Cinemaphobia

....CINEMAPHOBIA in its title really does stitch it all up into something of an event rather than a cheap horror film. Other referenced films even admitted by director/writer Glenn Triggs - 'The Breakfast Club' 'Halloween' (surprise surprise) and 'Suburbia' - these films - taken - become a mathematical equation of addition with the equals sign pointing straight to this film. The characters are really what makes this film. It is an ensemble piece, at first difficult to realize who the main characters are. Once the ball gets rolling though it doesn't stop. The antagonist in the film is a killer who reflects originality and mystery - the key word being 'reflects'. The film is full of friendships, close-ups, gore and a twist ending that echoes gasps from the audience members who didn't see it coming. Not something I myself, 42, would go out of my way to see. But admittedly, thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

Strangely enough I had not heard of this horror movie. I try to keep up with horror and thrillers from Australia, being Aussie myself. This one must have slipped by me which is a shame as this is not to bad.

It is easy to see that it was done on a limited budget, but all the actors give it their all.

All the characters are very Aussie in their approach, it is nice to see them not try to act like they are in a Hollywood movie.

The story is an interesting one, a couple of budding filmmakers try to make a movie in a cinema while a horror-a-thon is showing.

While it is not a perfect film like Next Of Kin or Relic it is still fun to watch.

The kills are solid enough and the music and camera work were competent which made the movie easy to watch and follow.

My only gripe is that some of the characters feel a tad cliched and could have been written with a little more depth. Other than that, it sets out to deliver what it promises, a neat little slasher.

In the great tradition of pop horror over the past 45 years 'Cinemaphobia' fits right next to Halloween and Scream with a Australian twang flare of humor which makes this a somewhat original sub-genre of it's own. 'Cinemaphobia' follows the relationships and shenanigans of a group of young people who have all gone along to view a horror movie marathon. What can be expected is a ravish of murder sequences, some incredibly slasher ridden - and others - not so great. Yet what stands out - and was maybe not so explored is the Killer, a new Killer - 'Mirrorface' - you guessed it, a man who wears a mirror on his face - revealing a 'faces of death' scenario to his victims. 'Mirrorface' stands out as the film greatest strength. And indeed, the music. Director Glenn Triggs's Halloween-esquire score evokes a midnight gloom and atmos-fear. Not the best film of 2010, but surely an entertaining piece of work for a film made for under $8,000. T.M. 2011