El bar

An intense survival thriller that starts small and evolves into monstrous look at the dark side of humanity. When 2 customers of a bar in Madrid are shot down as they leave suspicion lies behind all the eyes of the remaining customers, recriminations abound and who if any of them is responsible? A very adept look at human paranoia and the depths a person will go to to save themselves. Neither a comedy or a horror as some reviews I've read here interpret the film as but a tense, claustrophobic thriller that deserves a much higher rating than it currently has.

A committee wanted to make a movie. So there you have it. Conspiracy theory. And survival drama. And horror chase. And each member made its movie. And there was none to make an ending.

Well, what to say about Alex de la Iglesia's latest black comedy thriller...other than, it's a wild ride, that I could see it pissing a lot of people off, because it purposefully leaves a whole load of massive loose ends wide open.

As if to say...it's more about the journey, than the destination...or starting point, for that matter.

It starts off with a bang. Well...two, actually.

And it only get's weirder from their...

At first no one knows what's going on...so paranoia kicks in. And, inevitably, everyone starts to turn on each other.

This portion of the film is a bit of a mystery...but at least it is saturated with dark humour.

As twist after twist is introduced, it takes you on this journey through extreme paranoia...as you try and figure out what the hell is going on (alongside the characters...who are great, by the way).

But you never do! Making the whole thing about trust vs paranoia, and where that will get you in the end.

On this ride, you will experience laughter, anger, frustration, discomfort, tension, fear and disgust.

As with all de la Iglesia flicks, it's pretty dialogue heavy...with action reserved for the second act.

But the whole thing is downright hilarious...as conspiracy theories turn to germophobic paranoia, when a diseased man is found in the bathroom, dying from some unknown virus, with a syringe in his hand- having just injected himself with the antidote...only...too late.

His dying words are, "don't touch me"...but it's likely they are all already infected anyways...and there are more bodies than syringes with the antidote...so, drama ensues from there.

If you enjoy films based around a twisted sense of humour, that like to mess with your head...then you will certainly enjoy this film.

But you really have to keep an open mind- and get rid of your expectations- or you will get caught up in traditional complaints that don't really apply here...and it will ruin your chance to enjoy the film.

With that being said...I thought it was a hoot! Got me riled up and right into; made me laugh; made me angry; and triggered my germophobia (meaning i'd have probably been dead pretty early on haha).

Fans already familiar with Iglesia will enjoy this the most...but anyone with an open enough mind can hop on for one helluva wild ride.

Just leave those expectations at the door.

7 out of 10.

El Bar is yet another good Spanish horror/thriller movie.

It doesn't give you much scares and is a bit predictable, but the plot is good, well explored and the characters/actors did a good job.

It was a simple story but at the end something kind of felt to be missing. There's no satisfying pay off to the story but the ride is good and fun.

Worth a watch

I don't know exactly what I expected of this movie... I chose to see it as I mostly like Spanish movies as they are kinda weird and original. This one can be said it is weird and original, but something was missing...

First half of the movie I had a feeling I am watching a piece of theater. Also, I had a feeling I am watching some of those Spanish telenovelas. I see people say it is dark comedy but I did not find anything funny or laughable - well, maybe some unprobable scenes.

The last 20 minutes of the film are the most interesting.

As for the theme of the film, I think it is told in a rather not good way. And also, the people are reacting way too ...dramatic in non believable way...

I get what they wanted to say with this movie - but I do not think they said it well.

6 from me.

p.s. The intro to the film was kinda creepy.