STAKE LAND (2010)

Directed By: Jim Mickle
Written By: Jim Mickle & Nick Damici
Cinematography By: Ryan Samul
Editor: Jim Mickle

Cast: Nick Damici, Connor Paolo, Kelly McGillis, Danielle Harris, Sean Nelson, Michael Cerveris


Usually when the screenwriter is one of themain actors in a film it is more or less a showcase for their skills. Which are usually lacking and can ruin the film. Luckily here Nick Damici is the bad ass lead and pulls off the role. i can see him as the lead in more films.

This is a independent Horror film that luckily has imagination to spare, which keeps the film interesting and somewhat original. it has themes in it you've seen before but it is in a new wrapping here.

Now while this film doesn't offer anything new to the observational viewer of this film, but if you are a casual viewer this maybe something new to you. it continues in a long line of post apocolyptic glimpses of the future only this time it involves human survivors against each other and vampie zombies.

The amazing thing about the film is that even though it has a limited budget and locations. It has a grand vision that illustrates the proceedings and makes the film exciting. The film and mood runs over with tension in most scenes and brings a dramatic depth to each of the characters and situations.

It dips into atmosphere, but is smart enough not to just build on it. The action is nothing to right home about, but it is vivid enough with with violence to stay interesting. I can honestly say the film is rarely boring. As it explores this world it is interesting to see how it affects the characters.

The film is about a survivor, Who saves a boy when his family is attacked by vampires and takes him under his wing teaching him how to survive and trains him in the art of slaying, As they run against milita's, a crazy chrisitan cult and random, vampires thye pick up some strays on the road. a ex-nun, a soldier and a pregnant singer. in a strange way they become a dysfunctional family. Protecting one another and trying to make it to someplace where they can be at peace.

This is a film that deserves to be discovered. It's not perfect but it is a good attempt. Definately worth getting on DVD.

GRADE: B-