Return in Red (2005)

	Todd G.

6 out of  6  people found this review helpful

Admittedly in agreement with the other reviews, this is clearly a low, low budget film. However, there was a point where the film gathered a certain creepiness about it. But, what ultimately kills it is that you are never given any clue as to "why" things are going as they are. A quote in the opening of the film, which was attributed to an assistant to former President Carter implies a government conspiracy of some sort. Yet, in this story, there's no indication of the purpose of such a conspiracy. So, what little tension does develop quickly disipates as nothing ever comes of it. Plus, like many "horror" films, most of the characters make dumb choices that lead to their own demise. Then again, this does take place in a small town where no two brain cells think alike.

Was this review helpful? Yes   |   No

	Brook D.

2 out of  2  people found this review helpful

I thought this was the greatest movie ever! I have seen it 6 times! J.J.'s acting was oscar worthy!! Rent it now!!

Was this review helpful? Yes   |   No

	Tyler T.

4 out of  6  people found this review helpful

FANGORIA REVIEW (Issue #261) by Michael Gingold: Midwest filmmaker Tyler Tharpe's FREAK set itself apart from other psycho flicks partially through its tangible rural atmosphere, and the same quality informs his new RETURN IN RED (Image). Tharpe's use of recurring visual motifs also helps evoke a sense of small-town life whose daily rhythms are thrown off when a covert government sound-wave experiment causes the residents to violently harm themselves and each other. The gritty 16mm lensing and marvelously moody lighting by IN THE COMPANY OF MEN's Tony Hettinger (replicated quite well in the full screen transfer) helps fuel the movie's slow-burning tension; more restless viewers may fins the pace too slow, but patience is rewarded with well-sustained suspense sequences and startling bursts of mayhem. And at 102 minutes, the release cut bears better pacing than the initially circulated 116-minute version.

Was this review helpful? Yes   |   No