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CynthiaCM
Reviews
Kristy (2014)
Well-Crafted Slasher Film
Let's get something straight right off the bat. This movie doesn't redefine the genre nor does it push the boundaries of what a slasher movie can be. "Innovation" isn't what Kristy delivers. What it DOES deliver is a solid and suspenseful film that keeps your heart racing as the protagonist moves at breakneck speed through the various locations of a college campus while being pursued by four murderers.
I'm a veteran of slasher movies, having been watching them since age five. In fact, I've designed a tabletop role-playing game that faithfully emulates these films (it's called "Slasher Flick"). In designing said game, I studied the genre extensively, analyzing every little aspect and compiling exhaustive notes. So, I'm well- versed in the subject matter. With that being the case, when I tell you that I had to hit the "pause" button a few times to let my heart slow down a bit, please understand that that's a rather big deal. Few movies have made me do that.
The acting was beautifully naturalistic, giving the characters a certain connectivity lacking in many slasher movies. They were believable, as there wasn't any overacting to sever the cord of realism.
The tension was palpable once the movie got rolling. The camera almost always followed the protagonist, cutting the viewer out of what the killers were doing. This had the effect of putting us in the heroine's shoes, which added to the fear factor.
I also think the college campus setting was used well to create a sense of isolation. Truthfully, it would have been perfect as a horror video game level. But I digress,
Some critics have grumbled about the fact that the supporting characters were just there to die and added little value to the story. I do feel that Wayne (the night watchman of the dorms) should have been around longer before being offed. I think he could have added a lot to the film. Having said that, it didn't bother me. Justine was clearly THE focal character and she was the only one the killers were after, so in a way, having the other characters become more involved would have detracted from that focus.
In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed Kristy. It was a fun and tense roller-coaster ride that lacked in innovation, but made up for it in thrills.