Gonna hafta pass, man.  I'm pretty sick of the scary girl who is deceptively dangerous.  Keep in mind I just came off of watching the abysmal, maybe even worse than the original, I spit On Your Grave remake last week too, though.  Movies like Sleepaway Camp and even the original House on Sorority Row were good.  This movie looks just like "Happy Birthday To Me" and all the countless other flicks out there that want to cash in on the notion that an unconventional girl could be just as sick and twisted as the next guy.  

I get that and I dig it... I'm just sick of seeing it.  We need some new stuff happening.

It's the Brisbane film festival in a few weeks, being an Aussie film I am gonna assume it will make an appearance, though the line-up will not be announced until the 22nd. If it is on I'll try and catch it.

Mr C, no chance you have a short to enter in the short contest? Still got till the 22nd to submit.

Quoted from Baltis. Gonna hafta pass, man.  I'm pretty sick of the scary girl who is deceptively dangerous.  Keep in mind I just came off of watching the abysmal, maybe even worse than the original, I spit On Your Grave remake last week too, though.  Movies like Sleepaway Camp and even the original House on Sorority Row were good.  This movie looks just like "Happy Birthday To Me" and all the countless other flicks out there that want to cash in on the notion that an unconventional girl could be just as sick and twisted as the next guy.   I get that and I dig it... I'm just sick of seeing it.  We need some new stuff happening.

To each his own, but your assessment couldn't be further from the truth.
This movie is full throttle with compelling characters and a bat sh*t insane villain.
All the movies you mention rolled into one are no match for this Prom Queen.
I haven't seen this much demented glee on screen in a very long time.
New stuff is cool, but a well written take on something old works fine for me too.

LOL, hope you recover from I Spit on your Grave soon.

Regards,
E.D.

Quoted from Murphy It's the Brisbane film festival in a few weeks, being an Aussie film I am gonna assume it will make an appearance, though the line-up will not be announced until the 22nd. If it is on I'll try and catch it. Mr C, no chance you have a short to enter in the short contest? Still got till the 22nd to submit.

Murphy,

The movie is scheduled to open in Australia on November 4th.
So far, its the only country scheduled for a theatrical release.
You lucky bloke! Enjoy!

Regards,
E.D.

Certainly piqued my interest. Although I suspect it could go two ways - Marmite-like, if you will.

It's already straight to DVD over here, I saw it a few nights ago. I rated it 5/10 on IMDB. I did like how they at least tried to give many of the characters an interesting back story, and I loved the performance of the crazy girl so much (I'll be watching for more of her stuff), but as Balt said, we've seen this 100 times before and they didn't do anything new with it.

They obviously wanted me to feel sorry for the male lead with his sob story, but it didn't connect with me. All he did was smoke marijuana and listen to heavy metal music. I didn't find it believable that his hot girlfriend would stand by a loser like that. The result? I was actually rooting for the crazy girl.

I also didn't get how this crazy girl was an outcast in her school. She acted a little weird, but I refuse to believe that nobody would ask her to the prom as she's not exactly deformed or anything. If there's girls who look like that that can't get a date in Austrailia, I'm moving there tomorrow.

The side story with the goth chick and the fat guy was played for laughs but added nothing to the story at all. As the film only runs for 1:20, it takes up too much screen time. I'm not even going to mention "the one who got away", did they just forget about that or something?

Not bad, probably worth a watch, but you won't be rushing to see it again anytime soon.

I don't know. Looks kinda cheap and unintentionally hokey although the reviews seem to suggest it's a different movie than the trailer would have you believe. Apparently, it's more of a dark comedy. I think that could contribute to a sharper film.

At the same time, I think that's also the biggest problem with horror movies today. While there've been notable exceptions, most of them try to go for something really hard edged but opt to hide behind a lot of humor. Ironically, that usually ends up being better for the film; in most cases, if they took away the comedy, it'd just be a dumb horror movie that people laugh at and not with. In this day and age, the power to truly shock and disturb people belongs to non-horror directors like Gaspar Noe and Takashi Miike. The rest, no matter how nasty they try to be, tends to be fluff (again, notable exceptions).

In any case, I might "seek out this movie." At the very least, it's Australian. Can't recall too many Australian horror movies other than Undead and Greg McClain's films. Could be interesting.

Off topic a bit, but frankly I'm sick of horror films trying to be funny. If i wanna laugh i'll watch a comedy. I wanna be scared dammit!

~Zack~

Quoted from Andrew Certainly piqued my interest. Although I suspect it could go two ways - Marmite-like, if you will.

The movie kinda hinges on how you feel about the villain.
I was totally hooked! Hitchcock said it best.....
Your movie is only as good as your villain.

Yay Marmite, a bloke visiting from London is bringing me some tomorrow.


Regards,
E.D.

Quoted from James McClung I don't know. Looks kinda cheap and unintentionally hokey although the reviews seem to suggest it's a different movie than the trailer would have you believe. Apparently, it's more of a dark comedy. I think that could contribute to a sharper film. At the same time, I think that's also the biggest problem with horror movies today. While there've been notable exceptions, most of them try to go for something really hard edged but opt to hide behind a lot of humor. Ironically, that usually ends up being better for the film; in most cases, if they took away the comedy, it'd just be a dumb horror movie that people laugh at and not with. In this day and age, the power to truly shock and disturb people belongs to non-horror directors like Gaspar Noe and Takashi Miike. The rest, no matter how nasty they try to be, tends to be fluff (again, notable exceptions). In any case, I might "seek out this movie." At the very least, it's Australian. Can't recall too many Australian horror movies other than Undead and Greg McClain's films. Could be interesting.

I hear what you're saying about dark horror comedy.
I didn't laugh at the demented characters in The Loved Ones.
I was enthralled with the unpretentious demented glee in the film.
It was a treat for me to watch a character so diluted with twisted conviction.

Isn't "Rogue" an Aussie horror flick?

Regards,
E.D.

Quoted from Brian M It's already straight to DVD over here, I saw it a few nights ago. I rated it 5/10 on IMDB. I did like how they at least tried to give many of the characters an interesting back story, and I loved the performance of the crazy girl so much (I'll be watching for more of her stuff), but as Balt said, we've seen this 100 times before and they didn't do anything new with it. They obviously wanted me to feel sorry for the male lead with his sob story, but it didn't connect with me. All he did was smoke marijuana and listen to heavy metal music. I didn't find it believable that his hot girlfriend would stand by a loser like that. The result? I was actually rooting for the crazy girl. I also didn't get how this crazy girl was an outcast in her school. She acted a little weird, but I refuse to believe that nobody would ask her to the prom as she's not exactly deformed or anything. If there's girls who look like that that can't get a date in Austrailia, I'm moving there tomorrow. The side story with the goth chick and the fat guy was played for laughs but added nothing to the story at all. As the film only runs for 1:20, it takes up too much screen time. I'm not even going to mention "the one who got away", did they just forget about that or something? Not bad, probably worth a watch, but you won't be rushing to see it again anytime soon.

Brian,

It's nice to reply to someone that has seen the film.
A fiver? Ouch. Pretty rough IMO for a fantastic villain and solid back story.

I never felt sorry for the male lead, but he was certainly hurting.
I like the fact he didn't lash out at anyone, he tries to internalize his grief.
Until that grief is made manifest in the delightfully demented Lola Stone.

I never got the impression that Lola was an outcast at school.
In my mind, she picked and chose the boys she wanted.
If approached by others, she would reject the unworthy.
When Lola gets the crush, the game is on, that's how I read it.

I agree about the comedic prom nightmare, it is not essential to the story.
However, I felt it provided a break from the onslaught of intensity.
It did not feel like filler to me, but I do see your point as well.
You are spot on about the Valentine that got away.
I forgave it because I was enjoying the rollercoaster ride.

Personally, I'm looking forward to the sophomore effort from the writer/director.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this auspicious film debut.

Regards,
E.D.

Saw this a few weeks ago and in looking for another film (which I will open a thread for shortly) I thought I'd register my views on this one.

An extremely visceral film. It really goes for the jugular and doesn't quite fall into the trap of shocking for shocking's sake. There are a few moments where you simply curl your toes. The performances were strong but our villains never come close (and that's no surprise) to the stunning performance of John Jarratt in 'Wolf Creek' but I feel as though that was a definite influence. In a way, how it could it not be - his performance was defining for Australian villains, IMO. Anyway, I digress.

This sits nicely alongside the fantastic 'Animal Kingdom' (I did start a thread months ago but not more views - come on, people) as an example of Australian quality. Only seen half of 'Red Hill', which is the other film to breakout from these shores from last year.

So yes, do go see this film and approach it as a visceral experience that demands you submit to it on its own terms - if you do that, and you enjoy this type of movie, I think you'll be happy.

Quoted from Andrew Saw this a few weeks ago and in looking for another film (which I will open a thread for shortly) I thought I'd register my views on this one. An extremely visceral film. It really goes for the jugular and doesn't quite fall into the trap of shocking for shocking's sake. There are a few moments where you simply curl your toes. The performances were strong but our villains never come close (and that's no surprise) to the stunning performance of John Jarratt in 'Wolf Creek' but I feel as though that was a definite influence. In a way, how it could it not be - his performance was defining for Australian villains, IMO. Anyway, I digress. This sits nicely alongside the fantastic 'Animal Kingdom' (I did start a thread months ago but not more views - come on, people) as an example of Australian quality. Only seen half of 'Red Hill', which is the other film to breakout from these shores from last year. So yes, do go see this film and approach it as a visceral experience that demands you submit to it on its own terms - if you do that, and you enjoy this type of movie, I think you'll be happy.

Hey Andrew!

Thanks for showing the love on this thread!
Lola just tickles me pink as a villain.
I'm mesmerized by villains that truly take pleasure in their condition.
I was wowed by this as a strong writer/director debut.
I''m looking forward to his next effort.
Yay for Red Hill, solid Aussie fare. Fastball hard nosed modern Western.
I'll have to dig out that Animal Kingdom thread. One of the year's best!
Awesome year for Aussie films!

E.D.

Yeah, the Aussies can be proud of themselves for some very good output last year. I am hoping for a Supporting Actress nod and win for Jacki Weaver who was incredible in the Oscar-worthy 'Animal Kingdom', which I hope gets a nod, too.

What they cannot be proud of is the pummelling we have handed them in their own backyard to win the 3rd of the last 4 Ashes series. Sorry, a rare moment of patriotism

I am going back home in April and back to London, so I need to bathe in the glory of this for another couple of months!

Gotta pimp this gnarly Aussie nugget!
It hits American theaters this week!

Just a limited run, but this movie surprised and tickled me.
Check it out!

E.D.

I enjoyed this one, although it's been a long time since I've seen it.  As Andrew points out, it definitely doesn't f*** around.  From the torture stock, but not unpleasantly so.  Well-balanced and with an excellent villain.  

A good little Aussie movie this one, I was pleasantly surprised but I watched it early last year.

It's only now it's opening in American cinema's. Jeez, took a while. Why has it taken so long I wonder?

Quoted from CoopBazinga It's only now it's opening in American cinema's. Jeez, took a while. Why has it taken so long I wonder?

The film hit the festival circuit in 2009.
Got picked up in Australia in 2010.
Paramount Insurge picked it up in the spring via a distribution deal.
That's the "Devil Inside" spawning new division of the studio.
They're going with exclusive screenings later this month.
You have to sing up and agree to pay if they get enough people to attend.
http://www.thelovedonesmovie.com/

Regards,
E.D.

How in the world did I miss this thread and movie for so long?  Unreal.  Someone suggested this awhile back (Michael Alexander?) and I put it into my Netflix que.  Damn, am I happy I did!

What an excellent movie!  Seriously, just so well done on so many levels.  My eyes were wide open the entire runtime and I had literally no idea what was going to happen next or where this was going to turn.

Performances were universally fantastic, IMO.  My hat's off to Robin McLeavy as Lola  What a wickedly wonderful job she did here!  Even Xavier Samuel as Brent rocked it out.

Obviously, this movie is not for everyone but for those who are into this kind of ride, you're not going to find much better at any budget level.

Actually, pretty much every single character here had real character.  I cared about everyone in some way.  I also remember them and that's saying alot.

The plot and story is a twisty, turny crazy ride that is very difficult to pull off.  Writer/Director Sean Byrne not only pulls it off, he does it with style and glee.  IMO, this is quite scary at times and although there is a underlying vibe of humor or black comedy, it plays itself straight and when the "pit" doors open, I was both scared and wondering, "What the fuck's down there?"

Like everything, tyhis isn't perfect.  For starters, I hate the title and think that's actually a reason why I missed this all these years.  I don't even see how it really relates to the movie.  The runtime is far too short at 85 minutes or so, and the side plot with Mia and Jaime doesn't go anywhere, so it comes off as padding.  BUT, the side plot could have gone somewhere and that's why it's not a waste, and it was also rather interesting and funny.  Byrne chose to lead us astray here, I think, and overall, it worked.  The other major issue is the opening with the one that got away.  Doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but then again, in this type of movie, does it really matter?  Not too much.

For some reason, I saw 3 movies yesterday, including Evil Dead at the theater.  You now what?  This one is the one I'll remember and this one is the one I enjoyed the most.  Actually, it's not even a close competition.

This movie needs more love!  Give it a chance and I doubt you'll be sorry.

KICKASS FLICK!!!!!

I could've sworn I posted a response to this. Apparently not.

Anyway, I ended up seeing this a while back and thought it totally sucked. I think Sean Byrne had some interesting ideas out the gate but the film itself is dumb as bricks, not to mention totally generic and boring. I DO agree that Robin McLeavy's performance is truly sick to the point that I think it's dooped a lot of people into thinking the film as a whole is good (not pointing any fingers) but I just wasn't sold.

To be fair, I think maybe this kinda stuff just don't do it for me the way it used to. Still, for what it's supposed to be, it's nothing I haven't seen before and showed up too late in the game for that to be okay.

Quoted from Dreamscale This movie needs more love!  Give it a chance and I doubt you'll be sorry. KICKASS FLICK!!!!!

Now you know why I started the thread, brother.
Paramount bought the U.S. rights.
But they never mounted an effective marketing campaign.
They even tried that Paranormal Activity thing. DEMAND IT. Zilch.
Went to a test screening in Long Beach, it was a ghost town.
I was was sincerely bummed.
Hope Paramount pulls the wax out of their ears and releases it here someday.

E.D.

Quoted from James McClung I could've sworn I posted a response to this. Apparently not. Anyway, I ended up seeing this a while back and thought it totally sucked. I think Sean Byrne had some interesting ideas out the gate but the film itself is dumb as bricks, not to mention totally generic and boring. I DO agree that Robin McLeavy's performance is truly sick to the point that I think it's dooped a lot of people into thinking the film as a whole is good (not pointing any fingers) but I just wasn't sold. To be fair, I think maybe this kinda stuff just don't do it for me the way it used to. Still, for what it's supposed to be, it's nothing I haven't seen before and showed up too late in the game for that to be okay.

James,

I agree with you, to a point.
But I'll gladly overlook glaring flaws for a villain I can't take my eyes off of.
And Lola does that for me in spades.
That I thought Xavier Samuel really availed himself well in the film.
He's window dressing support in the Twilight series.
But for some reason never caught on like the rest of the wooden cast.

And once I learned to stop worrying and love Lola...
The rest of the debut blues kinda didn't matter to me.

E.D.

I agree, Brett.  Exactly.

For me, just the way it meandered along at first, yet showed real character to everyone intro'd impressed me almost immediately.  Then, we get the rock climbing scene, which was actually handled very effectively.  Came off completely real.  LOVED IT!

Once Princess Lola came to life, I was on the hook completely and looking forward to wherever the ride was going to take me.

Even "Daddy" came away successfully.  He was funny, odd, scary, and believable, all in one.

Hell, when Lola said she was off to kill the Mom and the girlfriend, I was actually concerned for the Mom, as even her small part was well played.

I call it a real attention to detail in the writing and planning on Byrd's part.  Seriously....when you really take the time and effort to make things matter and come off real, it shows in the finished work.  It really does.

Surprised so few know of this excellent Aussie flick.  RT loves it, which is very impressive to see.

See, I thought Lola was a stupid character so all I got was glaring flaws. I read one or two interviews for the film and thought the idea behind Lola was actually pretty intriguing but failed in the film because the director was more interested in blood and torture than plausible psychology.

Hey...

When did Balt become a guest user?

Just noticed that at the beggining of this thread.

Not to derail it, but has anyone heard from him sense last years PAGE...

Shawn.....><

Led, I saw a pic of you and him eating a cob of corn together...you looked like you were both very happy.

Guilty as charged brother.

Nothing can escape your eagle eye...

Oh, by the way...

How's the sex reassignment change going?

I heard that just two more operations and you'll be a real man...

Shawn.....><

Quoted from Ledbetter How's the sex reassignment change going? I heard that just two more operations and you'll be a real man... Shawn.....><

No, bro.  1 more and I'll be a real BITCH!!!!  

I was buying All The Boys Love Mandy Lane like two years ago on Amazon because I fucking love that movie and this DVD was at the bottom in one of those "We a think You Would Also Love..." lists.

So I bought it.

And loved it.

A great movie.  Great acting all around.

Disturbingly beautiful cinematography too, seriously, watch it!  It looks both gross and beautiful and sparkly in a great way!