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Credits

Director: Jonathan Levine Starring: Amber Heard, Anson Mount, Whitney Able, Michael Welch, Edwin Hodge Screenplay: Jacob Forman Country: USA

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The distributors weren't so impressed.

Right before the film was supposed to hit cinemas in the US, the Weinstein's (apparently due to the disappointing box-office of Grindhouse) decided to sell the distribution rights. Then on the shelf it sat until it was finally given a release here on DVD well over two years after its early festival screenings.

But was it worth the wait?

Mandy Lane (Amber Heard) got hot over summer. So hot in fact, that seemingly every guy at her school wants her. Now, nine months after a disturbing incident at a pool party, Mandy is hanging with the popular crowd and ignoring her previous best friend Emmett (Michael Welch). Then, along with her new 'friends' she goes to a farmhouse party for the weekend. Cue teens getting the good old slash treatment...

Style is king in this movie. Jonathan Levine has gone out of his way to present something visually striking. Shooting it like an art film, he still manages to evoke the feel of 70's and early 80's slashers (probably the thing that spooked the Weinstein's). Visually this movie is stunning and it was great seeing this sub-genre handled with such respect.

As for Mandy, Amber Heard certainly has the hotness on her side and can hold it down in the acting department. Just as well, because she spends much of the time struggling with what could be a very dull character. Mandy Lane is portrayed mostly as is an introverted beauty, not a charismatic lead. It's really a case of "All the Boys Lust Mandy Lane" since the guys just want to bang her, despite her displaying almost no personality. But hey, that's the idea. These guys are teen a-holes with no honorable intentions.

Speaking of, even if you don't really warm to them, these teens exhibit all kinds of insecurities that make them much more interesting than your typical slasher fodder. The film spends far more time with its characters than you would typically expect. It's like Jonathan Levine wanted to make his arty drama and slash them too. This is a good thing for the most part but it does effect the pacing, especially in the middle section. Not a huge deal but it must be said.

As far as the kills are concerned, gore hounds rejoice. The gritty, sometimes sadistic approach taken hits hard. The use of sound also adds to the impact. A grisly good time all round.