Dead End DVD Review:

Christmas Eve and Frank (Wise) decides to take a short cut to his mother-in-law’s house after been bored year after year driving down the same interstate. Nearly crashing after falling asleep at the wheel, he sees a girl carrying a baby on the side of the road. Looking like she has been in an accident, the family decide to help, only this is the worst mistake they are ever going to make.

A homage to the horror suspense flicks but with its tongue planted firmly in its cheek, Dead End is how low budget scary movies should be made.

Like an episode of The Twilight Zone or The Outer Limits, the small cast are thrown into a nightmarish situation that they can’t see any escape from. Targeted by a killer, she starts picking them off one by one, never revealing her reasons why until the final act. This is old school horror that relies on the imagination instead of gore to get the scares but what the writer/director partnership of Jean-Baptiste Andrea and Fabrice Canepa have done to make Dead End standout is inject some very funny, dark humour.

It is the interactions of the family members and the witty dialogue, especially from Mick Cain as Richard that relieves a lot of the tension and apprehension of the situation. A scare is followed by a joke as jump and laugh at the same time. The well-written dialogue gets funnier as the family’s situation worsens, their deepest, darkest secrets are revealed as the heated arguments and fear loosen their tongues.

The snappy script would be nothing without some fine performances. Best known as Leland Palmer in Twin Peaks and for a number of smaller, supporting roles, Ray Wise has his chance to shine as Frank, the head of the family and the reason why they are in this mess. He grabs his opportunity with both hands and delivers a performance that is both funny and desperate, as the situation gets worse. Alexandra Holden also gets her big break, having more screen time than she has ever had before. Best known as Ross’s student girlfriend in Friends, Alexandra shows that she has the ability to become a scream queen and move up onto the big screen with ease. The one-liners are supplied by Mick Cain, who plays exaggerates the image of the typical America teenager to the point that he becomes the epitome of every gross kid you have seen in the movies.

The star of the show however is Lin Shaye, as the mother of the family Laura. She steals every scene that she frequents and her deterioration into madness is as funny as it is disturbing. Anyone who has seen a Farrelly Brother’s movie will know she is a comedic talent that deserves more time on the big screen and Dead End gives her that chance.

The excellent dialogue and performances are let down slightly by the very predictable story and a lacklustre finale. It is very easy to figure out what is happening to the family as soon as the Lady in White turns up and the final reveal seems a tab rushed, feeling like the writers have run out of ideas.

This aside there is still a lot to enjoy about Dead End. The dark humour, the genuine scares and the excellence cast, make up for these shortcomings making this a very welcome addition to the low budget horror fraternity.

Star Rating = * * *

PICTURE & SOUND
Presented in 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen with a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround soundtrack, the picture and sound quality are first rate, as you’ expect from a modern transfer. The colours are strong which is needed as most of the movie takes place at night. The sound quality is also good, emphasising the vocal track, which is needed for a movie that relies on its dialogue.

BONUS FEATURES

“Stuck on this bloody road” The Making of Dead End (28.21 mins)

Directors Jean-Baptiste Andrea and Fabrice Canepa, along with producers James Huth and Gabriella Stollenwerck talk about getting a French movie made in the US. Taking you from script to screen this mini documentary exposes what it was like for these French filmmakers coming to America to bring their vision to life after encountering difficulties in their own country. It shows you behind the scenes footage from the 18-day shoot, which includes how they achieved the lip-biting scene.

Trailer & teasers

Your chance to watch the theatrical trailer and the three short teaser trailers.

Deleted Scenes (8.27 mins)

Directors Jean-Baptiste Andrea and Fabrice Canepa introduce the only two scenes deleted from the movie. The first one deals with Laura’s dead friend Janine and the second reveals the father of Marion’s baby.

Trailers

Previews of Godsend, Runaway Jury, Stuck on You and Swimming Pool

OVERALL

For a small budget release, the DVD is very good. Besides from the film been a joy to watch for all horror fans, the documentary is unusual, as it comes from the point of view of the filmmakers not the cast. The lack of commentary track does let it down however but this should not put you off buying or renting this Indie fright fest.

DVD Star Rating = * * *

Jamie Kelwick

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