Serial Slayer

Once in a while you'll get a nice little indie film from a seemingly unknown director that really surprises you and separates itself from the usual direct-to-video crap, and writer/director Mark Tapio Kines has delivered such a movie with Serial Slayer . When I first saw this flick it was still under the original title Claustrophobia, but Lion's Gate gave it a new title and dished out some new cover art. Speaking of which, the art is very misleading, but it is very eye-catching, which I'm sure is the goal in the first place. Although the movie does drag on at times, it's still an interesting work with such a limited budget and a small solid cast.

The story follows a group of three co-workers who hold a party at their house amidst the chaos of a crossbow-killer on the loose in the suburban neighborhood, which would explain the crappy turn-out. Little do they know, they're the next target and are forced to hold off within the home, knowing if they step foot outside, they'll but shot by the skilled marks-man. What ensues is a lot of psychological terror and three chicks that've run out of options.

What I liked and disliked about the movie was the fact that it was held entirely in the day, as opposed to the night when most horror films are taken place with a theme like this. It works since it isn't done often and would make sense in terms of the killer spotting his victims easier, but it lessens the tension it could have had, had we not been able to see the surrounds so well. For a relatively no-budget movie, it works and that's thanks to the cast young cast of unknowns that we may have seen in a small role in a movie or show.

There's Melanie Lynskey, who plays the sweet-hearted Lauren. You may remember her from movies like Abandon or Sweet Home Alabama. We've also got Sheeri Rappaport, who plays the tough straight-forward Gina, who you may remember from Little Witches or various TV series. Lastly there's the shy misunderstood heroine played by Mary Lynn Rajskub, who you may remember as Chloe from the popular FOX show 24. I know I did. All-in-all, director Mark Tapio Kines, managed to bust out a little film that works thanks to the script and actresses. Although it's lacking in the scares or tension, it manages to stay afloat as an interesting effort with a very plausible plot. You can check this flick yourself when Lion's Gate releases it on DVD in December 14th.

OVERALL

Don't go checking this film expecting a lot of action or suspense, but check it if you're looking for something a little different and don't get bored easily.

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