning in that sea of doubts.

The bullying theme is not taken too seriously when it should be its main weapon.

The good: The short length and some bloody scenes.

The bad: It's forgotten as soon as it's over.

I didn't think this was a horrible movie, but I could feel that this was an attempt for some of the Disney stars try to break away from their previous "goody goody" roles that they are well known for. I can say that at least the acting was much better here than it was there. It is interesting to me to see what direction these guys go in order to escape from the company. I'm interested in seeing what the future holds for them. I just hope they do not go crazy as we have seen in the past. Otherwise, the movie to me seemed alright, albeit a little slow paced. There could have been more character development in the protagonist. I also felt the "cheerleader" wasn't really believable. I don't see a person like that trying to see what it is like to be the victim. When we first meet her, she is hugging up to a bully, yet she says she hates them. Does anyone else see a problem with this?

Some Kind of Hate is a not half bad B horror.

The premise is not that novel but different enough to be interesting. I suspect this titles primary audience is late teens and twenty somethings. Those who are fresh enough from school to still remember how horrible and cruel other teens can be.

The main character is a supernatural entity who is summoned by the pain of bullied, victimized teens. The storyline is pretty basic but it builds quite well. That said, the violence and self abuse scenes can be a bit on the harsh side at times.

For a B title the acting is quite good too. The whole cast but, in particular, the male and female lead and the girl who plays the vengeful spirit, really offer up decent performances.

Combine all these elements and you have a reasonable horror flick on your hands. Six out of ten from me.

The cover/poster was very unnerving and the advertising likewise. Really liked the concept too, not an original one perhaps but it sounded really intriguing and was already admiring it tackling a heavy and daring theme that resonated with me, having been badly bullied myself. All those things were enough to make want to see it.

'Some Kind of Hate' turned out not to be a great film, there are issues here. But for a low-budget horror recent viewing as part of one of my many quests recently, 'Some Kind of Hate' is easily up there with the few ones that was actually decent. When it comes to the reviews, can see both sides, found it to be a film with obvious strengths but also one that is easy to find fault with. Am one of those whose feelings are mutual, but admired what it set out to do, it doesn't waste its idea and its tackling of the theme was brave.

Lets start with the good things. 'Some Kind of Hate' looks good, there is a sense of dark unsettlement, some very creepy gore and make-up, the editing was at least cohesive and the photography not trying to do too much but having enough to stop it being static. The music is suitably ominous and there is tension, creepiness and suspense when the film gets going. The second half is very unnerving and boasts some well-timed and inventive kills.

The acting is much better than average, with the standout performances coming from Grace Phipps and especially Sierra McCormick, the latter being both frightening and poignant. Did find myself identifying with Lincoln, having been a bully victim and being introverted, though Moira is more interesting and should have had the bigger focus. Was at least engaged for much of the duration, had no trouble understanding what was going on, was emotionally invested and at no point was my intelligence insulted.

As aforementioned, there are drawbacks too. The first third is a bit slow and ordinary, it could have gotten to the point quicker and had less of the slightly dull setting up. The script is quite a big weakness, it is not always easy to take it seriously, there is some awkwardness and cheese and it could have been tighter.

It is agreed that some of the film does get silly, didn't buy some of the victims/bullies' reactions before their fates, no sense of genuine fright and with a too "trying to make conversation at a reunion" chemistry, that does undermine the build up somewhat. The sound quality is not always well balanced with it tending to favour the music. Would have liked more development to the characters, only Lincoln and Moira are developed quite well while the others are fairly sketchy despite the film doing a good job making one hate them.

All in all, better than expected though not without things to criticise. 6/10 Bethany Cox