Meadowoods (2010) Review

Now as you all know, I've been on a indie streak lately. There are some real jems in the smaller productions that Hollywood can only dream to have again. But just like the big guys, indie's can have their share of duds.

Meadowoods follows three college kids, (Brent, Ryan and Jennifer) who are longing for something exciting in their lives. So the three start planning a murder. Each have their own reasons to want this, and the movie is a video diary/log of the events.

Premise sounds interesting enough, but execution had something to be desired. There are only two handheld camera's used throughout the entire film, which makes sense for the premise. But anyone who hates the 'shaky cam' is not going to enjoy it. There is also a nearly 15 minute long scene of just black. I kid you not. The movie finally started gaining speed, and then darkness. It's a bad idea for any movie to do that for a long period of time.

The acting was okay by some of the characters. I found myself really enjoying Ryan. He was an under-dog who was bullied by the other two to go along with the murder, a bit of a pussy, but enjoyable. Jennifer's character is very bland. A piece of cardboard would have more personality. Ila Schactler, who plays their victim Kayla, was a much better actress and written character. I wish the two roles where reversed. And the way they go about talking in public about their plans is ridiculous. Like you just say the word 'bomb' in an airport and you're asking to get a free colonoscopy. Let alone out in a cafe or video store saying, 'how are we going to kill Kayla Pruett?' Using full names like that is just dumb!

One scene I did enjoy, was the three are in a video store trying to get idea's for how to kill their victim. And guess which isle they were in? YUP! Horror! Thought it was kinda funny.

The movie had a lot of promise, neat concept but for what you get out of 88 minutes is a let down. I would of loved to see them tie Kayla to a chair in a shed somewhere and slowly cut chunks off of her for weeks, or something of that manner. What you get is a 'Buried' wanna-be.

For anyone into psychology, this would be a good movie to watch and write a paper about for school. But for fun, I would pass.

3/10