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Reviews
Eyes of the Chameleon (2005)
Makes "Hostel" look like Hype! Best Seen on DVD!
Some Minor Spoilers Below:
Ever in the mood for a remarkable horror flick that actually delivers the goods in which it promises? Tired of those Hollywood-produced films that always lack a certain charisma along with duping you out of the goods? And what goods am I referring to? Every horror film should contain dark comedy, psychological terror, blood & gore, decent special fx, and gratuitous nudity! If your lacking just one of these elements, it will be impossible to please every horror movie buff out there!
If you want a film which satisfies on every level, then look no further than "Eyes of the Chameleon," which was directed by Ron Atkins, the guy who gave us the extreme films "Schizophreniac" 1 & 2 and "Eat the Rich!" And he really out did himself this time! "Chameleon" makes "Hostel" look like nothing but hype!
The film's premise is that a serial killer is loose in Vegas. Friends of Sarah (the bodacious Ann Teal) are being dispatched in gruesome ways! But first we start with a flashback to 1970 as we see an uncle teaching his nephew the values of life as the little boy lies in a hole
"I'm gonna teach you to be a good god-damn citizen like me, you little f%*k!"
Que the dark-comedy right here at the start! I'm sure the boy will grow to be a decent Christian. After the family bonding, we flash to the present where a prostitute is looking for "Andrew." Well, after rubbing her own bare chest for him, things don't quite go her way! Next we're introduced to a couple of chicks (one being Sarah) who are visiting a freaky fortune teller that has some Chameleons in the place. By the way, I wouldn't be caught dead in there! It is here that we find out Chameleons are one of the most cunning lizard-like predators on Earth. And after a little incident within the fortune teller's chambers, Sarah no longer "feels" like herself. Sort of symbolic as to the destiny that awaits her. And only her freaky parents might hold the clue as to the chaos that ensues. Think you have got it figured out
I doubt it! Still need other reasons of why I enjoyed it so much and why you should see it? I can come up with a few:
1) The character change of Sarah: for instance
after receiving a phone call in the middle of the night about the murder of one of her girlfriends, her response
"who gives a f%*k, it's the middle of the night, I just want some f%*kin sleep, you ***." Classic! Or how she verbally "services" somebody she really shouldn't be with. And if only she offered classes, I'd be sending my wife (with the exception of one scene)! Did I mention she has a great upper-body
? 2) Gory as hell violence with some of the most sickening sound fx I have ever heard. Loved it! 3) Speaking of great sound fx, how does a chick getting her private area pierced do for ya? 4) Never laughed so hard at a funeral scene
where did they get that preacher?! 5) Ever seen "Full Metal Jacket?" Yep, we have a character in Chameleon that talks just like the horrible and strict Gunnery Sergeant Hartman with all the sarcastic and cursing qualities we love! Guys will bust a nut and the girls will wet their panties in that it's so perfect! 6) Like BOOBS in your horror flicks! Yeah, so do I. The good thing is the nudity isn't forced into the film just to have some. Believe I counted about 6 different nice pairs. 7) The film isn't all just gory violence. I'm talking psychological terror. Not only does the film make you think, but there are suspenseful moments leading up to something sinister
Think I will stop there with things to look out for. If this doesn't sound like your cup of tea, go watch a PBS special! Plus I don't want to give away too much. You will find Chameleon to be a thoroughly enjoyable horror flick. There are a couple parts of the film where lighting is a very minor issue, but they pass quickly and you get on with the good stuff. It still delivers better than its high-dollar predecessor "Hostel," which had a budget of 4.5 million. I believe Chameleon was budgeted at 50k. No money was wasted here! As the film is expected to be released in the coming months, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy! DP
Wanted to give a few additional comments / updates to my review now that the film is making it around the circuit. First, I got to see it on a DVD screener...picture and color is crystal clear, as opposed to viewing it on an old, lousy projector where lines and colors are distorted. "Some people" should know the difference. Next, view this film from a comical stand-point. The father's comment regarding the daughter's dismay of waitressing..."why not your good at it!"...will have one rolling in their seats! The dark comedy (dispersed throughout the whole flick) blended in with the horror / gore element is enjoyable & outstanding...unless your experiencing PMS or kidney stones. Lastly, I did not work on the film nor even know the director. I asked for a screener...Watched the "entire" film on the DVD sent to me...and felt compelled to compliment it due to the fact it was original and I laughed and cringed at the same time. In other words...it didn't "blew."
Slaughter Studios (2002)
WOW!!
Oh my God! Best horror flick I have seen in ages! There are a few things I look for in campy B-movie flicks: Hot, erotic chicks, violence and gore, and filthy humor. This film went above and beyond my requisites for a horror movie! Worth every penny it cost to rent. Might even go out and buy. Message to Director Brian Katkin: Excellent job! Please make more like this! I have no idea why/how this film could have recieved negative comments. It was better than all Slumber Party Massacres and Sorority House Massacres put together. Maybe some people rented it with the expectations of seeing horror similar to The Exorcist? I don't know. Anyway, campy B-movie lovers, rent it! You will not be sorry.