Hasfalmetszök

Amateur filmmakers should never be dismissed out of hand; some brilliant horror has come from the minds of people who were effectively picking up a camera or sitting at a typewriter for the first time. To the same point, Hungary may not be a major hotspot of genre film-making, but it would be a mistake to overlook cinema from even the most far-flung corners of the world. As soon as this feature begins there's no mistaking the bottom-dollar production values, rather reflecting that it was made with something approximating consumer-grade electronics. The inexperience of the cast, and of director Zsolt Bernáth, are also quite evident - though I can't fault the earnest effort, and I will say no more on these accounts. If there's any discrete flaw to present even early on it's that the dialogue is less than great; just as much to the point, even as 'Hasfalmetszök' (also known as 'See no evil') clocks in at under one hour the runtime could have been further streamlined (cutting some scenes, or parts thereof) without meaningfully losing anything. Whatever value this may have to claim, it's not perfect.

Thankfully, beyond these observations, in its core substance the picture is pretty terrific; screenwriter Mark Kis-Szabo whipped up a slick little story of murder, the occult, the supernatural, and horror-comedy as two unwitting, dim-witted friends get mixed up in it all. Yes, the details that flesh it out may be rough around the edges, and for as bad as the dialogue is a lot of the humor may land rather softly - to say nothing of gauche sound cues and samples. And again, there's also no disputing the severe limitations of experience and resources under which Bernáth, his cast, and his crew were operating. Be that as it may the bones are solid, including those of the scene writing, and the sincerity of the endeavor compensates for whatever otherwise lack there may be. In fact, this little flick had the benefit of practical effects and fabrications that look better than some of what more recognizable names and studios have churned out over time. The primary filming location is splendid; the art direction and props that dress it up are outstanding. The special makeup, practical effects and otherwise tangible creations (blood and gore) all look great, perhaps bringing to mind something Sam Raimi may have made before 'The evil dead.'

From editing, cinematography, and editing to music, sound effects, and lighting, 'Hasfalmetszök' demonstrates both the capable if undeveloped skills of those involved and perhaps the self-indulgence they couldn't deny themselves. But from the horror violence and nastiness we crave, to the narrative that provides a framework for the same, those aspects that are most important here come off much better than one might suppose from the outside looking in, or based on the earliest scenes. For that matter, the groundwork is so firm that one can easily imagine how this might look had it greater financial resources, and if the folks who made it had possessed more experience. Given the outward appearance of everything here, and the level on which it was created, I can understand how it won't appeal to all comers; nor will it meet with equal favor among those who engage honestly. Him and haw all one wants about the particulars though - I see what Bernáth was doing here, and I think its modest value outweighs its faults. Though rough, this really is fun, and all involved put their best foot forward, to the point that I'd be curious to see more of what they have made since. While best suggested with those with an affinity for amateur film-making, 'Hasfalmetszök' is very suitably well made and enjoyable on its own merits, and I'm pleased to give it my recommendation.

Plot

In this No-budget movie 2 hitmen are hired to kill a woman, on an abandoned farm, which turns out to be residence of the undead.

Cast

A load of people who should be embarrassed and ashamed

Verdict

Where do you begin with a film like this? Though first of all a disclaimer, I have no issue with low/no budget films. Yes they have a natural disadvantage on multiple fronts as you'd expect but it's not a deal breaker.

Awful juvenile writing however, that is.

I cannot stress to you how bad the script is, I didn't even realize until late into the film it was meant to be a comedy. It's just dialogue between our two leads and I cannot believe how pathetic, immature and absurd it all is.

It's not funny, unless you're 5. It's not a horror in any shape or form. It has absolutely no structure and brings not one single constructive thing to the table.

Ugly, mindless, stupid beyond words.

Rants

I get the desire to grab a camera and play filmmaker with your friends, I really do. I understand non-existent budgets, no production values, poor quality cinematography and weak editing. What I don't get is when people with zero talent produce excrement like this, what were they thinking? Who was the demographic? Did they genuinely think this was funny? What did they aim to accomplish?

Breakdown

Hideously ugly Dialogue is puerile beyond belief Has no redeeming features at all.

We all know it, and they surely knew it during the making of this one, that it will be the worst movie ever be made. The story is about two experienced assassins (sure they are. One looks 25 and he's your average metal-fan rocker-guy, the other doesn't look older than 20, and looks like my neighbor), getting a job, where they need to kill a young woman, when she visits her grandpa. Seems like an easy task, ain't it? If only old gramps wouldn't be friggin' leather-face himself!!! Alright, not leather-face, but something like that. The old man likes to chop people up, and keep the parts at his house in the middle of nowhere. From that moment, I cant really tell what the hell is going on... I wouldn't tell you anyway, for it'd be a spoiler:)

The story sucks. But since it's a horror movie, thats okay. This is a no-budget, amateur zombie-romp, so a coherent story would be quite a surprise.

Even more surprising is the amount of just below average-and-badly made special effects and gore props. There are several rooms full of different body parts, drenched in blood. Seems like the effect-guy took his time. If only he'd spent more time with each of the props, they'd surely look better.

I really don't want to mock this movie that much, since I love horror-flicks, and I respect every attempt for making one from scratch. BUT! This movie is so poorly executed, it's almost impossible to sit through although, Its less than an hour long! Every mistake, error possible to make on a film, is present in this one. Everything that could go bad, goes bad. If I'd ever start writing in the goofs section, this film would make at least a thousand lines.

This film is so bad and amateurish, you should watch it at least once:) (even its definitely something the filmmakers have never done before:))