Tod der Mannequins

The title says it all - several gorgeous models running around on the beach, à la Baywatch, each getting killed in a seemingly accidental way.

If you're a gore hound, forget it: there's little action and absolutely no blood or bodies. If you're a true horror fan, you'll have figured out the plot after five minutes. The rest of the film is then spent laughing at the amusing and almost camp way which people die.

But despite all of this, it managed to keep me watching for ninety minutes. The plot, while not exactly Hitchcockian, is enough to keep amateurs guessing to the end - and the characters are easily sympathised with - the development of the main four is not all bad. Perhaps if good old Ehren had watched this movie beforehand, we might have all enjoyed a much better "Scream 3".

Nevertheless, the plot's twists and turns are actually its downfall. So many things are left unexplained at the end of the film that you wonder why you bothered at all.

But what can you expect from a TV movie? They're all the same. Tepid films with no real depth or suspense - quite how the Netherlands saw the need to cut three minutes from the film, I'll never know.

If you're a real slasher fan like me (the kind who likes sequels and will watch any trashy slasher) then watch it, but don't expect too much.

If you're an occasional horror fan, then rent "April Fool's Day" instead. There are many similarities, and it's much better done. Plus, there's added blood ;-)

* * * ½