Splinter (2008) Review
Written by: prddad
Wow...as I was...wow...wow...I can't seem to speak, that is all that is coming out. Watched this yesterday and, though I had work to do (yes, I know, it is a Sunday), I did none of it because I was watching this. A movie that gets you within the first 2 minutes and doesn't let go...
Plot---a couple driving to the nearest motel after their camping trip is destroyed due to a malfunctioned tent (man broke it, typical) is taken hostage by an escaped convict and his girlfriend. When they stop at a local gas station, they are attacked by a creature with splinters sticking out of it, causing all those that touches the splinters to become infected. Now, trapped inside a gas station, they must find a way out before the creature finds a way in...excellent story idea, excellent story idea, excellent story idea.
I can continue on and on about this. It's not unique, but if I had to ask for a reinvention of THE THING, I have it, and it is good. I stated above that it grips you within 2 minutes, and I'm not lying. That is when the first person dies, and from there the story continues at a jog until the gas station. There, you'll be holding your loved one, screaming at the TV, "she's not alive mother fucker, don't open the door!!!". Trust me...
- Actors---Shea Whigham (WRISTCUTTERS: A LOVE STORY, upcoming FAST & FURIOUS), Paulo Costanzo (40 DAYS & 40 NIGHTS, short-lived JOEY series), and Jill Wagner (BLADE: THE SERIES) stars in a movie that relies on characters emotions more than in any other movie I have seen so far this year. Trapped in a gas station can do that, but you need to believe the characters, and I will confess: except for Paulo's in certain circumstances, I did believe in their acting, which made the story more terrifying...
- Director---Toby Wilkins, some stuff, most notably the upcoming GRUDGE 3. I have not been too happy with sequels going directly-to-video as of lately, all which have been crap to me. After seeing SPLINTER, however, I am very much looking forward to GRUDGE 3 and hoping to see a revival here. Excellent movie Toby...I will be buying this when it comes out...
- Nudity---none...
- Gore---a lot...seriously, a lot...and still, with the whole fingers twisting on their own....argh...
- CGI---a few scenes you can tell, wasn't done perfectly, but the majority of it was reminiscent of THE THING...
- Scares---yeah, I jumped...jumped a lot...
Bottom line---for those that have seen this, great. For those that have not, you are seriously, SERIOUSLY, missing out on one of the most original and terrifying horror movies you will ever see. I don't rate many movies a 10, that should give you my answer. Here's hoping for a sequel!!!...