The surprise hit of 2003 (surprise because you couldn’t bloody see it at the cinema) finally made it’s way to DVD last month and I am finally glad to report that I have seen it.
I was so looking forward to it and knew to expect a twist in the tale so I had very cautiously avoided reading any articles or reviews of the film.
I have to say I was mildly let down.
The film is well made and constructed there is absolutely no doubt about that, but what saddened me was the fact that it completely ripped off a lesser known movie.
The cast including the excellent Ray Wise and the hilarious Lin Shaye in a return to the genre after appearing in countless gross out comedies, are excellent and the situation is one we can all relate to, which meant that the humour worked exceptionally well.
Also on display were fine uses of camera and some simple yet effective editing techniques, which had obviously been planned well in advance to ensure that they turned out perfectly.
I don’t want to give away the ending for anyone but lets just say that about 15 minutes in, I knew what was going to happen and prayed that the delivery would somehow redeem the ending, but sadly it did not.
OVERALL SUMMARY
Dead End is a perfect example of how simplicity can still outdo big budget blockbusters as long as your story and characters are engaging and appealing. Sadly the ending was something of a disappointment which left me feeling glum.
