Automaton Transfusion Review

Written by: moviemaven   

First of all I have to say that I was impressed with this film. It was highly anticipated by horror fans for a long time but I wasn't expecting it to be worth the wait. We have all been burned too many times. I was wrong and I am happy to report that. Now don't go all crazy and jump the gun thinking I said it's perfect. I never said that. But Steven C. Miller did a lot with his tiny budget. I hope he got lots of free food during filming because he obviously didn't spare any cash for craft services. Every penny went into this film and it shows.

I prefer him as a director, rather than a writer. The story here needs some work and most of the dialogue is crap but the action sequences make up for that and you find yourself not giving much of a damn about what they are saying anyway. But while I am talking about the action, I do have a bit of a complaint there as well. Please, man, keep the damn camera still. I want to see the gore! I want to see what the hell is happening. That is frequently a trick used by lesser directors trying to hide what they know is subpar footage. Miller doesn't have to worry about that. The action is good and so are the effects. But several times I was left holding my head to keep it from splitting open. I hate having to spend half my time focusing.

Initially I had difficulty trying to decipher the timing of the story. One minute they are in school, then they are going to a show that starts at five but they are still on the way there at 5:20. Simultaneously there is a party going on and people are already there and drunk. Who the hell has a party that early? But even that issue was quickly forgotten as I got wrapped up in the fun. It starts right away and doesn't slow down till it reaches the end.

All the bitching aside, kudos to Miller for having some freakin' balls. There are many scenes in this film that are visceral and bloody and there are several that go right for the throat...or the abdomen. I stood up and cheered at one point. When you can see what is going on it is fun to watch. I am not usually a big fan of fast zombies but these guys are pretty damned scary as well as ruthless. They were so ruthless that it left me wondering how there was anybody left to become zombies once the horde converged upon them. Watch carefully for some creepy scenes that are created with movement and facial expressions. Plus he actually pulled off filming an empty city. That's rather impressive for a first-timer on a shoestring. I would also like to commend him on the score. It does an excellent job of building suspense when required.

The sequel setup is more than obvious, he outright tells you it's coming which I found surprising though not off-putting. I will gladly watch the next installment. I am dying to see what else he can do. I say put some money and some decent equipment in this guy's hands and let him go hog wild. I don't think I could be disappointed if he continues to show the same heart and dedication to his craft.

A note to the director: please, please, please slow down and let us enjoy the ride. Trust me, you have what it takes. Have confidence in that and keep up the good work. I am definitely a fan.