Rock the Cradle!

     I have to admit, going into these films as blindly as I do, sometimes leads me to miss a few things along the way. I could, of course, rewatch the film over and over and do all sorts of deep research. But what if, in doing that, I alter what I thought about the film on the first watch? At the moment I do have a separate window opened up so I can read a little more on this one. I also have the special features playing on the television. Trying to deliver a review for a movie you liked but has some flaws can be a very daunting task. On one hand you want to write the review favorably enough so readers want to see the film, while maintaining that you still had your own issues with the film.
     Alex Chandon, a name I didn't even know till I purchased Cradle of Fear. I have to say, this was not a bad film to be introduced to him with. Watching this one, I could tell whoever was responsible for what I was seeing, truly enjoyed what they were doing. Hard work and passion shows through in many scenes. Something that most big budget horror films are lacking. Not because big budget Hollywood can't do it, but instead they choose not to do it. With all this being said, there were still so minor flaws! But hell, when you can tell that a film was done because someone was trying to score with the audience and not from the audience, those flaws can easily be passed over.
     Cradle of Fear jumps straight into action. We are quickly introduced to, what I would consider to be the "story teller" or "story maker" in this 4 (or  5) part anthology, The Man. But who is The Man? I was unsure whether to tell you guys or not, so best I just let you decide who or what he his for yourself. I am also deciding to opt out of telling you guys too much about the wrap around story as well. Now this particular character never really connects with the viewer one on one, but he makes some very important connections with our characters throughout the film. Ultimately becoming a main driving force in the film. Basically, Cradle of Fear plays out just like any other Anthology. The stories flow along with very little in between. With each story depicting characters that are going to learn a lesson within the events that shall unfold before our eyes. For better or worse.
     The first story was my personal favorite out of the bunch. Introducing two very pretty female "vampires" at a club where Mel locks eyes with The Man. After mind fucking her, he decides to actually have sex with her. Or does he? Was he even there? These are questions I still have no answer to. Any-who, all hell breaks loose

the following day(literally). Mel can't seem to escape the hell no matter which corner she turns. Very strong acting, out right sexiness, and a bit of gore that caught me by surprise, I really would have liked to have seen this segment run a little longer. I gave it a solid 9 outta 11.
     The second story was a pretty solid follow up to the first one. Kind of creepy in parts and a little off setting.  But in a good way. The acting here wasn't as strong as the first entry. The writing could have been a tad bit stronger as well. Seemed to be a little bit of confusion in the conversation between the two leads during a blood bath scene. The effects could have been better. All the same, it was a fun little trip, and once again, it could have ran a little longer. Scoring a solid 6 outta 11, it was very entertain-able. It was also pleasant to see something done a little different but still giving a throwback to some of our favorite horror films.
     Did I completely miss something here? The third segment seemed to jump straight to action. While the others did the same, here it just seemed to fast. I needed a little more back story in this one. The acting was spot on. The plot seemed fun and over the top, but I just needed more back story. Over all I would say it was my second favorite of the segments. More story may have put this one to the top of the list. A little more gore wouldn't have hurt either. Some very weird CGI was used that kind of took me by surprise. It didn't add to the story, nor did it take anything from it. At the end of the day, I believe this segment was the on screen "elbow jab to the ribs chuckle". I laughed on a few occasions. Normally I never laugh. So that says a little something. Says enough to get this segment a 7 outta 11!
     The last segment had the most promise of them all. Sadly it fell apart very quickly. While the premise is very appealing, something was just lost here. We are introduced to a character who ties into the story very closely. He is working a dead-end job at a "safe search" internet company where his boss is a douche. Which is made worse due to the fact that our lovable main character is also a douche bag. His job is to, basically, scrounge the darkest depths of the internet. Reporting on every foul thing he finds. While searching, he stumbles across a website that offers the visitor a chance to torture someone however they please as long as they are willing to pay. The website mysteriously goes missing, which in turn, drives poor Richard mad trying to relocate it. After driving to the brink of sanity, Richard's life starts to fall into shambles with a very nice twist at the end.
     Way too long. That is all I can say for the final segment. With such a great idea, although not original, it was still very fun. It just ran way too long. It could have been shorten by at least 15 minutes. Sadly too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing. They were trying too hard to make something simple much more complicated. Which actually turned in on itself. I give this one a 4 out of 11. Should have been over quick.    

     Solid acting in the wrap around story, and a very intriguing plot. I was really into the whole idea of what was going on. Sadly, the last segment was so irritating that I was ready to just see it come to an end. The wrap-around story tried to tie things up the best it could. With big hopes and visions,  the filmmaker did not disappoint overall. A few minor critiques but still a very solid movie going experience.
     So now we must rate the film. Taking all the ratings and adding them together and doing some simple math, we get around about a 60%. So if you are looking to have your void mind filled with new demons and nightmares you may want to look somewhere deeper and darker. Looking to just kill a couple of hours and have a pretty damn good time doing it? Then this is perfect for you. Cut the brain off and sit back and enjoy. Don't over think it. Just have some fun with Cradle of Fear, see where it takes you.              
                                                                                        -jackrippzz