Sequence Break

Interesting "little" film that delivers on its premise. I said little because this is a low scale production in that it has only a few settings; this allowed them to do more with the special practical effects (which at times were slimy gross) and the visuals of computer techno electrical. The acting was surprisingly good for somewhat standard characters written at best at a 2 dimensional level. Sometimes the limitations of the script and dialogue could be seen by the actors, but all of them pulled more from their "guts" to imbue realness to the best of the limitations of their lines. But the broader message of becoming obsessed with electronic media and retreating from rela life contact and interaction was well delivered in the quiet way the film spoke (using visuals and subtlety more).

Working as an arcade repairman, a loner trying to carry on after losing his job at the store finds a likeminded woman to build a new relationship with only for her disappearance to coincide with a disturbing new game that begins to eat away as his mind the more he repairs it.

For the most part, this one was quite an enjoyable effort. One of the finer aspects of this one is that this genuinely builds up an effective relationship for the two of them that they embark on. There's a sweetness and innocence to the way they hang out and date with each other, bonding over their geeky thoughts and musings they each share, and along with the general nervousness of the way they talk to each other creates a truly winning couple that serves as the basis for the film. Once this settles into the more horrific aspects of the story, there's a decidedly chilling look at the way it affects his psyche. Starting out with the chilling sequences of the flashing strobe-lights that are effectively reminiscent of the laser lights found in the games themselves while also witnessing strange shadowy figures or intense fuzzy static screaming in his head, this initial turning point into the supernatural allows the later scenes in the shop showing those who play the game to be affected greatly in some outstanding sequences. From the controls on the console turning into sensual objects and being tormented by distorted visions of everyone around being deformed and mutated, this is quite striking and far more gruesome as it goes along. Once in the later half, with the complete sensual overload of the game trapping him in its nightmarish world and subjecting him to the numerous rounds of mind-bending sequences of the console turning into mush, flashing visions of his friend's bloodied face screaming for help or the flesh melting off his face, there's a truly enjoyable and frantic energy created by this newfound setting. As this is combined with the big confrontation inside the game world for the finale which is full of impressively handled special effects and a great goopy body-horror aesthetic to the material, it really creates a fine high-point to end this one on. These here are what manage to hold this up over it's few minor flaws. One of the biggest problems is the fact that the central machine is a complete mystery as there's absolutely nothing given here as to what it is or why it's haunted. The thing just shows up and starts messing with him, so the entire concept behind it is entirely confusing as to what it's purpose is or what it's trying to do which is based around a rather twisting and convoluted storyline that never makes any sense. Due to the shorter length, it has a bit more plot than anticipated offering a lot of different elements here which overlooks parts of the story including what the actual point of the device is supposed to do or even who the visitor shown later is supposed to mean. These few small elements really hold this one down somewhat.

Rated Unrated/R: Graphic Violence and Graphic Language.

Saw 'Sequence Break ', being fond of horror regardless of budget (even if not my favourite genre) and being intrigued somewhat by the idea. Being behind on my film watching and reviewing, with a long to watch and review list that keeps getting longer, it took me a while to get round to watching and reviewing it.

Giving 'Sequence Break' a fair chance with being interest and apprehension, it turned out to be far better than expected. Won't say that 'Sequence Break' is a great film because it isn't and the potential, while not wasted, is not fully lived up to. Considering the large number of films seen recently being mediocre and less and wasting potential, was expecting worse and was relieved that while wanting in a fair few areas it was actually one of my better recent low-budget viewings.

'Sequence Break' started off quite well, the first twenty minutes or so starting the film off on a promising, unsettling and atmospheric note that really does intrigue.

Production values did have some eeriness and nowhere near as cheap as expected, and the music, which not the most memorable in the world, didn't detract from the atmosphere.

The setting is effectively spooky and the acting was not bad all round. There are spooky and suspenseful moments and it isn't dull. The direction doesn't feel phoned in. The effects were surprisingly decent as well in a nostalgic sort of way.

However, the story was severely wanting. It is very disjointed and after the promising start the final third especially loses atmosphere, one loses interest and things start to not make sense. Too much of the film is vague and doesn't explore some elements and story strands enough, things happen too conveniently and the romantic element is too hastily done.

Ending is unsatisfying, on top of feeling hasty there are too many loose ends hanging in the air. Got the sense that the writers didn't know how to end the film. Would have liked much more tension and suspense, scares could have been more consistent and some weren't surprising enough.

Found too the script to lack natural flow and with a bit of cheese going on, and the characters bland with some adopting some annoying and not always logical decision making.

Overall, better than expected but not great still. 5/10 Bethany Cox

A very lame and boring horror movie wannabe. The acting are bad, both Oz and Tess.

This movie is an obvious homage to 80s style horror films, borrowing elements from Cronenberg especially, but also some nods to Wes Craven and others. As an homage, it's lovely. Especially the bit where the video game becomes soft and erotic (even if they do kind of telegraph how the did the effects).

As a story, though, it kind of falls flat. In particular, the ending feels rushed, and I'm not exactly sure what's supposed to have happened. If a movie is going to play with the timeline, it's important that the audience understands the rules - if not right away, at least at some point.

Anyway, I think it's a worthwhile watch for the body horror sequences. They really will make you nostalgic for films like Videodrome.