V/H/S
A group of criminals scour a secluded country home for a mysterious videotape, and bear witness to scenes of unimaginable terror in this found-footage-style anthology horror film featuring segments from Glenn McQuaid (I Sell the Dead), Ti West (House of the Devil), Joe Swanberg (Silver Bullets), David Bruckner (The Signal), Adam Wingard (You're Next, and Radio Silence). It seemed like a simple job; all they needed to do was enter the home, find the videotape, and deliver it to their boss. But from the moment they arrived, a sinister tension descended. Gaining access to the house, the young thugs discover a rotting corpse amidst a collection of vintage television sets, and stockpiles of VHS tapes. Somewhere amidst the stacks is the tape they seek, but with each new video they watch, the dread continues to build. The sights that they witness are too horrible for words, but the greatest shock is yet to come. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Joe Swanberg, Ti West, David Bruckner, Adam Wingard, Glenn McQuaid
Cast: Joe Swanberg, Adam Wingard, Calvin Reeder, Lane Hughes
Release Date: Oct 05, 2012
Rated R for some Drug Use, Bloody Violence, Pervasive Language, Graphic Nudity and
Strong Sexuality
Runtime: 1 hr. 33 min.
Genres: Horror, Suspense/Thriller
Review:
V/H/S is a horror anthology that hits far more than it misses. Using the found footage idea as its crux, the collection offers a handful of inventive and impressive horror shorts that are sure to surprise and entertain horror fans. The over reaching story arch is fairly blasé and ends abruptly before the final reel. It feels like the most undeveloped portion of the group, not a terrible flaw but noticeable. Video 1 works well as a more fantastical tale with the main actress providing a fair amount of creepiness. It’s funny but suffers a tad from horror film logic in some very obvious sections. Video 2 feels more like a terror type film, providing a more grounded scare than the first video. It makes solid use of its location, providing some nice vistas to enhance the authenticity. Video 3 feels more like an 80’s slasher film but with an inventive twist. Sadly this entry showcases the anthology’s worst acting, detracting from the overall quality of this particular portion. Video 4 starts off as a ghost story but turns into something far more inventive, making solid use of internet chat screens as a gateway to this portions scares. Video 5 is an impressive haunted house tome with a fun twist. It’s the best of the group and done with such gusto that you can’t help but get goose bump during its trilling climax. As a whole, V/H/S has to be applauded for its overall authenticity which is crucial to any film using the found footage idea. It works impressively well together only occasionally feeling mainly due to a weak overreaching story arch.
B+
