Dark Forest

Even it's not my favourite genre, I liked this horror film. "Dark Forest" is a very mysterious creepy film.. you know.. girls.. camp... forest and killer! The perfect mix, with some great scenes! I spent a really good time, specially front of the beautiful Canadian forest... and I would recommend if you like this kind of film!

This is one of those films that is so highly rated and reviewed, and sucks so bad, that there is no doubt that the strong ratings are from the filmmaker, his friends, the cast and crew, and probably even his mom and dad. Despite the reviews and multiple star ratings, the title was the first clue that this movie lacked imagination. And so it is. Lousy, uninteresting dialogue, undeveloped, obnoxious characters, clumsy acting, incompetent lighting, unimaginative cinematography, dreadful diy soundtrack, including several substandard pop songs, uninspired story, and no scares, mystery, or surprises and just plain dumb. Three or four of the girls are what guys might hope for in a movie like this, the rest are slightly above average. Nothing of interest happens for at least 30 minutes and then when it does, it's not worth the wait. The kills are poorly directed and another big disappointment. The best things about the whole 75 mins are that the Canadian forests are beautiful and the killer really looks creepy. Director, Roger Boyer, may be an aspiring filmmaker, but based on this example, his first full length film, he lacks the talent and artistic spark to ever create anything notable. I was tricked into giving this crap a look. You need not make the same mistake. If you value your time, avoid the Dark Forest at all costs. Run Forest, Run! You have been warned.

You know the drill - take a bunch of horny teens to the woods and chop them up. Been there, done that, EXCEPT this one's really good fun while they are doing it. Plus, there's a soundtrack that's reminiscent of John Carpenter meets Depeche Mode - pretty close to film heaven. Looks great and there are some seriously gorgeous women to fantasise about too. Definitely worth a watch!

I learnt about this Manitoba movie by reading the newspaper, about how it was a movie made entirely in my home province (including the props) and that since it was playing at the cheap theatre downtown there would be no risk of spending $5 for a seat. I also thought it would be a nice change from those Hollywood movies. Now I'm not an expert on film making, but even I thought it could use some extra work. Several scenes went nowhere, the pacing was a bit off in the beginning and the movie needs to cut back on transitions. The biggest disappointment was that there were a lot of of missed opportunities: I would have edited the campfire horror story with the first murders in a similar style to a Watchmen chapter. Still, it was not a waste of time. The image quality and music made me feel like I travelled back in time to a 1980's theatre, the effects were decent and the other people in the theatre had a chuckle here and there. Also the bad guy was properly casted and really did look... coo coo! My advice, go in the theatre expecting to watch something on par with a high school movie project and you should be good. Not the best grade, but I wouldn't mind working with these people myself.

I have to admit, all other things aside, Genevieve really made an impact for me here. No you will not see her without her clothes, if that is your first thought. Still she really is one of a kind - maybe it just me. Overall the acting (not just hers) is decent enough - especially if you considere the b-movie quality of it all.

Then there are some neat effects or outside the camera/frame. This may work or not - depending on how much slack you are willing to cut (no pun intended). Yes this is a slasher, yes people will die. I doubt you will care for most of them (Genevieve aside).

There is not much else to say here. The movie could have been better, but I've also seen way worse.