Today I review X-Strike Studios second feature, Silent Horror. This is a parody of Silent Hill and other survival horror games. This one was directed by Rory O'Boyle and features Brett Vanderbrook in a leading role this time around playing Mark London. Also getting promoted from minor role status are Steve Smith and Rich Durham for this time around. The film opens with Ross Busch and Sara Reis playing a couple whose car broke down (of course). They wander the woods while the girlfriend complains and the boyfriends behaves like a raver stereotype-with hilarious dialogue I wish to add. They get separated (of course) and the boyfriend gets killed by an unseen foe (of course). The next scene we see Brett Vanderbrook struggle to stay awake while driving and collide with Steve Smith. Steve Smith picks himself off the ground and exclaims "Ow, my pride". So we know he's okay.
Mark (Vanderbrook) explains to Simon Briggs, who goes by Briggs (Smith) that he came here to Quiet Knoll because he got a phone call from his friend who was supposed to have been dead for some time. They pick up Lea (Reis) and agree to take her to town for help so that the authorities will be notified of her boyfriend's death. This film has some great atmosphere for actual scares maybe. Scared my wife at least. I also got a little creeped out. Mostly though it is a comedy and it has a LOT of great jokes, especially referencing the conventions of Survival Horror games. Especially early Playstation horror games. The acting, as usual, is spot-on. My only complaint is with Sara Reis. I did not like her performance at all. I also want to give a special shout out to Rich Durham as cult leader Gabriel Augustine. He has some of the best lines. Darrin Demarco plays a great crazy guy with real awesome lines such as "I don't want to end up as munchies and crunchies for some monster!". Tim Ekkebus also gave a great performance. I love this movie. It is, to date, my favorite X-Strike title. I give it 5/5.
Again, oodles of bonus features and even easter eggs. Fantastic music by Dale North.
"In this town, kill is a four-letter word".
Shadowdancer out!
