Shock Value

The first 20 minutes I wasn't into it at all, and I can see many people simply turning it off after that length of time BUT it actually got better after that, due to a somewhat original storyline (which we don't get too many of in the horror genre).

Don't get me wrong, it's not a 'great' movie but it at least went from a complete turd to passable time-waster.

The acting could have been better and the characters don't have many layers to them, but for some reason it didn't bother me as much as it usually does.

It's not really as dark or gory as the bloody poster would leave you to believe, it's more of a dark comedy than a full on horror (even though there are graphic scenes of violence and sex).

Oh and for Malcolm McDowell fans, Mac only appears for one scene (unless you count a film-clip that's being shown on a projector in one scene of him having sexual intercourse with a woman much younger than him in space).

I can't really recommend it strongly or anything but if you've started watching it I can recommend you continue doing so throughout the remainder of the running-time, there is always that.

I was shocked by how much I enjoyed this film. The pacing goes quite well between the bloody confrontations and "Oh Sh*t" drama between the characters. They take their time fully developing a few characters so that you actually care about what happens to them, while giving them ample flaws so that their terrible choices don't come out of left field. Getting to know the serial killer was especially intriguing, humanizing him somewhat when he's not in his element, the awkward real-life situations were a good parallel to the menacing silhouette that terrorizes innocent couples.

The comedy, on the other hand,was low key and sometimes very clever. There are a lot of asides to other famous horror movies and some very meta humor if you get all the references. One scene in particular starts at the end of filming the movie in the movie, then transitions into famous scenes from other horror movies before coming full circle. Mind. Blasted.

It's not that scary, it's not outwardly hilarious, but it is THOROUGHLY ENTERTAINING and a good *ss time.

I've never taken the time to write a review in IMDb before, but this film inspired me to do so...

50% Horror and 50% black comedy, Shock Value is a modern day classic. It is further proof that the Independent horror film makers now rule the genre. Let's face it... Hollywood is, for the most part, incapable of making good horror films any more. While drivel like Annabelle, The Conjuring, Dracula Untold, Oculus, etc get all the attention, films like Shock Value struggle in obscurity, and that is a shame.

I will not tell you a single thing regarding the story, as it would be criminal to reveal anything before you see the film. The writing is quick and real. The humor element is wonderfully off beat, and the direction is spot on.

As for the cast... a collection of names you might not know, but should: Zak Hudson, Anthony Bravo, Janelle Odair, and Michelle Campbell...*and* a great cameo from horror film icon, Malcolm McDowell. Bravo to you all!

I just saw this, and just so you know, it is low budget. However, the budget of a movie doesn't tell me if a movie is going to be good or bad. Each of The Transformers has over 100 million bucks thrown into it, and those all suck. I haven't seen the fourth one yet. Since Mark Walberg replaced Shia Labouf, I have to say things are looking good for that fourth installment. Raven's Cabin, and Crawl or Die are very low budget, but those film makers squeezed out very impressive films.

I have to say that Ashley (Janelle Odair) and Justine (Michelle Campbell) are HOOOOOTTTTTTT, just in different ways. And they both get naked...just saying. lol. The movie is very original, and it's done in a comedy-type way, until about 20 mins before it ends, then it takes a fairly serious tone. Justine was really funny. Ashley was sexy as hell. Nick (Anthony Bravo-Carl Urban look alike) was convincing as the skulking psycho-turned-horror-film-star. Miles (Zak Hudson) was very good in his role as a director willing to screw over the killer to make it big. Hudson reminded me a lot of Justin Long.

About 20 minutes before the movie ends, a huge twist happens that I didn't see coming. As I said, this was an original movie, and unlike some other low budgets, this wasn't done in a half-assed way. All the actors did their characters justice. I was really impressed. When I turned this on, I was expecting the typical crap that most indies tend to produce. Again, I was impressed, and I recommend people watch this.

I had nothing to do with the movie, other than watching it. If you view my other reviews, you'll see I'm kind to some indies, and not so much to others. I enjoy originality, and that's what this movie was. You have to watch to the very end of the credits, because something really funny happens that was discussed in the movie.

I gave it 6-star rating because I really was impressed.

I wanted to take the time to grab the attention of my fellow horror watching peers, especially of the middle-aged persuasion, so you do not overlook this film. This is the winner that you've been waiting for. The expectations that this movie excels at are excellent character development, steady pacing, great script and a very *don't want to spoil it for you* ending. To be honest, I was stunned to have stumbled on to this movie because I expected it to be a so-so low budget flick. Instead, I got sucked into this movie's world and remained fixated to the very end. What a ride! Savor this movie because it's story telling at its very finest in this genre of low-budget horror. Get in your comfy spot, with your favorite yummies, turn your off your phone, and get into it that frame of mind you had when you first experienced a rush from horror movies because you will not be disappointed. I also think one has had to do a certain amount of living to fully enjoy motivations of the characters presented in this movie.