DVD Review: Storm Warning

Posted by Robert Fure (robert@filmschoolrejects.com) on March 5, 2008

Walking down the isles at my local crack supplier’s shop, errr, DVD retailer, I passed by a cliched movie cover several times. In the pouring rain stood a man in a coat and hat, clutching a machete. For all I knew it was I Still Remember Knowing What You Always Did Three Summers Past and I ignored it again and again. Finally I took a chance and watched what I expected to be a steaming pile.

The first fifteen minutes were rather boring as we watch a married couple drive and talk and rent a boat. Yawn. The picture looked great though and the accents were surprising. Unknowingly I’d rented an Australian flick. Things picked up as a storm came and our loving couple managed to get lost well inland where they come across an unsettling bit of violence. Wisely they flee, but unwisely take refuge in the domicile of said violent men and their pot growing business. Uhoh! The tension actually ratchets up pretty well for such a short flick (84 minutes) and the performances from the entire cast are strong. It mixes bits of Deliverance with a touch of Wolf Creek and a smattering of other genre conventions. But thinks explode into awesome with a major kill utilizing fish hooks that is absolutely gory, disgusting, and awesome. I loved it. From there on out the film is fast and fun with blood pouring out everywhere and painful, painful injuries being inflicted. We only get a few deaths, but each one is brutal and bloody. Awesome.

I was completely surprised by this film. It manages to be both tense and dramatic while still being willing to show the blood and guts. Eli Roth, take note - story first, blood second. I can easily recommend this to anyone who likes horror movies, or gore pics. It’s not all that bad, not torture porn or anything, but rather a short little enjoyable romp through the outback. I wouldn’t recommend you watching this before going camping in Australia though.

There is really only a cast of five, a few other extras pop out, but its almost exclusively the same five people on screen. The setting is tight and cramped and basically one location - but all of this works in the films favor. You never really notice any of these budgetary shortcomings. I really liked the bad guy performances, however, I couldn’t tell you their names as I can’t remember the character names to match with the actors. Weren’t said very often, but really everyone gave a tight performance. I really enjoyed it this film and recommend it to anyone who likes their killings violent, their nights rainy, and the kangroos fried on the skillet.

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