Rogue River

I try not to compare films with others and just watch it based on its own merit. Having said that, I thought the film was not as bad as most reviews made it out to be. The story had potential and the actors were quite convincing in their role.

What lacked for me was the lead actress not being able to connect with the audience. I think one of the most important things that a protagonist has to do is to be able to establish some sort of rapport with the people watching the film, and this is something she failed to do with me. I thought most of her decisions were quite questionable, though I did like the ending.

On its own, the story lacked some character developments and seemed to be "hurried", as if the writer wanted to get into the "action" real quick. The result was that the suspense did not build enough to put me at the edge of my seat, so to speak. There were a lot of instances for this, but the writer and director failed to deliver on this aspect.

The cinematography is good though. Scenes were clear and the shots complimented the entire movie.

All in all, it's an okay movie to watch if there's nothing else, but I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it to friends.

I actually really enjoyed this movie and I think the reason so many other people disliked it is because they had much different expectations of what the movie should be. Sometimes what really makes a horror movie messed up isn't the scary plot but the creepiness of the characters within and that's what I feel made this movie interesting. If you're a fan of horror movies with really odd characters then this movie is for you. The plot was not too special, although there were some decent shocking twists that really make your eyes widen. What really kept me invested in this movie was the extremely disconcerting characters which is something I love about horror movies like this one. If you're into horror that doesn't revolve around a supernatural plot and revolves around off-putting character relations and uncomfortable scenes like I am, then I would definitely recommend this movie. If you're easily bored by movies that don't have stellar plots with intense intricacy then maybe try something else.

The film starts off innocently enough. A woman (Michelle Page) goes to the river to spread her father's ashes. When she goes to leave, her car is missing. Fortunately, Jon (Bill Moseley) is available to giver her a ride. You wonder why he is there, but whatever, he is there and takes her home to meet his wife Lea (Lucinda Jenney).

They convince her to stay the night instead of going to a motel, and that's when the fun begins.

These two are definitely psycho, and the bizarre behavior keeps intensifying. It gets really bizarre before it is over.

When it is over, you will be scratching your head.

When I picked up "Rogue River" it was for the sole reason that Bill Moseley was in it, that is why I wanted to see it.

"Rogue River" is about Mara who ventured into the woods to scatter her father's ashes into the river where he used to take her camping when she was a young girl. There she meets Jon, a friendly stranger who falls into conversation with her. Discovering her car missing, Jon offers her a ride, but she should know better than accept a ride from strangers.

For a movie of this kind, then "Rogue River" was actually quite good. The movie starts out good and lets you wonder about things, and gradually gives you more and more information about what is going on and the various people's abnormalities in personality, until it climaxes at its peak where it is like you are right there in the movie.

The movie is well directed and really captivating, even though there is not all that much new to be seen in the story. There were some nice, and somewhat devious, turn of events and twists to the storyline along the way, which worked out quite nice. And one of the best things about "Rogue River" was the way that you got to see more and more of the character's personalities and nature as the movie unfolded.

And the acting in the movie was quite good. "Rogue River" had a relatively small group of actors/actresses, but people really carried the movie so well with their performances in their given roles. Most memorable were Lucinda Jenney (playing Lea) and Bill Moseley (playing Jon).

Now, for a horror/thriller movie, there wasn't all that much scary stuff, but instead, "Rogue River" was great in building up thrills and setting up the story. And that is, how I imagine, that the movie worked out for the best. Had there been shocks and scare moments in the movie, it wouldn't have been the same; it wouldn't have been as psychologically thrilling as it was.

I enjoyed "Rogue River", though I was somewhat ambivalent about the ending of the movie. I wasn't sure if I liked how it ended, or if it was the appropriate way that it ended. I would probably have opted to go another way, had I been directing it. But hey, it is a matter of personal preference.

Thumbs up for "Rogue River".

The horror indeed! Rogue River would have been rather interesting, if only..there wasn't already another movie with basically the same plot! Basically... at least 90% identically, no questions asked! Anyone remembers Timber Falls? Come on really, what was the point of this one? It is not better made, doesn't have more thrills, has the same location but it does manage to bring a whole lot more plot holes! Easy to anticipate, boring and annoying!

So, if you haven't seen Timber Falls and you are just dying to get a look at this one instead, here is one good reason why not to do it: BECAUSE "TIMBER FALLS" IS ACTUALLY GOOD!

It really is quite shameful, almost a shot-by-shot copy this Rogue River, i mean really, can't they at least pretend to think of an original story? Or maybe take one that is already out there, but bend it a little, add something to it, not make a "little baby sister that COULDN'T"!

Therefore, my advice, if you want to see a horror and you find Rogue River's story interesting, make one giant step and take on Timber Falls instead. You will thank me later, trust me! Enjoy!