REC was a movie that I was eager to see, because not only had I heard nothing but good things about it, but also because I kind of have a place in me that takes a liking for these camcorder films(The Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity and so on). I put this in and instantly took a liking to it, for the right reasons. The heroine Angela was very likable, and believable, perhaps not exactly news-anchor type woman, but nevertheless likable. I liked how they slowly built the story (mostly pre-apartment quarantine), and I appreciate the fact that the movie doesn't jump into the zombie aspect ASAP. Many zombie movies (like Vampire ones) kind of have a problem of trying to break clichés, but in the end not doing it all to well. Thankfully in REC they pull it off in a very fun, clever, and original tone. Although they don't entirely provide you with anything new(as far as Zombie stereotype themes or even themes goes), but nevertheless this film can build suspense extremely well, I mean I was watching this in the comfort of my house and still managed to jump out of my seat, and move diagonal to the edge of my seat. I'll admit for this movie to make me want to close my eyes is something thrilling, but fun. Will say although the suspense moments you can clearly see coming, they still manage for you too jump.
I will say as far as the downsides go, towards the middle act it seems to get a little off track. Like for example I just wished that as far as the zombie themed went that they should have made a better effort to do more with this tone. Like it seems as though they start to ignore this theme, and try focusing more on the quarantined theme. Now yes I know they wanted out of that building, and since they couldn't I understand why they focused on them being trapped, but when they started to explain the reason as to why they were trapped it seemed as though they were trying to hard to balance two things at once. Also towards the end when they're giving that whole explanation it just seems as though they couldn't come up with much backstory so therefore they just gave it a little effort.
Overall REC is a pretty thrilling, creepy, atmospheric, and great horror film. It's one of those horror movies that even non-horror fans can enjoy. Thankfully it can manage to thrill and chill you while still giving you that adrenaline rush of excitement and fun. REC, although it has it's downs, is an enjoyable roller coaster of a horror film, and if you haven't seen it you're missing out on something different, and different these days is a good thing if done right, and here it is.
I will say as far as the downsides go, towards the middle act it seems to get a little off track. Like for example I just wished that as far as the zombie themed went that they should have made a better effort to do more with this tone. Like it seems as though they start to ignore this theme, and try focusing more on the quarantined theme. Now yes I know they wanted out of that building, and since they couldn't I understand why they focused on them being trapped, but when they started to explain the reason as to why they were trapped it seemed as though they were trying to hard to balance two things at once. Also towards the end when they're giving that whole explanation it just seems as though they couldn't come up with much backstory so therefore they just gave it a little effort.
Overall REC is a pretty thrilling, creepy, atmospheric, and great horror film. It's one of those horror movies that even non-horror fans can enjoy. Thankfully it can manage to thrill and chill you while still giving you that adrenaline rush of excitement and fun. REC, although it has it's downs, is an enjoyable roller coaster of a horror film, and if you haven't seen it you're missing out on something different, and different these days is a good thing if done right, and here it is.