Mine Games (2012)


REVIEWER RATING: 
7/10


Plot: A group of young friends make an incomprehensible discovery in an abandoned mine, but the more they try to change the future, the more they seal their fate.

Yet another movie about mines, Mine Games takes a step in a different direction in this 2012 Horror/Thriller. It's pretty easy to make a horror film that takes place in a dark and gritty area. Throw in some jump scares and a little twist and you are on track for a forgettable trip to Netflix. Apparently the director, Richard Gray, didn't get that memo because Mine Games is a pretty awesome movie. The main aspect to take away from "Mine Games" is the story. The film adds these little touches that make it highly re-watchable. The cast and acting is another standout as I didn't really hate any characters in this film.

Maybe you'll read this review and give Mine Games a chance. If you do, please do not be deterred by the first 20 minutes. This film starts out like every other horror film out there. You get the funny/perverted guy in the group, the dickhead, the not-so-sure of himself lead, it's all pretty mediocre. As I kept watching I began to determine that this film is not like every other horror film. For starters, it has one of the most unique stories I have seen in a while. What they discover in that mine is pretty horrific and what I enjoyed is that everyone in the group experiences it. It's not just one or two kids seeing something bad and the other people not believing them. Everyone must overcome these struggles on their own and that is what I found fascinating. The character development is impressive for starting out so mediocre.

However, there are some things I could do without. The character of Rose is useless. She added nothing to the film and I thought she was more of a distraction. If the filmmakers would have taken her out completely, I think the story would have been a little more mysterious and intense. Also, the amount of times they go back to the mine is quite laughable. After seeing what they did, I would have been half way home in the amount of time it took them to get back to the house. Yet, they keep finding excuses to go back to the mine. Maybe they were drawn to it, but I couldn't find a logical reason.

It's funny how I have found so many gems on Netflix since I started doing these reviews. Movies I would not have watched normally are turning out to be films I want to watch over and over again. Mine Games is no exception. The story is unique and the character development is strong. Rose kind of ruined the film for me, but I may be nitpicking when I think about some other problems I had with it. Make sure to stick with it until the end credits. The twists will have you thinking about "Mine Games" for days after.
OVERALL: 
It's funny how I have found so many gems on Netflix since I started doing these reviews. Movies I would not have watched normally are turning out to be films I want to watch over and over again. Mine Games is no exception. The story is unique and the character development is strong. Rose kind of ruined the film for me, but I may be nitpicking when I think about some other problems I had with it. Make sure to stick with it until the end credits. The twists will have you thinking about "Mine Games" for days after.


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