Customer Reviews

Dead End

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(29)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

It's pretty obvious that someone had a lot of fun making this film. There's a hint of dark comedy, the "Twilight Zone" feel that pervades almost all the reviews here at Amazon.com, and a cliché-riddled film that actually works if you set back and enjoy. Apparently given a pretty limited budget, first time co-directors Jean-Baptiste Andrea and Fabrice Canepa have pulled together a horror film that pays homage to a mixture of films in the vein of the Twilight Zone meets Rosemary's Baby. You might also blend in a little "CHRISTINE" (ala Stephen King) and then you'll have the general idea.

The film stars Ray Wise (SAVANNAH) as Frank Harrington. He's driving his family (wife, two kids - one a punk teenage boy and the other a young adult psychiatrist - and a boyfriend of their daughter's) to a Christmas gathering at his mother-in-law's house. Along the way, though, Frank decides to take a detour, a shortcut, down an old country road, and he does this while everyone else in the car is asleep. And when they awaken, the road seems to go on forever and ever and ever. Hmm. Strange, too, that all of their watches have stopped at 7:30pm.

Soon they discover a pretty young lady dressed all in white standing alongside this endless road, and she's cradling a well-swathed baby in her arms. And when they stop to see if she needs help, all hell breaks loose. Their daughter's boyfriend vanishes, and soon a hearse comes slowly trundling by and, as it passes, everyone sees the boyfriend pounding his bloody hands on the rear window. The family jumps back into their car and races after the hearse, only to hit a big speed bump a few miles down the road. Or was that a speed bump? Uh-oh. It was the boyfriend, and he's nearly mangled beyond recognition.

Soon the car's occupants/family begin to disappear, almost always after spotting the lady in white. Why doesn't the road ever end? Why are they all being forced into this hearse? Why is this lady in white attached to them somehow? Why does time seemed to have stopped?

Like I said earlier, lot's of cliché-style answer await you, but that doesn't detract from the enjoyment of watching this dark, dark, mildly comedic horror tale. Popcorn? Check. Lights off? Check. Loved one sitting nearby ready to scream? Check. You're ready!

"Dead End," a new release by Lions Gate, is a low-budget, independent horror film by French writers / directors Jean-Baptiste Andrea and Fabrice Canepa that introduces audiences to the dysfunctional Harrington family as they embark on their annual Christmas Eve road trip to Grandmother's house. The films stars veteran actor Ray Wise as patriarch Frank Harrington, Lin Shaye as matriarch Laura, Mick Cain as son Richard, Alexandra Holden as daughter Marion, and Billy Asher as future son-in-law Brad Miller. "Dead End" also stars Amber Smith as the lady in white, Karen S. Gregan as Dr. Helen Marcott, and Steve Valentine as the collector.

All hell breaks loose on the Harrington family's journey to Laura's mother's house on Christmas Eve when, for the first time in twenty years, Frank decides to take a shortcut. The real fun begins, however, when Frank falls asleep at the wheel and narrowly misses a collision with an oncoming vehicle. As he begins to drive away, he glimpses the white figure of a young woman standing in the woods, clutching a baby in her arms. Frank stops the car to see if she is alright. Unable to get the young woman to speak, he suggests that they (the Harringtons) should find help, as she has a large cut on her forehead and appears to be in shock. This pit stop marks the beginning of the massacre that the film "Dead End" recounts.

It's hard to believe that "Dead End" was made in 2003, as it employs virtually no special effects. This film relies instead on dialogue comprised of dark humor and clever one-liners as well as the emotional and often comedic reactions of the characters to the unnaturally strange situations in which they are put to propel the story of the Harrington family's journey forward. Horror film enthusiasts accustomed to the sights of corpses and disconnected appendages will find themselves quite surprised by how little they see of those that are killed in the film. French writers / directors Andrea and Canepa instead rely solely on the creepy events that unfold and the characters' physical and emotional reactions to those events and each other to intensify audience's fears.

The cinematography works similarly, as it does not rely on glitzy or heavily choreographed camera shots to further the eeriness of "Dead End." Instead, an infinite number of sometimes-grainy close-ups are used to reveal the characters' emotions and intensify the audience's fears. This is only one of many examples of how writers / directors Andrea and Canepa worked to find cheaper (and sometimes ingenious) alternatives to the high-budget blood, guts, and gore that are commonly used to scare audiences today. Their reliance on cinematography to foster character development and drive the plot of "Dead End" proves fruitful, as audiences will find themselves just as (if not more) scared by these things as they would have been by the gruesome and highly expensive antics used to drive the storylines of other horror films today. The infrequent aerial shots of the car traveling through the woods are also noteworthy, as they point out how alone the Harringtons truly are on their never-ending journey down this desolate road to nowhere.

Seasoned horror film enthusiasts are likely to see the ending of the film coming long before it ever arrives, as everything that happens in "Dead End" points to the revelations made in its final moments. However, this predictability should not prevent audiences from seeing the film, as it possesses so much of the psychological horror that those of us who grew up with films like "The Exorcist," "Friday the 13th," and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" enjoy. Audiences will find Andrea and Canepa's attempts to appeal to some of our more basic fears successful. For example, every time that Frank Harrington stops the car, somebody else dies, which will have audiences clumsily locking their car doors the next time that they are driving down a desolate road late at night. Additionally, when the mysterious black car appears, audiences will be reminded that they shouldn't stop their cars on desolate roads either, especially when they see the screaming faces of the characters pressed against the back window (only moments before their bodies are dumped onto the road). These are only some of the examples of how Andrea and Canepa use low cost psychological horror to appeal to our fears in "Dead End."

Reviews of "Dead End" have been mixed, at best. Unfortunately, the film's predictability deterred many critics from deriving any pleasure from it. However, I enjoyed "Dead End" immensely, as in my opinion it remained true to the horror genre by provoking my basic fears through the portrayal of the psychologically horrific events that took place in the film. Sadly, comparisons have been made likening "Dead End" to the film "Wrong Turn," by 20th Century Fox, which was also made in 2003. This is rather unfortunate, as "Dead End" is a far superior film, and does not rely on an idiotic plot to drive audience's fears. Therefore, if you have seen "Wrong Turn," don't let any of the negative feelings that you have about that film prevent you from seeing "Dead End." My sense is that you will not be disappointed.

I really enjoyed this flick. It very deftly combined comedy with horror, which is no easy task. I was totally caught off guard by the humor. Most horror movies either have no humor, or the humor is poorly executed. I expected the same here, until I found myself busting out laughing at several scenes. The "do you have to suck on the bottle like that?" line starting things rolling and there were several others that elicited more than just a chuckle.
But a horror movie's main task is to frighten and scare you. This does that as well. Driving down a deserted road late at night makes for a nice setting. And as the events start happening to this family you can't help but feel their despair. Another thing I like is how they slowly start breaking down psychologically and turn on each other (some of the funniest lines come out here). And then you get the ending, which didn't turn me off like it did so many others.
Overall an enjoyable ride that I'd gladly take again and again.

I'm not going to bother with a synopsis for a couple of reasons. 1) It's been summarized plenty in other reviews. 2) Going into this movie with expectations or outside information may actually hurt your chances of enjoying it.

That said, I feel it's important to convey just what kind of movie this is. It has *some* gore, but not overmuch, so gorehounds should steer clear. It's not that kind of film.

The movie isn't a dense foreign film, but it IS more about character and mood than action, so people looking for something that moves along at a fever pitch should also save their time.

I'd recommend it to anyone looking for something along the lines of the classic Twilight Zone episodes but with a more modern sense of dark humor and a bit of family drama thrown in for good measure. I suppose it's best compared to Frailty or The Blair Witch Project.

I have been reading about this awesome little chiller for quite a while in "Fangoria" and "Rue Morgue" magazines and was delighted to FINALLY be able to watch it. I do agree with some of the other reviewers in that Lion's Gate could have done a MUCH better job with this DVD - like giving the US viewers the extras the UK viewers have. Here, it's straight movie and chapter selections - a directors' commentary would have been at least ONE nice touch! Could we try it again Lion's Gate and MAYBE get it right. Just because the directors are unknown Frenchmen doesn't mean we Americans don't want their insight!

Anyway, this is a creepy little film about a typically, and at times hilariously, dysfunctional family, the Harringtons (mom, dad, older sister and boyfriend and younger brother), on their way to visit Mrs. Harrington's family on Christmas Eve. For some reason, the father (the wonderful Ray Wise) decides he's "bored" with taking the interstate, as they have done for the past 20 years, and takes the back road. HUGE mistake, GIGANTIC!! Strange things start happening - the discovery of a lost woman in white, several deaths, a mysterious hearse that roams the lonely road, the road itself, which never seems to end and the eerie woods. As Mrs. Harrington (the great Lin Shaye) says, chillingly, at one point, "Who are all those people in the woods?". Made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. As there is no one on this road but this family...and the hearse...and the woman in white.

Not an overabundance of gore - this is one of those films that what you THINK you're seeing is much more frightening - but a lot of suspense and "What the hell...??". AND let's not forget the double twist at the end. But you'll need to watch the movie to see what I mean.

It's sad when garbage like the Chucky movies are given wide releases theatrically and little gems like "Dead End", which, by the way, has been languishing around since 2002, are sent straight-to-DVD and with little fanfare at that. If it hadn't been for "Fangoria" or "Rue Morgue", I never would have known about this movie and enjoyed it so much I now own it. It IS a 5-star movie but Lion's Gate's shabby treatment of it is the reason for the 4 stars.

Shame on you, Lion's Gate!! But everyone else, GO SEE THIS MOVIE!! Especially if you're planning a road trip for Christmas...

This movie has theidea almost every other horror movie this millenium should have had - They don't waste time with sex scenes, or special effects, or gore.

The twist at the end, which some people said they felt cheated by, actually explains why the dead people ended up the way they did (I don't think I'm spoilinng anything here; we all know in a horror movie people are going to die.)

The only people who would'nt like it are both the kind of people who only care about special effects, and the kind of people who are in denial. More specifically, they're in denial that this is one of the movies that proves actual TALENT beats anything that can be done with special effects.

So the only reason to avoid this is if you're one of those fans of "special effects movies". Alternatively, even if you're a fan of "special effects movies", you could watch this and therefore watch a GOOD movie for once in your life.

This movie is a Christmas eve horror flick. If you would like to be scared by a movie that holds your interests, then this is the one. Why this movie is so scarey to me is that I have been lost when driving late at night. So, what the movie does is captures your fear of being lost with no one around to ask directions from. Great movie for a very low budget!!! Highly recommended!!!!

The first time through I just wanted to see how it ended...and yes, I did of course suspect what everyone else did. I liked the ending and thought it tied in well. I watched this movie a second time and it was creepier actually knowing how it ended. There were new things to watch for. The acting is superb, especially the mother. [For once, a mother who looks like a normal woman not a supermodel.] What's everyone's gripe with the teen boy? Yes he's annoying but that is what teenagers are like!! At first viewing I thought this movie wasn't much but it does tend to stay with you...it's got a creepy atmosphere. By the way, for those who "know how it's going to end"...did you keep watching to the part where it shows the guys sweeping up the road? There's a twist there!!

I've wanted to see "Dead End" ever since hearing that it was the surprise crowd pleaser of the 2003 Montreal Fantasia film festival. Apparently that world premiere of the film had people gasping in awe and speculating about the ending way after the final credits rolled. I'm glad Lions Gate has chosen to release this on DVD and yes indeed it is an excellent little indie film although I am a little disappointed at the absolute lack of features. Nothing, zilch, nada. You get the movie, chapter selections and that's all folks. Then again maybe it's best that we don't get special features or commentary explaining the movie's meanings and its ending; it's a lot of fun trying to figure out and philosophize on our own.

The premise is way simple: A married couple and their teenaged children hit the road to attend a family Christmas party. They make the trip every year but this time they're running a little late and the father chooses to take a short-cut. Big mistake. They find themselves on a never-ending road where time has stopped, there are no other cars anywhere, and horrific things keep occurring at every juncture. And the end of the road is nowhere in sight...

"Dead End" is low-budget stuff and it shows. The music score consists of a generic little techno-ish beat; the cinematography consists of a dark road; the acting is not particularly good nor are any of the characters likeable or developed sufficiently. Yet somehow despite all this we still have a good movie. The strength of this film is the taking of a very simplistic premise and finding creative ways to sustain interest throughout. As the movie rolls on, we can't wait to see what atrocity/absurdity awaits on the road and as viewers we are enveloped in the claustrophobic nightmare that the director is creating.

There is no wasted time here as the movie's opening scene is of the family in the car and from then on the action barely lets go, making the most of the 83-minute run time. Unfortunately I didn't understand the ending but then again I guess a strange nonsensical ending is to be expected in such a weird picture. "Dead End" plays like one of the weirdest episodes of the Twilight Zone you've ever seen served up with a few tasty spatterings of gruesome gore along the way. It is scary, suspenseful and totally worth your time.

Dead End is one of those films that is a joy to discover. I highly recommend the film, and it's a 5-star one at that. I gave this U.S. DVD release only 3 stars because Lion's Gate (whom I had high hopes for) seemed to not care about this release at all. This is a full-frame, no-frills release and at the time of this review, a $24.98 retail price??? That's ridiculous.

In the U.K. they get a widescreen edition, with a 30-minute "making of" featurette, deleted scenes, and trailers. This U.S. edition is a joke, and insults those that put together an amazingly trippy film about a family's Christmas Eve drive through an otherworldly scenic route. Lion's Gate has also insulted those of us that appreciate a film as it was meant to be seen, even if it's not a classy drama but rather a wonderfully intense, scary, and funny thriller.

This is not your typical "horror" film. Thanks to the European talent behind the writing and direction, this transcends the genre. Anyone could make a film about a family facing death and strangers on an isolated road, but Jean-Baptiste Andrea and Fabrice Canepa have come up with something you'll be thoroughly entertained by. Plenty of suspense, some grossness, and humor blend quite well.

Too bad Lion's Gate just chucked this one out without a care...looks like I'll have to get my hands on a European copy and get an all-regions DVD player.

Sure, get this DVD if it's the only way you can get to see this film, but it's only a taste of what the whole experience COULD be!