Cebalord
Very best movie i ever watch
Sexylocher
Masterful Movie
Darin
One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.
krice23
I'm not doing a review of the entire film because quite frankly it's not worth my time. I'm here to let off just a little bit of steam about a pet peeve of mine when it comes to screenplay writers. Why can't they seem to remember what they've already written and keep the continuity? How hard can it be?
This is not really a spoiler but here's my example from the film.
First off we're told that Mister and Martin are headed "north, always north" to get away from the major outbreak of vampires, which, btw, are The most zombie-like vamps I've ever seen.
During their drive, the boy, in his narration, says they haven't seen any vamps lately, exclaiming that Mister says it's because they're in the highlands. That vamps are cold-blooded, like reptiles, and as soon as they get back into the low-lands they'd start seeing them again. And sure enough, they do.
Ok. Fine. We have a premise here.
However, sometime later we come upon a vamp wearing a Santa suit standing in the middle of the road. They dispatch him, and then discover and rescue a man tied up nearby in a port-a-potty, left there as vamp bait, he said.
Whilst recanting his story to our friends, he says the military recalled everyone from the Middle East and he'd then been deployed to help evacuate Canada (I know, but that's how he said it).
So, anyone catch my point?
If vamps are cold-blooded, like reptiles, as we've been led to believe, then what the hell are they doing in Canada?
As a final comment it's worth it to note there's just not that much dialogue in this movie that the writer should forget any part of it.
Then again, perhaps Mister was just wrong and I'm an overly critical viewer.
If you've seen it, you decide. If not, don't watch it just to form an opinion; it's not worth the time. Just go ahead and assume I'm right.
James Purcell
After 30 minutes, I decided I had better things to do then keep hoping this one would get better.for those 30 minutes it was -bad acting, all around from different characters, intermittently. -bad effects (ninja "whooshes" from kicks etc, vampires that looked like people wearing face paint, physical combat that looked like something from Capt. Kirk era star trek, -uninteresting lines. Just never anything interesting. Nothing particularly bad, just everything is the bare minimum, and wallowing in mediocrity.If it got better after 30 minutes in, then I missed out. That's a risk I'll take. It was that bad.My score is based the quality of the first 30 minutes of the movie.
SnoopyStyle
People are turning into grotesque vamps. The remaining humanity survive in isolated communities or even as rumored cannibals. Mister (Nick Damici) is able to save young Martin (Connor Paolo) when his family is attacked by vamps. They are driving north. On the way, they rescue a nun Sister (Kelly McGillis) being hunted by two rapists. They are then captured by a dangerous religious cult leader Jebedia Loven. Mister and Martin escape leaving Sister behind. They continue north and take on pregnant Belle (Danielle Harris) and former marine Willie.This is well-made considering its low budget. Director Jim Mickle concentrates on a dirty ugly dystopia. The characters are simple and well-drawn. It's not breaking new grounds but it's got good grit. There are also some good actors and familiar faces. It's dirty and harsh. The long rambling road trip may actually fit better as a TV show.
CinemaClown
From the director of Cold in July & We Are What We Are, Stake Land is Jim Mickle's sophomore effort and one of the most interesting post-apocalyptic horrors to come out in the recent years for it is expertly staged & brilliantly acted, and despite its low budget features an impressive production design, excellent make-up & practical effects.Stake Land presents a world that has been run over by vampires, leaving behind only a handful of survivors. The story is seen through the eyes of an orphaned young man who is taken under the wing of a vampire hunter & learns how to kill them. As the two head north looking for a safe haven, they are joined by more survivors while their peril deepens.Co-written & directed by Jim Mickle, Stake Land feels incredibly fresh despite following a similar road of zombie apocalypse genre. Cinematography adds an atmospheric tension to the plot while capturing every event in fine detail, Editing excellently paces its narrative from start to finish & Jeff Grace's score plays an important role in further elevating its tense mood.Coming to the performances, Stake Land features Nick Damici (who has co-written & acted in every Mickle film so far) in the starring role of Mister; a vampire hunter who along with Martin (Connor Paolo) is heading north to escape from the vampires. Rest of its supporting cast is no slouch for they fill in ably in their given roles while Paolo does a fine job in narrating the whole premise.On an overall scale, Stake Land doesn't bring anything new to the genre but nails the old- school style so well that it's worthy of admiration. The characterization part is handled amazingly well, the plot tries to avoid the genre-clichés wherever possible & is a work of quality in every department. Gripping, entertaining & satisfying, Stake Land is another fab indie from Jim Mickle & comes recommended.
