Customer Reviews

Zzyzx

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

The title may strike many as odd. Here's some background. If you drive to Las Vegas from Los Angeles, a trip of about 240 miles, you will probably take interstate 15. When you are about 98 miles from Las Vegas, you will see an exit sign for Zzyzx Road. As far as you can tell from the highway, Zzyzx Road simply crosses the highway and disappears into the desert on either side and eventually into the mountains. There are no visible businesses on the road; it just goes off into who knows what. (Actually, in one direction, it heads to a desert research center, but that's a long trip.) Now, about the movie...

The film begins with a Mexican family that has stopped at the side of the highway to take a break from driving. Soon, it appears that the family has discovered a skeleton. The next thing we know, we are with Lou and Ryan, two guys on their way to Las Vegas who have apparently decided to see what lies on Zzyzx Road. (There is some mumbo-jumbo about a cult having been there at one point.) A man appears on the road, and the two hit and kill him accidentally. They put the body into the car and are about to make their escape when a woman appears wearing an "I [heart] Manny" T-shirt. Lou, demonstrating his sense of priorities, decides not to flee but to see what she wants because "She's hot."

As it turns out, the woman (Robyn Cohen, The Life Aquatic, The Celestine Prophecy) is looking for her husband. Apparently, she and Manny, newlyweds from Las Vegas, decided to investigate Zzyzx, too, and now their motor home has broken down. At this point, the characters begin to act very strangely, making it clear that there is more going on here than meets the eye.

"Zzyzx" is a taut thriller with some intelligence. Only gradually does it reveal itself, sometimes through equivocal flashbacks, and the plot does not fully come together until the end of the film. I don't know that I'd call the ending a twist per se, but it is a satisfying resolution that ties up the questions that arise during the film without being obvious half an hour before the end. The actors do a solid job, and the direction is excellent. Really, it is unfortunate that film today relegates thoughtful scripts such as this one to the realm of independents films while studios remake or rip off films of the past. This is not to say that "Zzyzx" is the best film ever made, but it is far better than most of the big-budget junk and definitely worth a view. This is the type of film The Hills Have Eyes might have been if it had been directed by David Lynch.

For parents: The film contains nudity, drug use, suggested violence, and simulated sex.

I rented this DVD with no prior knowledge of its story line, primarily due to Kenny Johnson's presence, and must admit that for the first ten minutes or so, thought I had made a major mistake. The opening scenes were jerky and confusing, typical of a low-budget flick, but everything changed the moment that the Candice (played by Robyn Cohen) character appears. She exudes a sweet, innocent, natural charm that is absolutely necessary for the incredible plot twists to work.

Other reviewers have commented on the irony of the claustrophobic atmosphere within the RV compared to the huge, open desert in the background. This atmosphere is as dramatic and oppressive as any I have experienced in any movie, including many with huge budgets, and it adds immeasurably to the suspense and horror of the proceedings. You are constantly on the edge of your seat waiting for the worst to happen, and (without revealing too much) it does. Indeed, I was completely duped by the plot twist. It is perfectly set up and (to me) completely unpredictable, despite the small clues that are sprinkled throughout the first hour or so. You slowly become aware that something is not right....but are not quite sure what it is. This haunting uncertaintly is a key feature in making this an above-average viewing experience.

Rent, buy, borrow or steal this DVD, and after viewing the movie, be sure to listen to the director's commentary version to get a really thorough overview of what you have just witnessed, how it was accomplished, and what you probably missed.

This is an excellent low-budget movie. Although some scenes are reminiscent of other movies (i.e. stranded RV in "The Hills Have Eyes", etc.) overall it is a thoroughly shocking, entertaining, and worthwhile experience.

I saw this film at a festival and was totally blown away. I'm a big fan of Kenny Johnson from the TV show The Shield so I was very curious to see him in an actual movie. The movie was totally unpredictable, I was not sure where it was heading, but I was sucked in from the very beginning. It spooked the crap out of me! I like movies that have surprises and this one so did. Kenny was awesome, he plays this cool but kinda crazy guy whose taking this sorta nerdy Ryan character to Las Vegas. They stop off on Zzzyzxs road and stuff happens out there that I don't want to say cause it would spoil it. Trust me, don't read any comments that have spoilers. You'll really like the twists if you don't know their coming. When the ending came up I was totally floored and wanted to watch it again right away. I was there with a friend who is a big fan of Quentin Tarantino films and he loved it too. I'm so glad that this is finally coming out on DVD! I hope it'll have some good extras. I highly recommend this film, if you go out and rent it...you'll probably want to own it at some point!

Zzyzx is a very intriguing film. Shot on a very tight budget, this movie seems to leverage its weaknesses and turn them into strenghts by using the shakey camera movement and ambience to create a sense of isolation and weird atmosphere. The story follows 3 unlikely characters who come together in the setting of the Vegas desert under circumnstances that get progressively worse and worse for all of them. It's a classic example of the situation where all hell has broken loose, and through the whole film the viewer is trying to figure out how the characters can manage to get out of there alive.

I'd recommend it to anyone who like weird, edgy indie films and who are looking for something that is decisively not mainstream.

I love suspense/thriller movies and I was very impressed with this one. ZZYZX is beautifully done in all aspects and takes you on an exciting ride from start to finish. It is a very gritty film and the camera work and setting give you a very desolate and isolated feeling that enhances the great performances given by the actors. The mystique of the road itself and the background of the compound/Zillers are great starting points for this romp in the desert. You are quickly caught up in the action and the characters and never see the twists and turns coming. There is enough sex, drugs and music to keep the pace up and you wanting more. The character of Lou, portrayed wonderfully by Kenneth Johnson (Lem, The Shield), is very dark and unsettling. I found this movie very enjoyable to watch and would recommend everyone find a way to see it. It is truly great. My only regret is that I was unable to see it in a theater. But for $1.99 download rental, what a steal!

Made on a nine day shooting schedule, "Zzyzx" (also known as "Burned") is a genuinely creepy movie made on a low budget and with very limited sets and props (in fact most of it takes place in a claustrophobic trailer.) The film opens with a statement about the mystical properties of Zzyzx Road somewhere outside of Las Vegas, claiming that the FBI uncovered an evil pair of cultists there in 1965, but they escaped to never be heard from again. Action shifts to an immigrant family taking a break near the road and making a gruesome discovery in a bit of amateur archeology that isn't resolved until the end. At first I thought it was an unfocused and unnecessary plotpoint, but its resolution was handled very nicely by director Richard Halpern, who explains that action is secondary to character in this film. He's certainly correct, and that focus was a good decision on his part.

While I don't want to give away the plot development, the main characters are introduced in short order. The chief antagonist is Lou (Kenny Johnson,) an Army vet with flashbacks to the war in Iraq. I found this tidbit of background unnecessary and annoyingly formulaic. Lou is the dominant partner in a pair of guys on their way to Vegas for a good time. His mousey sidekick, Ryan (Ryan Fox, who made me laugh out loud in the extras with his comment that "I'm like the Brad Pitt of Albania,") wears an annoying headset, and generally is Lou's punching bag. Through many puzzling turns of fate and poor planning, they hit a man with their car and kill him. They decide to put the body in the back seat under a blanket, and then realize that a woman, Candice (Robyn Cohen,) has seen them and is looking for a ride. They agree to give her a ride (!) back to her camper: clearly Lou doesn't want any witnesses, and Ryan is powerless to stand up for sensibility. When they get back to the camper Lou persuades everyone to do some shrooms, and fantasy and reality get quickly and seriously mangled. When Halpern said this was a character-driven film, he wasn't kidding: all three leads are excellent in their roles, and are responsible for the positive review. The plot has several twists that are skillfully executed (and I won't spoil them,) but this is all about three people in the desert playing mental and physical games with other. The film is violent and scary, and nothing goes as anyone plans. The conclusion ties everything together nicely, and the final twist is a brilliantly done.

The film is not without its flaws. Some of the audio is of very poor quality (especially early in the film,) and the use of flashbacks gets trying after a while. I understand the centrality of Ryan's headphones to the plot, but this device also wears thin. Likewise there are some gaping plot holes (e.g. with all the cellphone chatter, maybe calling the police would have been a good idea, though for different people at different times.) Some of the dialogue in the trailer is ponderous, and gives a few moments of implausibility, though in general writer Art D'Alessandro did an outstanding job with the material.

"Zzyzx" has loads of special features for a DVD in this price range (my understanding is that the DVD titled "Burned" does not have these, though I have not seen that pressing myself.) The commentary with Halpern and D'Alessandro is entertaining and enlightening, and added to my appreciation of the film. There are also deleted scenes and cast interviews, which vary in quality. I didn't grasp why Johnson was interviewed in the setting they chose (you'll see what I mean,) but the interview of Fox came off well and was generally hilarious.

"Zzyzx" is a very good low budget psychological thriller which is innovative from the very cool opening credits to the exceptionally twisted conclusion. If you can take the mental angst that the film dishes out (which is abundant,) this woefully unrecognized little slice of terror is a good choice.

You start watching, then it hits you, while sucking you in, that your seeing the most unusual, clever and inventive credits, I've ever seen. Loved that! So, now you want more....I saw Zzyzx before release, years ago, (know the writer). I don't usually like creepy, scary, bloody, out there movies, but gave it a chance, because I was asked to see it, just for opinion. What starts off as just a ride down an unusual desert road, becomes a series of events, that don't stop, people come, people go, just show up out of nowhere, all the while you are mesmerized, you now think all things become clearer, oh no, that's not it. The plot twists and turns, like a pretzel. Your still hanging in there, glued to the screen.....and you don't know who, what or why, but you can't stop watching.....! If you like movies, that keep you guessing, then up and show how wrong you are, you will like this one! As a matter of fact, you'll want to see it again, because maybe you think you missed something, but you didn't it was there all the time. Take that trip down Zzyzx Road, you'll enjoy the ride.
I can't wait for his next screenplay.

No longer will I ever view user review's to help determine whether a video is worth paying the money to view or not. Most of the reviews for this travesty were positive and spoke of the quality of the movie despite its budget.
I purchased the rental rights and am only happy that the charge was minimal. This is truly a dreadful movie that wouldn't even rate a satirical viewing by the Mystery Science 3000 group.
Absolutely dreadful in every respect. This movie has everything a normal human being does not want with the exception of a moderate rental fee.
Avoid this movie like the plague.

I noticed that several reviewers mentioned budgetary constraints with this film, but I have to tell you, there was nothing "low budget" in my viewing experience. My mind was fully engaged, and I was, quite simply, entertained. That's exactly what I want in an independent film! I want to be so involved with the plot and the characters that nothing else registers. In that sense, this film is a success.

The cast is small, and that's a good thing - when your cast is excellent. I was particularly impressed with Lou (Kenny Johnson, The Shield, Saving Grace); I loved hating him. I was equally drawn to Candice (Robyn Cohen, The Life Aquatic); she evoked a multitude of emotions in me. I like that in a lead character!

The opening credit sequence is one of the best that I have seen; it captured my attention right away. The screenplay has some nice plot twists. Again, that's just what I want! There is nothing so frustrating as a predictable, boring plot. I absolutely expect and demand at least one or two WTH? moments in a film, and this one delivers. In addition, the film score is certainly worthy of mention. It added to the thrilling "feel" of the film from the first second until the last. Overall, I couldn't ask for anything more in this genre of independent film. I was able to immerse myself in it. Ultimately, that's what makes it worth my time, in my opinion. I will be anxiously awaiting the next feature film from this director/producer/screenwriter.

This did nothing for me. The low budget photography did not add a rawness to it. Just distracted. I wasn't scared, concerned, engaged at all with the characters and plot. I too would be wary of all the praise for this flick. Apparently it doesn't take much for people to give this 4 or 5 stars to a movie.