The Anniversary

Sadly, I've learned that all too often, bad movies are propped up in the ratings by fake reviews and sandbagged rankings. This movie is case-in-point. It is definitely not the worst I've seen, but read the first three reviews...trust me...as someone who takes his reviews seriously (and I write many), these are props. Nothing about this movie is remotely as those reviews state. Everything about it is subpar, and in many facets, VERY subpar. I don't mind a little bad acting, I don't mind stories that have been done to death, and I don't even mind when less professional equipment is used, as long as there is a semblance of cohesion and flow, and a decent enough script to pull it all together. The acting in this was, again, not the worst I've seen, but the rest had almost no redeeming value. Bummer, as I enjoy "cabin in the woods flicks."

Feel free to check my other reviews. I RARELY give 1's, as there is almost always something that can be taken from a film. ALMOST always. Just not in this case.

Based on the previous glowing reviews, you'd think this little indie film was an undiscovered gem. Or maybe, after you saw it, you'd suspect the reviewers were somehow affiliated with the film...or being charitable, just saw a different movie.

In any case, this movie is just plain bad. The dialog is inane, the characters are generally unsympathetic and their behavior is irritatingly stupid when the "action" begins. The so-called "action" was followed by 10 or so minutes straight of high-pitched caterwauling and lack of realistic responses by the characters/victims. The villains were lifeless cardboard cutouts. I hoped and couldn't wait for the lot of them to be killed off and this turkey to be over.

I appreciate those risk-takers who make indie movies. However, this one would have been better left at the junior high-school where it was probably written. See something else or don't say I didn't warn you!

This is my first review on IMDb. There are hardly any reviews for this film anywhere on the Internet. I wanted to contribute.

I saw this on hulu plus.

Not knowing get what to expect I figured this would be a standard 80's slasher throwback. I was wrong.

The set up is very familiar. Five girls head off to a cabin in the woods for a fun getaway. However, this day marks the anniversary of the murder of the main girl's ex husband. That's all I'll give away as far as what happens. What I will say is the film takes it's time effectively building up all of the characters. These aren't cardboard, one dimensional characters. They are real people. When the horror does start, the movie becomes extremely uncomfortable and quite unpredictable.

Some points...

The music score really adds to the tension.

You will be surprised by the twists and turns.

The low budget adds a gritty feel. Although it does work against the film at times. The camera is shaky here and there and you might not always catch what's happening. This doesn't happen too much though. The low budget actually worked it It's favor for the most part.

I've seen a lot of horror movies. Rarely do they leave me feeling unsettled. This one did. And for that, I give it due praise.

So much potential........lost in a whirlwind of haphazard plot lines. This could have been a great film. Perhaps it was some folks first time writing and or acting. Left a lot to be desired in my opinion. Storyline was rather confusing and hard to follow, no real "horror" premise, back story was hard to follow and understand until the end. Many things could have been elaborated on and built up. There were some good parts and well placed "jokes", just not enough to save it. I can't even give it a "campy" vibe. Just hastily put together and shoved out into circulation. To each their own though, I'm sure in some circles it was well recieved.

The most annoying movie I've ever watched in my entire life. It sucked in every aspect 🙈