Pretty Useless

Rating: 1/10 (18 March 2006)

The first problem with this movie is the characters. None are likable. In fact, the script seems to go out of its way to make sure every single character is annoying. You never really care for any. Towards the end you might, but only because the characters stop talking. The movie then depends upon the charisma of the actors, which thankfully they have. Somewhat. Don't expect any characteristics from the mutants, though. Bloodthirsty, nothing else. Hell, they're obviously breeding, but there's only one female capable of it. Plot holes!
The second problem with this movie is the heavy-handed politics. They feel contrived, forced, and too blatant. The family is full of ultra-conservatives. Gun loving, God fearing republicans. Except for the one democrat, though. Sure, he's the most annoying of the bunch, very whiny, but suddenly you know where he'll stand. All of this would be fine if the politics were either subtle or crucial to the plot. They're neither. In fact, they almost entirely drop away. It feels like a desperate attempt for depth, but comes across as terribly contrived.
The last problem is the action. Very little. The first half of the movie is painful. Nothing happens. All you get is annoying conversation and dumb decisions. The second half picks up, with a couple of good gore effects, but... meh. There's only one interesting action sequence.
If you want to go to a movie and turn your brain off and see gore this is maybe a 5 out of 10. Worth seeing, but not good. Unfortunately the director decided to add "depth" to the movie, meaning he wants you to think. The movie does not stand up to any form of scrutiny, regardless of your political views. It's just terrible. For the record, though, I thought High Tension was poor as well. Decently directed, but plot holes abound. This is a much worse movie. Not directed quite as well, much more boring, and not a single character worth caring about.