Only For Those Who Appreciate Great Horror Film-making!

Rating: 9/10 (18 June 2006)

I do not know how good the replay value of this movie will have yet, since I only watched it in the theater once... But there was a lot to admire about the director's skill in making this film. It really grabs a hold of the audience and those unprepared for what "true horror suspense" really is, will leave the theater by the frighteningly despicable "trailer scene".
The reason I gave this movie a 9 out of 10 is because the "hero" character that arises from the family to deal revenge in the 3rd act, is not the character I would have chosen. I probably would have made the son character a touch older and made him the hero... If only because I believe the kid could fire a shotgun sooner than the liberal cell phone salesman. Also, oddly the father and son characters should have handled there firearms with more skill then running and firing at random like idiots. Meanwhile, the cell phone salesman, who never fired a gun before, seems to handle a shotgun with ease by the finale. Minor quibble.. in an otherwise uber-suspenseful and satisfying horror film.
This falls more in the category of the revenge horror flick. Cause I could understand why people leaving at the trailer scene, would be disgusted by the film. You didn't stick around long enough to see the monsters get what they deserve.
One bad review from someone that did leave at the trailer scene kinda baffles me, so I had to quote it here.
LITTLE_WACHO, from Canada says: "This movie lacks any integrity. Please, don't waste your money or time to go see this movie. You can't even laugh at the crimes being committed. They're not funny or entertaining. They create a feeling of uneasiness in the pit of your stomach. This movie is a waste of money not only for those who see it, but for the idiots who made it. There's a line when it comes to horror films, and they left it way behind them with this film."
First of all, why would you want to laugh at a rape scene? The director didn't play "Benny Hill" music with the family members running back and forth from the rape scene in the trailer to the father being burnt alive outside. He made it hard to stomach and edge of your seat suspenseful for a reason...
That "uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach"... that's called a good HORROR movie. People that don't like to ride rollercoasters, usually don't like that sinking feeling in there stomachs. Which is fine... The reviewer should just admit they don't like horror films... not bash a well-made one.
Personally, I agree that the "trailer scene" is hard to watch... And that makes the revenge on the "monsters" by the second half that much more satisfying. It's not a brilliant thought- provoking film people... It's just a well-made horror film.