Altered (2006)

I just cracked my first beer and its movie time. Something different, something strange... something out there. In the mood for some originality, and makes me say, 'whoa..'

Altered. Great movie from a guy that knows how to make the most out of a budget. Eduardo Sanchez. He brought us the 'love'm or hate'm' Blair Witch movies. And that's really about it. Been off the scene for a while. And if this is a sign of things to come from his future movies. We are surely in for a surprise.

Altered starts off with a group of rednecks hunting something in the woods. The plan is revenge. Because over 10 years ago this group of friends where forever affected when they where abducted by aliens. Five friends total, but, only four of them survived. That's why they started their hunting party. To capture the capturer. Wyatt's a survivor that has a little more knowledge about the aliens than his friends. Due to some extra testing that he was subjected to. That's why he isn't too happy when they drag the unconscious and bound alien into his garage without a plan. He knows that the rest of his alien buddies will be coming to save him. Injured, tired, a little less than sober and having to deal with the police pretty much solidifies Wyatt's house for the rest of the film. It doesn't take much to figure out the alien will get loose. Annnnd that's when the fun starts. For us, not them. We don't have to deal with rotting flesh, razor sharp teeth, a wicked sense of killing, and a sprinkle of mind control. Luckily, I just get to watch it with my beer in one hand, and one in the other too!!

Sanchez does a great job of creating different character personalities. Wyatt, the level headed loaner that never wanted anything more to do with his past. Cody, the loud mouth jerk that doesn't think before he talks. Duke, the peace keeper, Billy Ray Cyrus look a like, that means well and wants to do the right thing. Otis, the lowest on the ladder. Not very smart. He is just a warm body to throw in here. Not only do they have to deal with their conflicting personalities they now have to deal with a loose alien that seems to enjoy terrifying them in some pretty interesting ways. Of course throw in Wyatt's clueless girlfriend and the sheriff and you're set. Funny though how his girlfriend never really caught onto anything. Since he does have his house made into a fortress and armed better than a SWAT team. But, I guess that's not important anyway. Don't really like her much.

Altered has some cool little details that help add to the over all plot of the movie. Some interesting back story that really helps push it farther than a simple reverse alien abduction. Also, Sanchez does a great job keeping you in suspense too. And making the lower budget really work to our advantage. There really isn't A LOT of focus on the aliens features at first. It spends a good part of the movie bound with tarp and chains. But, it keeps you interested. This stuff hasn't been done before, this well. For those of you out there that want the blood, guts, and gore. You'll get that too. Its done at the right time, with just the right amount.

OVERALL SUMMARY
When it comes down to it. Altered is sci-fi / horror gem. I'm surprised it doesn't have as many people watching it as I think I deserves. The movie starts off interesting in the first few mins. Original story and proper amounts of blood and gore allow some of the more squeemish to enjoy it even. I love this movie and I'm more than happy to give it five stars. Its way more than just an alien abduction movie. There is a lot more going on, and we don't get the full picture till towards the end. We keep getting a little and a little more until its all clear what is REALLY happening. Enjoy.