Survival

Two guys, a case of beer, a rubber mask and a Hi8 camera came together one night in a maelstrom of drunken hi-jinx to put together a world renowned short film masterpiece which catapulted a young would be filmmaker into a new visionary of independent film. Nobody is saying that Joe Franks and his first feature film "Survival" are the next best thing since sliced bread. But one can not deny the heart, blood and sweat that went into the making of this VERY low budget and time constrained production by all those involved in its making. How many would be filmmakers actually succeed in pulling off a project like this, and how many get discouraged during production and call it quits. I applaud the entire crew for their works. And to add a little icing to the cake, the movie is actually pretty good! I'm no movie critic, at least not until EW calls me back, but I have seen Hollywood rim the toilet and drop some crap into our laps that would make "Survival" seem like "Forrest Gump." Keep an open mind and give it a chance and I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the fun that can be had watching this film.

Hey this flick is a must see for fans of the old 1980's Vestron Video style horror releases that you used to find on your local video store shelves. Reminiscent of features like "Don't Go In the Woods", this film is gritty, campy and damned good fun for the viewer seeking escapist horror entertainment. Is it ultra low in budget? Hell yes...and that is what makes it as fun to watch as it is! If this film had have had a budget of 20 million it would have detracted from the "camp factor" and the film would have become just another slasher in the woods thriller. Instead, we are treated to low budget scenes of great "in the woods" gore effects, chicks in jeopardy and dudes being butchered...or turned into brain-dead psychos! Good performances by the indie cast and a super fun throwback to the golden age of "blood and guts VHS" make this one a must see for any fan of the carnage in the woods film genre!

We all know the back-story of Survival. It was a $1200 film that used Ebay to get much of its funding. So... the verdict? Survival is damn fun! So it didn't cost a few million bucks and feature every actor from the WB, it did pack a fun punch and was one of the best backyard films I have ever seen.

That isn't to say that the movie was without its faults. A few of the actors are a little stiff, the special effects are a little cheesy, and there are a few small plot holes. But who the hell cares? Horror movies are supposed to be disturbing, entertaining, and above all - fun! This movie delivers on all these things.

The movie had good directing and editing. I can't wait to see what these guys have in store for us in the future. If they can make a movie this great for only $1200, imagine what they can do with a real budget?

I was looking forward to this film long before it was even done with Pre-Production. It was meant to be a fun and entertaining throwback to the old Grindhouse/terror in the woods sub-genre of the 70's and I must say that it did its job. Granted, it probably won't be everybody's cup of tea, but it pleased me. This film proves that the indie horror movies are the way to go these days. Some are good and Survival falls into the good category for me. Definitely worth a watch and even a rental. If you truly like it as I did then go ahead with a purchase. Now, I'm waiting for the sequel, which I have a feeling will live up to this fun original.

SCORE: 8.5/10