REMAINS (2011)

REMAINS (2011)

In this one we get to see the world virtually being turned upside down in Reno, NV where our main characters are holding up due to an accident. Although there is nothing particularly special about the storyline here the fact that these characters are all in a casino really lends to the back stories of each. Unfortunately the actors rarely look engaged and it is NOT because they can’t act. Grant Bowler for instance, the main actor in this one is basically the very well selected lead of DEFIANCE on SYFY. Tawny Cypress stared in both HEROES and RESCUE ME and ended up one of the leads in this as well, not to mention the writer is the same dude that did 30 DAYS OF NIGHT.

REMAINS is not even close to as bad as some of the reviews for it seem to indicate. Although the acting is mostly hollow I tend to look also at how movies made me feel overall and whether or not they were able to get me to want to see more.

The “yeah this is better than I thought”  - This movie is flat out RESIDENT EVIL style when it comes to the final scene and almost makes me want to recommend just watching like the last 45 minutes rather than the whole thing. Finally a zombie movie has the guts to have zombies turning on each other and introduce the idea that they have to sleep.

The “oh crap why is this happening?” - There are huge lulls in this one that may cause you to check out. Over selling characters that are about to get killed anyway makes you feel bad for them in series like THE WALKING DEAD or even some well done zombie movies. However in this movie none of the characters we get to know we like so we really actually don’t care (with the exception of Cindy who we really actually wanted to live). I can’t in good faith say go running to this movie, but just for the ending alone after sitting through this I was not only surprised but found myself wanting more.

I give this one a 3 out of 7 but a 3.5 is probably more accurate only that is not a real rating I give out. Rating Definition – What? This movie was not what you expected. You can not decide if this movie was good or bad but you know there were a few redeemable qualities about it. If you can remember what they were, you might be talked into watch it again.