Blackout (2007)

Friday, 20 February 2009 00:00

Reviewed by Carol Sullivan

Genre: Horror, Thriller
Released: January 13, 2009
Rating: R for sadistic bloody violence including a rape, nudity and language

Director: Rigoberto Castañeda
Starring: Amber Tamblyn, Aidan Gillen, Armie Hammer, Katie Stuart, Eloisa Bennetts
Studio: Velocity/Thinkfilm

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Theatrical Trailer

Interviews (Amber Tamblyn, Valerio Morabito - Producer, Alejandro Martínez - Cinematographer, Rigoberto Castañeda - Director )

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Hope Is Not On The Way...

If your worst nightmare is being stuck in an elevator during a power outtage, then do I have a movie for you... Wait, let's take that up a notch; you're trapped in an elevator during a power-outtage with a serial killer. If that peaks your interest, then may I recommend that you rent the movie Black Out. Based on the book by Gianluca Morozzi, Black Out is a claustrophobic, psychological thriller that's worth a look...

The movie begins in an aging apartment building, where the tenants are clearing out to allow major renovations to get underway. But, there are three tenants heading back in for last minute reasons of their own.

We have pretty Claudia (Amber Tamblyn), Dr. Karl Maddox (Aidan Gillen) and Rocker-Dude, Tommy (Armie Hammer). We learn their stories through flashbacks of the events in each of their days leading up to this one. Climbing in the creaky elevator, the three do not acknowledge one another until the elevator shakes and clatters to a stop between floors. Inconvenient, but even more so when we learn that one of them is a psychopath and does not do well under pressure...

Now I have to say that the acting in Black Out is well done and the movie does pack some good tension, but I found one thing about it that really bothered me. It takes these supposedly intelligent folks nearly four hours to even consider looking at the ceiling-hatch as a possible escape route. While these folks are in claustrophobic melt-down, I'm screaming at the TV "Look at the ceiling exit, you morons!" Not a deal breaker, but it made the story-line seem unrealistic.

While Black Out is a little moody and slow, its few moments of Boo-Factor really grab you when they happen. While I wouldn't suggest buying it, it does make for a good rental.

Overall Rating: 2 1/2

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Last Updated ( Friday, 27 March 2009 14:56 )