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DVD Ritual
 Rating: 3.7 Director: Mickey Keating Writers: Mickey Keating Stars: Derek Phillips, Larry Fessenden, Brian Lally |
| Storyline After receiving a distressed phone call, a man arrives at a seedy highway motel to find that his estranged wife has killed a stranger who is connected to a dangerous cult. |
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| Plot Keywords: cult, murder, written by director, one word title | |
| Details: Country: USA Release Date: Horror |
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DVD Ritual
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4 comments
This movie is not as bad as some of the reviews I have read on here. I gave it a try and I really liked the story about the satanic cult because I think things like that are creepy and something can really happen or has happened. The movie had believable acting and build some great tension and suspense. There was also some great creepy scenes and symbolism through out the film. Also the masked used were simple, but effective enough to creep you out.Where the film falls short is some unnecessary scenes that drag on a bit and the ending was a bit unsatisfying. Overall the movie was OK and good for a one time watch. I recommend people should at least watch it once.
This is not your father's slasher film. And folks who are looking for such should look elsewhere. Instead writer and director Keating has offered his first film as a slow-burn thriller…more Hitchcockian than FreddyKruegerian.
Best assessment for a potential viewer is the read the review in IMDb from the critics who, with a few exceptions, provide positive feedback.These are the folks who really know the genre. Why all the hate from some of the viewers? Must be some jealous classmates of Keating's from film school who are working in someone's mail room in LA.
For a low budget first-time film, the results are terrific. Savants of thrillers will recognize a number of homages to other directors and films. Good!!!! That's what young directors do. Historically, some of the best painters honed their skills by copying the masterpieces of the greats.The editing is crisp and the acting good. I liked the storyline…mess around and you will get burned.
Now, there are some issues with pace. When breaking the film apart, it looks like some scenes were prolonged, probably to reach the 90minute cutoff required for a feature film.Would love to have seen the true director's cut. This aside, I found Ritual to be an excellent start from a young writer and director who appears to have promise. One wonders what he'll do with a better budget. I, for one, would be excited to see the results. As it is, the production values here are good. Ritual offers a thrilling ride for viewers who really understand film.
"Ritual" is a neat little scary movie with a simple plot held together by a very interesting style and strong performances overall. The story takes its time to get where going but suspense always builds with the help of a unique soundtrack and solid delivery by the husband and wife characters. The fuzzy, lingering camera shots create an uneasiness and there are a couple of great WTF moments before the cult arrives (particularly one involving a very creepy doll). I think the most interesting thing about this film is that I never really knew where the movie was going, even when it ended up where you might expect!
Overall, this movie is a great gem for fans of the horror genre and those looking for a unique experience.
*******/10
3 thumbs up for Ritual. Hell…let's put in my index fingers as well. Ritual all the elements of a successful thriller…good acting, simple but decent plot and some unexpected "gotcha" scenes. For (what I understand is) a low-budget film…this film packs the punch of many of those costing much much more.
I showed the movie to my film class and the large majority of students came away impressed. Who is this frickin' director? Let's hope we see more from him/her….There is obviously room for growth but here's hoping that the room becomes available. I, for one, will be checking in ! Ritual kicked my ass…and it will kick yours as well !