The Lazarus Papers

My second favorite direct to video film after In Hell. While The Lazarus Papers is not an action film one would expect from Daniels and Trejo, it is a thriller with fantasy. It has a pace, with a jaw dropping story, mood, and a curious message. Bai Ling and Tiny Lister have small roles and it's done in a way where they have small but impactful roles. The two leads I've seen in supporting roles in other projects, they do a very good job.

When I compare it to Van Damme's In Hell, is that both films are equally gloomy, where you see shocking things, with a bigger emphasis on the drama. In Hell's action sequence are far superior, and to The Lazarus Papers's credit nor do they have a scene that pretends to be more than what it is. So they are not the same at all. I think In Hell offers more of a chance for Van Damme to explode emotionally. The Lazarus gives actors a chance to expand substantially and because it's an ensemble they never get to explode like Van Damme did In Hell.

In prefer overall In Hell, but I will say The Lazarus has very cool story, concept, weirdly involves magic in a good way that makes it a more unique film.