Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Nicolas Cage | ... | Brent | |
Selma Blair | ... | Kendall | |
Anne Winters | ... | Carly | |
Zackary Arthur | ... | Josh | |
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Robert T. Cunningham | ... | Damon (as Robert Cunningham) |
Olivia Crocicchia | ... | Riley | |
Lance Henriksen | ... | Mel | |
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Marilyn Dodds Frank | ... | Barbara |
Samantha Lemole | ... | Jenna | |
Joseph D. Reitman | ... | Homeroom Teacher | |
Rachel Melvin | ... | Jeanne | |
Bobby Richards | ... | Dan | |
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Sharon Gee | ... | Sun-Yi |
Edwin Lee Gibson | ... | Mr. Hall | |
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Brionne Davis | ... | Tanner |
Something terrible is definitely happening in the a peaceful suburban community as, day by day, former caring parents mysteriously turn into ravenous carriers of an unfathomable pandemic that targets their offspring. Suddenly, like every son and daughter in the entire nation, teenage Carly and Josh Ryan must run for their lives, as the rage-filled murderous intent is as unstoppable as it is inexplicable. Before long, the Ryans' usual simmering familial tensions take on a completely different meaning. Kids, stop hiding. Mom and Dad love you so much. Written by Nick Riganas
The film is a fun concept turning the baseless mumblings of frustrated parents who want to "kill their kids" into a dark horror comedy thriller that brings that often off-the-cuff thought into a warped reality.
That concept, which no doubt all parents can associate with feeling, albeit without any true meaning or intent, blends itself with the ideas of zombie films. and films such as The Crazies, then adds a little bit of the high paced insanity that you will know about if you've seen Brian Taylor's previous work.
The main characters are well written and setup so that you start to have a dislike for some of the teenagers, and grow an affinity with the adults and the frustrations of their adult lives. It's acted well for the most part, and Nic Cage brings his usual own flavour of insanity to the proceedings.
It certainly won't be to everyone's tastes, as other reviews here show, and some people won't be able to get past the unrealistic nature, and the way it's portrayed, but ultimately, it's a fun film, with an interesting concept.
Unfortunately, despite the story, pace and events building up nicely, and keeping you involved, the film is flawed in its lack of explanation or reasoning for this sudden event of mass parent-vs-child violence, along with a rather disappointing lack of conclusion leaving an overall feeling of disappointment at what had the potential to be a good original film; something that is difficult to come by in this age of reboots, remakes and sequels.