Phobias

Rating:
Summary: Phobias takes b-horror production to surprising level
Review: I enjoy b-horror but not for the reasons that most do. I usually watch it to laugh at how terrible the acting is, how stupid the plot is and especially at how unrealistic the "50 cent" special effects are.

I expected the same from 'PHOBIAS'. However I was pleasently surprised to find that Director - Robert Massetti and his team was able to deliver a real adventure for my money. The plot in the first of the anthology (When Shadows Lie Darkest) was dark and believeable. The acting was exceptional for b-movies and perhaps borderline professional quality! And to top it off the special effects, though I would have liked to have seen more, was actually superb.

Blackout, the second film in the anthology, is extremely high quality. The lighting, acting and FX are first rate and something for the b-movie industry to live up to. I found the plot was deeper than I would expect from a b-movie and perhaps a bit deep for those looking quick 'violence fix' from a [violent] film. But for those wishing for a little meat with their potatoes, 'Blackout' serves it up red and rare!

Some of the bonus material that I enjoyed about 'PHOBIAS' were the out takes, and the director/producer/actor commentaries. I found them to be quit entertaining, and very informative as well. I hope that in future project releases that they will add more to this portion of the DVD.

Over all I felt Phobias was a pleasent surprise. You can still feel the b-movie undertones but on the surface the anthology is a-movie quality and neither the true b-movie horror fan nor the fan of classic suspense thrillers will be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: ...Review
Review: Phobias (2002) - [The Mortician]
Here's two twisted stories of suspense and violence from a new horror director out of Florida named Robert Massetti.

While the stories themselves are nothing special, they keep your interest. The first one deals with a man who is trying to figure out who is killing off his friends and family. The second follows a woman having problems after she kills her husband (in a truly creepy sequence) and ends up shacking up with a guy who isn't who he seems to be. The second episode really reminded me of early Brian DePalma plots, like BODY DOUBLE.

While the stories are trite, the flair in which they are told is the star of the show. Fast cuts, cutting-edge violence that comes out of nowhere, and excellent camerawork are just part of the mix. It's clear that Robert Massetti knows what he's doing and knows how to get results. For a first-time director, he's sure-handed and confident.

Massetti is also able to get excellent performances from his actors, a rarity in the horror scene these days. The performances he draws out of his players is comparable to anything you can see on major network television these days, and that's a compliment.

Another thing Massetti is quite adept at is drawing out suspense. I jumped several times when seeing this movie and there's one scene in particular that is so simple yet effective: a character is talking on the phone and a nearby door keeps opening on its own. Is it a ghost? A hider in the closet? Or just the house settling....You'll find out!

PHOBIAS is a horrific movie that's skillfully put together, and fans looking for a liberal dose of suspense and violence WILL NOT be disappointed. I think director Massetti has a bright future ahead of him and cannot wait to see what he comes up with next. Someone give this man a budget, he will be DANGEROUS!

Get this one NOW!