surprisingly graphic, surprisingly good!!

Rating: 8/10 (3 August 2007)

Before watching this, I was expecting another tame, filtered down "horror" yarn in the vein of recent day slasher flicks. I thought it wouldn't satisfy my thirst for on screen gore, or impress me as a remake of an old classic. I was wrong.
For a mainstream, cinema released flick I was surprised with what they showed. I would liken it with Rob Zombie's 'The Devils Rejects' in terms of how the violence is presented. Although not as disturbing as that film, it is easily as gratuitous. I am no stranger to extreme cinema, but this still managed to make me squirm in some parts.
The film tells the story of an ill fated American family crossing the barren deserts of New Mexico in an RV. Things take a turn for the worse however, when a tyre is punctured out in the middle of nowhere, leaving the family stranded in the supposed empty desert. At the time they are not aware of the danger that awaits them, whereas we are, which is when the tension starts to mount.
It isn't long before the families unwanted guests pay a visit, and all hell ensues. Those who do go first, go out in hideous ways, leaving a handful of survivors to fight for survival against not only the wilderness, but the less than hospitable creatures that call the hills home. The film is directed in such a way, that you find yourself liking the family, and almost being there with them as they face the troubles together. Although it is a situation that none of us, or at least the vast majority of us, have ever been in, you could almost put yourself in their shoes, its a fear that feels REAL.
What intrigued my the most, was seeing the movie's hero, X-men star Aaron Stanford, turning from normal day Dad to axe wielding avenger as soon as he realised he had to take action. Also good performances from Lost star Emilie De Ravin and Dan Byrd as her scared but helpful younger brother.
I would recommend this to anyone who classes themselves as horror fans, as this does not fail to deliver the goods.