High Desert Kill

Compared to a lot of the Horror movies today, many may find this story rather slow and feel that 'not a lot happens' But, for me personally, this is one of my favourite kinds of older Horror/Sci Fi films. I've always had a real soft spot in my heart for this particular one, so I may favour it more than most (I personally would have given it an '8', but I think people on average would probably not like it quite as much as I do, so I just gave it a '7' : )

The absolute standout in this movie is that it is ***ALL*** about Atmosphere and Mood. I thought the soundtrack was very effective too and adds a lot to the feel of the film. Also, I feel another thing that makes this movie appealing is the strong Mystery factor. I mean, even from the beginning you're wondering, 'What the hell is going on!'

I like the way it starts with the ancient Native American village and that really sets the tone for the entire story. The acting is nothing to get too worked up about, although good ol' Chuck Conners does a nice job with his role. The rest are okay, they get the job done, but no Oscars will be forthcoming, especially since it was made in 1989 :D

I really liked the increasing sense of Mystery and dread. Along with the people the audience gets the tension ratcheted up little by little as they begin to question their own perceptions and even they own sanity. There is not really very much in the way of special effects or anything super visual, it is really old-school that way. I also particularly like movies where they play with your sense of reality (and in this case the reality of the characters) where you are not quite sure as to what is real and what isn't. To me that adds an extra layer of suspense.

Actually, the reason why I say this is a 'Throwback' is because even though it is made in 1989, it still is strongly reminiscent of many of the Telefilms made around 1973 or thereabouts. And, this is most definitely a Telefilm. You can tell by the 4x3 framing (full screen) and the obvious breaks for commercials. So, as you likely know, it is VERY tough to make a truly effective Horror Telefilm, especially back at that time, with the limitations that come with television. Thus the reason I feel strongly that this movie is made very well and is quite effective for a Horror telefilm. In mood and atmosphere it kind of reminds me of another very effective and scary telefilm made in 1973 starring the great Eli Wallach and Robert Culp called 'A COLD NIGHT'S DEATH' Another outstanding example of the use of mood, atmosphere, and sound design to build to a pretty effective Horror movie - in that movie's case, it is more psychological, a tad more scary, and a bit better made, and of course with A-List actors.

So, I would say, don't go into this movie expecting a lot of action or effects or intense violence that is indicative of many of the Horror films today. But, like I mention in my title above, this is a nice old-fashioned throwback with I feel excellent atmosphere and mood, and just a little touch of Science Fiction. If you appreciate older, slower building films like this, then you might enjoy this one.

Marc Singer ("V" & "THE BEASTMASTER") and Chuck Connors ("FLIPPER" & "SOYLENT GREEN") in a campfire orgy of primal machismo and lustful desires? And no I hate to break it to you, nothing happens between the two. Even though there are plenty of glistening shirtless moments. And no, Connors doesn't go that far either. I know the disappointment. But no question, this is just one of a few strange developments making its way into the psychotronic made-for-TV feature "HIGH DESERT KILL".

Two friends along with their recently deceased friend's nephew head out on a yearly annual bonding hunting trip in the desert. At the camping site they come across another grizzled old hunter who informs them that something has spooked away the wildlife. They decide to stick it out anyway, but in doing so they unknowingly fall under the influence of some unknown force that uses the appearance of their dead friend/uncle.

It's a fairly forgotten little b-film that doesn't deserve to be a hidden away. Since it's something a little different to the norm. Sure the genre hybrid-of-sorts plot is beyond dubious nevertheless this no-frills desert mystery remains quite fascinating in its psychological and manipulative make-up. Think along the lines of a "TWILIGHT ZONE" narrative, where the perplexity leads to something much more going on. The danger and weirdness slowly grows from the anxious build-up, as the unknown force watches and coordinates through looming POV shots. And when it does come to its symbolic reveal, to some extent it's ingenious and silly rolled into one. Where it might lack the depth in its reasoning. On the other hand you might find yourself laughing at the confrontational climax, but at least the final seconds does end on a haunting, if ambiguous note.

As for the acting, it's a bit of an up and down affair with Anthony Geary ("NIGHTLIFE" & "PASS THE AMMO") and Micah Grant ("WAXWORK" & "TO DIE FOR") in the leads. Still the interactions between the characters have believability and their sudden in-and-out behavioral transformations of uncontrollable instincts brought upon by this alien force are amusingly presented. The sketchy script with some beguiling dialogues ("Open you up like a sack of manure!") is part of that. On what was most effective is the use of eerie sound effects or simply a lack of it. It goes hand-to-hand in creating unease from the forlorn New Mexico desert. Even if the acting wasn't the greatest, I thought the cast do sell the strangely unsettling nature of the situation. TV director Harry Falk's tight handling in due to limited resources, but the back-to-basic structure works to its favour. It's worth-a-look.

Three guys (2 buddies and the nephew of their dead friend) go on a hunting trip that happens every year. They meet up with always good Chuck Connors who plays expert hunter Stan Brown. He tells them there is no game anywhere, but the three brush it off and go off on their hunting expedition anyway. But once the hot female campers disappear and they catch themselves eating some raw bear it's time to hit the road Jack, but they find out it's not that easy.

Now, there really is some mystery shrouding the story, some good music throughout and Chuck Connors is good and not wasted. Yet the execution on the story needed to be reworked I thought in order for this to hit the mark. The final act works best, but the opening act is bad. As well there is this evil or bad guy P.O.V. while the characters are sleeping that is down right cheesy and not scary at all. It gets old real fast, but they keep going to it during the movie. Also starring Marc Singer.

I did wonder when watching this movie though how many days were they planning to go without a change of clothes? Did they not bring any with them?

Close, but not close enough 5/10

Ah the 80's, its the decade that just keeps giving. In this case, late 80's. This is definitely a weird one and a good one. The horror element is subtle, its a kind of omni-present and foreboding kind of horror. It does not take long until the weird stuff starts happening which is something I appreciate with these sorts of movies.

Mark Singer plays Brad Mueller a bench pressing city slicker who loves to get out in the rough and do some hunting with his buds. Chuck Conners plays Stan Brown a weather beaten old timer who gets around with a pair of saddle horses. When the lot of them meet up things get strange real fast. There is a bit of psychology going on in this movie as well as mystery.

The unraveling speed of the story/plot happens at a nice constant pace which keeps one watching. This is definitely a weird horror which has what you might call surreal moments. Worth seeing if you like the 80's horror and and the strange stuff. Definitely a tenner in my books.

This is one film you don't want to miss! This could become a cult classic, if enough people would view it with the right attitude.

Here are some of my random thoughts:

The Cover: The cover has a cool looking design, even though it really has no resemblance with anything in the film.

The dialogue: Probably improvised by the actors as they went along. "What's driving all the animals away, is it the drought?" (As Chuck Connors and Anthony Geary are walking past a large flowing river, in a lush, green forested area)

Cinematography, editing: In one scene, where the guys are scattering Pauls ashes, the scenes alternates many times between overcast skies, with dim illumination to bright sunny skies, casting long shadows on the actors faces and surrounding scenery.

Chuck Connors, playing Stan, the "Professional Hunter": What was he thinking, taking on this role? The poor guy must have really needed the cash. He does all that he can with the material, however. His voice inflections and facial expressions are top notch.

The drunken party with the "Hippie Girls" is a classic. Many memorable moments.

Micah Grant, playing Ray Bettencamp: Why did they even bring Ray along on their hunting trip? He's not their friend, he's not a hunter, he's half their ages... But hey, he delivers some of the worst lines in the film, (and he had access to his dead uncle's 4wd vehicle) so its ok.