Reel Evil

When people say they "don't like found footage movies" this is exactly the kind of movie they're talking about... Bad acting to start, but what's worse is whoever wrote the characters made everyone cringy and gross. They're all poorly written stereotypes for some reason? From the unnecessary sex scene (in like the first 15 minutes) to the unoriginal, not climatic, not scary buildup - You're better off passing on this one.

With such an awful title, I was expecting the worst... and I got it. This resembles a kiddie ghost train, with spooks popping up in the background throughout and ominous noises aplenty. Unfortunately, we also have to contend with a trio of so-called documentary filmmakers, who cannot act for toffee and have some of the most fake 'authentic' conversations amongst themselves ever. Yep, we're back in hand-held camera/Blair Witch territory, where every scene is shot by the cast in a dark, damp area using various devices. Done right, this can be a chilling experience, as you feel the sweat pour down your back, feeling every moment of fear as it happens... Done wrong though, and you get... well, this.

Desperation sets in early, as we get the first of three extended nude scenes which are completely irrelevant to the story (Needless to say, the hottest girl keeps her togs on). They must want to distract us from the ever present crushing tedium. Nice try, not no cigar. It tries to rip off Paranormal Activity by having our heroes set up various lenses around the abandoned mental institution where it's set, to catch a glance a glimpse at the supernatural. The difference is though, that movie had a special effects budget, this has PS1 (Playstation 1 for the uninitiated) graphics done by an amateur. The 'big finale' is a cross between Benny Hill and Scooby Doo, with lots of camp running about while dubious looking ghosties fly into view.

My faith in the 18 certificate is shaken. Again. 3/10

Who is reviewing these movies??? I rented it based on said reviews and only finished it because I had already paid. The gratuitous female nudity was unnecessary, the plot was non-existent, the effects were laughable, and the acting was atrocious. I know that found footage movies are made on a shoestring budget, but there was nothing here to work with. Save your time and money for something that won't make you regret your life choices.

Really?????? 3.0 out of 10 IMDb. After watching some God-awful found footage films like Episode 50, Back from Hell, Bucks County Massacre and Knock Knock 2 it was nice to embrace another gem. You can line Reel Evil next to other greats of the sub-genre such as Evil Things, Evidence and Crowsnest. This film had great acting for this type of film, FANTASTIC location in a real insane asylum in Los Angeles and some nice chills packed into a tight 72 minute creep-fest. My only problem with the film was the last five minutes but I am willing to forget about that and give Reel Evil a solid 7 1/2 out of 10. As a side note there was another horror film released in 2006 called Boo that was filmed in the same hospital.

I happen to like "found footage" films, so thought I'd give this one a shot, despite the negative reviews and low score.

It was very poorly executed. The acting was in great need of help. The special effects weren't at all believable. The make up jobs weren't done well. The storyline was lacking and jumped all over the place. There is no real rhyme or reason to why the things that happen are happening.

To those that feel that the presence of breasts make up for a bad storyline/acting, don't bother. The breasts they show aren't even very nice. They're incredibly uneven, or have weird nipples that look like they half melted tootsie rolls and stuck them to their chest.

Overall it was just a lame attempt at a found footage film. If you're stuck in an elevator for an hour and a half and for whatever reason this film is the only thing you could watch to occupy your time, please watch it. Otherwise save yourself the trouble.