Feet of Death

I had the opportunity to sit down and watch the 2024 horror movie "Feet of Death", and of course did so since I hadn't already seen the movie. I had never actually heard about it. But I have to say that the movie's title just wasn't great.

The storyline in the movie was bland and forgettable. I wasn't particularly entertained throughout the course of the 106 prolonged minutes that the movie ran for. Writers Ashley Chick, James Chick and Ryan Stahl just failed to conjure up an overly interesting, much less actually entertaining, script and storyline for director James Chick to bring to the screen.

I wasn't familiar with the cast ensemble in the movie, but the acting performances were fair, though nothing outstanding really.

Visually then you're not in for anything grand. "Feet of Death" was a low-key special effects movie. Not that I think an abundance of great special effects would have mattered much, because the movie was lacking in the story department.

While I did manage to sit through the entire movie, I wasn't particularly entertained. And I can honestly say that I am not returning to watch "Feet of Death" a second time. Nor is it a movie that I would warmly recommend for horror genre fans to rush out and get to watch.

My rating of director James Chick's 2024 movie "Feet of Death" lands on a generous three out of ten stars.

Honestly, the title didn't give me much hope but it's a movie about Bigfoot, so I decided to give it a try. A forrest ranger, who recently lost his wife, is teaming up with a local sheriff investigating the death of a popular blogger. The blogger was investigating a recent string of deaths and disappearances, mostly blamed on local wildlife but he suspects something else is in play.

In the end, I was pleasantly surprised. The story is well written, the atmosphere and acting is solid and the characters are well thought of. Some aspects are somewhat predictable but that didn't spoil the fun. A fresh breath in an area which is usually filled with sub par (Indië) productions.

At least they came up with the most stupid title for a movie ever.

But that's about it.

The rest is what you'd expect from a movie with such a stupid title.

Apparently filmed on an old iphone some doofus characters wander amilessly through the woods searching for Bigfoot.

That is when they don't just sit around somewhere talking about some nonsensical and boring stuff.

Needless to say the "actors" (if you can even call them that) are really bad only to be outdone but a ridiculous "script" and lousy directing.

It all looks like some totally stoned dudes wandered around the woods and said "Let's just shoot some stupid movie on our old iphones, anyone got an idea?" "Well, uh, I dunno, but has anyone ever heard about that Bigfoot dude?" "Never heard about that one, dude. Let's just shoot a movie about it and put it on my youtube channel. I need some more suscribers." "Uh, dude, you already have 8, what do you need more for?"

Needless to say, even in the category of "Brainless amateurs trying to film a movie" - "Feet of Death" is a new low.

Chris is a vlogger dies while trying to dig up dirt on killings that were attributed to bears, which he believes were actually committed by Bigfoot. The investigation into his death is personal for Jason, a forest ranger whose wife died in a similar manner the previous year. Jason is forced to team up with Ken, a backwoods sheriff whom he doesn't really like, and all signs lead to them to believe the killer is the notorious sasquatch.

At first glance, this resembles the shot-on-cellphone glut of straight-to-streaming crap that's been flooding the market lately. It was made by a tiny cast and crew on a micro-budget, both the dialogue and acting are a little clunky in spots, and worst of all, it starts off seeming like yet another story about a YouTuber (which has become a whole subgenre of bad horror movies in the 2020s, but thankfully, the found-footage aspect here is fairly miniscule).

Beneath the modern conventions, however, it feels more like drive-in fare from the '70s. It's a character piece that's slow and talky, the humor (mostly provided by an older ranger named Al) is intentionally corny, and it sort of subverts expectations. Also, although this is technically a monster movie, the director opted to only show the Bigfoot in fleeting glimpses, which was probably wise.

I was in the right mindset to get invested in the story, and felt rewarded by the final act, which is where the movie really shines. Despite what others have claimed, I thought it was very well shot, edited, and scored. My one major problem was with the pacing, which could have been tightened up a bit.

People looking for a big-budget, thrill-a-minute flick filled with gore and prolific monsters need to look elsewhere for entertainment. But if you can overlook the various shortcomings, this is a solid little b-movie that's a cut above the other garbage that's coming out these days.

Feet of Death is a refreshing entry into the realm of horror, blending folklore with contemporary storytelling in a way that feels both thrilling and relevant. From the moment the film begins, it captivates with its intriguing premise centered around the iconic figure of Bigfoot, a subject that has long fascinated audiences.

The screenplay is sharp and engaging, filled with unexpected twists that keep you guessing. The film's unique approach-focusing on a social media influencer who becomes embroiled in a series of mysterious murders in the forest-brilliantly marries modern technology with classic horror elements. This fusion not only makes the narrative relatable but also enhances the tension as the influencer seeks to unravel the truth behind the disappearances.

Visually, Feet of Death is stunning. The set design captures the haunting beauty of the forest, creating an immersive atmosphere that perfectly complements the film's eerie undertones. Each scene is meticulously crafted, drawing viewers deeper into the unsettling world where legend and reality collide.

What truly elevates the film, however, is its character-driven plot. The well-developed characters are relatable and complex, each with their own motives and backstories. As their lives intertwine, the audience is pulled into their struggles, making the stakes feel all the more real. This blend of drama and horror is masterfully executed, ensuring that viewers are not just spectators but emotionally invested in the outcome.

Overall, Feet of Death is a standout horror film that offers a fresh perspective on the Bigfoot legend. With its clever writing, strong performances, and striking visuals, it's sure to satisfy fans of the genre while also appealing to those who appreciate a good mystery. Prepare for a wild ride that will leave you pondering the boundaries between myth and reality long after the credits roll.