Coffin Rock

I had low expectations of this film after reading a multitude of negative reviews, however these expectations were outdone by my viewing experience of "Coffin Rock".

This movie is, essentially, an Aussie equivalent of "Fatal Attraction" that is, admittedly, of a lower standard. Yet, despite this, the films practical, realistic style gives it a sense of originality that ensures it is not something you have witnessed on-screen before (through the many "Fatal Attraction" clones that exist).

In addition to this, the acting is solid; I don't consider the cast to be particularly spectacular, however I couldn't negate any of the performances given. Sam Parsonson, in particular, contributes strongly to the movie's overall solidity, as he takes on a crucial, challenging role with clear-cut confidence.

Furthermore, I felt that the pacing of this film was spot-on, therefore an unoriginal plot was executed well. Having said that, the fact the plot is unoriginal does not suggest that this film is not worth watching if you have seen similar movies already; the Aussie characters and location give it a distinctive style and there are some fresh ideas thrown in to make this film very individual.

Whilst many positives are evident for this movie, I did feel that, despite a fresh overcoat, the core plot is an overused one in cinema, therefore major film fans may feel slightly unexcited by "Coffin Rock". Furthermore, whilst the acting is solid and pleasing given the unspectacular cast, it is not memorable. Also, the entire movie left me feeling negative about Australian people; they seem to be conveyed as uncivilised, emotionally trivial and generally a bit difficult to relate to, which I am sure is inaccurate to reality.

Overall, "Coffin Rock" has an unfamiliar, unorthodox style but is, ultimately, only worth a watch if you believe you will enjoy a solid, if not fantastic or entirely original horror/thriller.

I rented this film expecting a good thriller but I almost turned it off after an hour because nothing thrilling had happened! To give it its due, it did improve at that point but, as has been mentioned in other reviews on this site, it was too predictable.

For me, the first hour was dull and could've been condensed to about 10 minutes and the final half an hour didn't do enough to rescue it. It was acted well enough but I didn't believe the relationship between Jessie and Rob - they just didn't seem like a couple (maybe it was their looks, I don't know).

Anyway, I certainly wouldn't recommend this to anyone looking for an "edge of the seat" thriller that'll keep you guessing 'til the end cos they'd be sorely disappointed.

After a visit to a city clinic to find out why they cannot conceive a child, a middle-aged couple from the country become caught up in a young man's obsession when he takes advantage of the woman through manipulation and confidential knowledge. A drunken, vulnerable moment with the young man leads to a terrible secret and tragic events in the town as the young man takes his obsession further.

It seems that a lot of people didn't like this film but maybe they were expecting too much from it. I enjoyed the personal drama and the chance to observe a group of simple towns folk go about dealing with the events in this film.

It has a common theme of an obsessed individual who wants to be intimate with someone who is already married. What makes it different is the setting in an outback coastal country town where everyone knows each other and the limited resources available to them. Not too much effort goes into character development, just that there is a general bleak outlook and a false happiness when the truth is hidden.

A good example of light Aussie drama.

I had no idea what this would be like when finding this on the shelf in blockbusters. The reference to wolf creek got my attention (same producer).

With no real expectations I was thrilled shocked and entertained. This has all the elements that I need in a film..... good acting, great script and the right 'atmosphere'.

The lead two characters were superb. The menace of Evan (Sam Parsonson)grows as the film develops in parallel with Jess's (Lisa Chappel) anxiety, guilt and horror.

Do yourself a favour forget the latest same old same old Hollywood blockbuster and rent this one.

I would have given this movie an 8 if they had avoided the ending that 99% of movies fall back on. A 9 would have been awarded if the audio wasn't so out of whack. The dialog was very low and every conceivable background noise was AMPLIFIED.