ROT: Reunion of Terror (2008)

User Rating:

7.2/10   

Director:

Michael Hoffman Jr.

Writers:

Bill Cassinelli (story)
Michael Hoffman Jr. (writer)

Release Date:

March 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Horror

Tagline:

Discover the secret

Plot:

5 friends celebrate their 10 year high school reunion by renting a cabin in the woods. Little do they know, a killer is on the prowl.

Plot Keywords:

Woods | Log Cabin | Slasher | Acronym In Title

Cast

Christian Anderson	...	Jimmy
Alvie Baker	...	Isaiah
Monique Barajas	...	Amanda
Hallie Bird	...	Celia
Mark Carducci	...	B.J.
Jim Fulton	...	Red Neck
L.J. Green	...	Tyrone
Jessie Hail	...	Kim
Christopher Kahler	...	The Flirt
Cesar Mora	...	Abner
Nori Jill Phillips	...	Michelle
John Shumski	...	Game Warden
Nikie Zambo	...	Karen

Runtime:

USA:82 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (HDCAM) | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:Unrated

Filming Locations:

Big Bear, San Bernardino National Forest, California, USA

Company:

Disruptive Media

Trivia:

Project was previously shelved twice over five years. Over that time it had been developed for two different Florida directors by producer 'Michael Hoffman Jr'. The final film, which Hoffman later directed himself in the Los Angeles area, was a complete re-write. It just shares the same title as the previous "attempts".

Movie Connections:

References The Evil Dead (1981)

Ambitious slasher turned thriller turned mind-f***

R.O.T. begins like any other movie from the nameless rabble of low budget slashers out there, with lovers mindlessly jaunting off into the woods for a lusty getaway only to find themselves on the wrong end of a disguised killers knife (and tent stake). But exploitation soon gives way to a clever thriller in Michael Hoffman's Reunion of Terror. The movie finds a group of old high school chums embarking on an impromptu class reunion at a desolate cabin in the woods. One of them is a killer. Carnage ensues.

Shot for a limited budget, the movie's production values and look are that of a much more expensive film. Hoffman, unlike many in the genre working with little money and limited time, doesn't ignore the look of his film, focusing instead on graphic murders and shoddy gore effects. He squeezes every dime onto the screen and more. As I said, what begins as a slasher slowly turns in on itself and the viewer, morphing into a psychological thriller of sorts. The movie's twist, which will undoubtedly be slammed by some if not most critics, is a real surprise. If nothing else R.O.T. deserves an A for it's ambitious plot devises, its quick pacing and strong visual palate, as well as a strong score. The movie also offers its viewer a palatable uneasiness, hinting at screws turning beneath the surface of its characters and likewise in the minds of those behind the movie itself.

R.O.T. has a little bit of everything to offer its viewer. I'd say it's a must for any fan of true indie horror and anyone looking for a slasher/thriller that rewards its audience with both scares and substance.