When I first saw this, I left the cinema talking about how bloody it had been, (I think I had only seen two other horror films at the cinema) I was
genuinely frightened, and I still ALWAYS check the back seat before
getting into a car.
Someone at Pendleton University is taking advantage of their folklore
studies and turning our favourite urban legends into realities. A group
of students get involved, and it soon becomes clear that the psycho is
targeting them!
Back at the height of the post-‘Scream’ hype, I thought this film was
brilliant and re-watching it again, (for at least the tenth time) I have
to say that it is still a pleasure.
Director Jamie Blank’s managed to assemble a great cast of up and coming young talent, and re-create some of the best known myths in both
entertaining and beautifully aesthetic ways.
Opening with the beautiful score by Christopher Young and some lovely
establishing shots, the film slowly builds tension in a crescendo and then
releases it in a full scale bloodbath of terror……or does it? Credit
must be given to Blanks for making the audience feel as though they have
just witnessed more blood than they used in ‘Carrie’.
Blanks is a ‘student of the horror genre’ and creates a distinct 80’s feel whilst in keeping with the ‘Scream’ style of humour required in a late
90’s horror effort. Hell, he even has Robert ‘Freddy’ Englund and Brad
‘Chucky’ Dourif in the cast!!
The film is full of mood, atmosphere, humour and wonderful set pieces,
with my favourites involving Joshua Jackson and Tara Reid. That’s more
than enough for me to enjoy a horror film!
OVERALL SUMMARY
In all, Urban Legend is a shining example of what can be done when a fan
of the genre makes a movie for the fans. I can’t understand why people
don’t like this. The genre progresses…deal with it!
