REC (Review)

[REC] 2007


Considered me owned. I consider myself a horror fan above all else. So, when I was finally given a chance to boogie to the Spanish born [REC], I jazzed to the good word of mouth it had received. However, I'm always weary of hype and knowing this movie inspired a so-so looking American remake in the form of Quarentine (which I will check out once it hits DVD) I can't say I was too excited to sit down. Also, I can't say I was to happy learning I was in for another "shaky cam" movie. I have never really like them and despite not hating the style, it's not really something I enjoy either. As I stated before, consider me owned.

This movie fucked me up. It's been a long time, scratch that, a very long time since a horror film actually scared me silly. REC rolled over my like a mack truck at top speed and layed me out flat.

The movie starts off with the incredibly cute and bubbly reporter Angela, played by Manuela Velasco, doing late night TV report at the local fire station. Early on, despite warnings that the job is pretty boring, she makes the mistake of wishing for something to happen. I have a feeling she wishes she hadn't made such a bold statement.

Once our reporter, her camera man Pablo and the two firemen she is accompanying hit a residential apartment building, shit flies towards the fan fast and doesn't let up except for a few brief moments. At the time it let up, I was a little upset but by the end of the film, I realized I was thankful for the breather.

The movie is filled with scares, tension and shocks but manages so without using too much gore. What little there is I won't spoil because when it hits, it's effective. Also adding to the creep/tension factor is how the movie managed to scare the audience once we become trapped with them. Brief shots of soldiers surrounding the builiding, plastic covering being dropped over windows and a very well shot scene of figures against the door (you'll see!) all make for a truly claustrophobic and tight horror film.

Manuela Velasco did incredibly well. I was impressed! She covered every emotion needed for the character and I was with her the entire time, never once questioning why she was acting a certain way. The rest of the cast did okay but nobody really stands out. This was Manuela's film and she carried it like a total champ.

In the end REC is one of the best horror films I have seen in a very, very long time and I recomend it to any horror fan or anybody looking to be scared shitless for an hour and a half.

REC 4/4