Spiderhole

Though the beginning seems very strong and I kinda hoped it would try and stay as focused throughout its course. Unfortunately it lost a bit of its drive. Which had not only to do with the fact, that it became predictable, but was also short on original ideas. And no one does not necessarily come hand in hand with the other. A movie can be predictable, but still have good ideas at hand.

This seemed to have lost its way after the first 10-15 minutes. The characters are drawn strong enough to at least care for them. But they are not really portrayed that good enough, to elevate the movie above its central idea. Good intentions, but the script could have done with a bit of re-work ...

I'm not much of a horror film fan, as they tend not to frighten me in the least (is it wrong to expect to be frightened?). But this was a disaster. After convincing (dragging, may be a more appropriate word) my extremely scare-able friend to watch a horror film in the independent cinema with me, I was devastated when to find her laughing more at the film than I was. That film was Spiderhole.

Of course I have taken into account the low budget, the inexperienced cast, etc.. But that is not where the problems lie in this film. I had no problem with the actors (save one), the cinematography was fine, good, in fact. The problem was that it just plain wasn't scary. Problem number two was that the script was poor. And number three; the plot was AWFUL. It was like it took random excerpts from umpteen horror films and just stuck them together in one big incomprehensible mess.

I try not to slate films as I ask myself, with my inexperience, could I do better? Well... this time the answer is a crystal clear yes.

An implausible yet intriguing set up is fatally undermined by a terrible script and plot holes you could drive a stolen VW van through.

Because the actors have no decent lines they all resort to shouting and gurning, which the director allows them to do. Presumably because he was trying to deflect attention away from the absurd plot developments which spoil what could have been a decent British attempt at the torture porn genre.

If that's what floats your boat then you might still get something out of it. Personally, I prefer my horror to be frightening as opposed to merely repellent.

They say squatting is dead - a term that takes on a sinister double meaning when four homeless art students decide to take up residence in an abandoned London House where a hidden terror lurks.

Right from the start, we get a creepy opening shot and great use of dark, disturbing imagery. Viewers might expect this level of creepiness to continue and for this to be a particularly disturbing film. But viewers would be mistaken, as it does not continue beyond the first five minutes.

Instead, we get some imprisonment and torture, which could have been done without. An abandoned house is a better place for a good, classic haunting, not a weird, underground mad scientist theme. What a poor choice.

Seriously, what the heck is happening to horror. I know this is 10 years old but really, how bad is this? Terrible!!! The stupidity of people in these films is ridiculous. Most of them deserve what happens lol. If I hit some maniac that was trying to kill me, I sure as hell won't stop at 1 hit. I'd plow that guy until his head was split in two. Come on writers, lets put some thought in these attempts