Directed by:
David TwohyScreenplay:
David TwohyCinematography:
Mark PlummerComposer:
Boris ElkisCast:
Steve Zahn, Timothy Olyphant, Milla Jovovich, Kiele Sanchez, Marley Shelton, Chris Hemsworth, Dale Dickey, Katie Chonacas, Holt McCallany, Angela Sun (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
Cliff and Cydney (Steve Zahn and Milla Jovovich) are an adventurous young couple celebrating their honeymoon by backpacking to one of the most beautiful, and remote, beaches in Hawaii. Hiking the wild, secluded trails, they believe they’ve found paradise. But when the pair comes across a group of frightened hikers discussing the horrifying murder of another newlywed couple on the islands, they begin to question whether they should turn back. Unsure whether to stay or flee, Cliff and Cydney join up with two other couples, and things begin to go terrifyingly wrong. Far from civilization or rescue, everyone begins to look like a threat and nobody knows whom to trust. Paradise becomes hell on earth as a brutal battle for survival begins... (Universal Pictures US)
(more)Reviews (10)
This film deceives not only the audience, but also itself. It is an example of how NOT to write and direct a thriller with a surprising point, at least if it is supposed to be as interesting on the second viewing as on the first. David Twohy should go back to placing emphasis on the visuals and atmosphere and not putting too much strain on his brain.
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Such a stylish twist occurred to me long ago and I’m glad that somebody (Twohy) finally managed to get it into such a well-cast movie. That foxy Milla got to me again, back in great form after having a baby and the snappy-tongued Timothy “American Jedi" Olyphant who surprisingly often grabs all the attention for himself. Kiele Sanchez from Lost was just made for this type of movie and it was good to see tough guy Chris Hemsworth, who convinced me that he really does have the balls for Thor. And otherwise... wonderful landscapes, but that is somehow expected from this kind of movie.
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The second half of the film seemed weaker due to weird pointless dialogue, and the ending had a similar effect on me. It’s a shame. The first half of the film had a great atmosphere of paranoia. The fast action scenes that followed undid everything that the script had previously carefully built up. Gina, who can take care of herself in case of danger according to Nick, gave me the impression that if she got a gun to defend herself, she would probably throw it at the aggressor and run off to the jungle.
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A very pleasant surprise. It’s true that the beginning (i.e. the first hour) could be a lot faster or shorter, but it’s not boring for a second. Likeable characters, a beautiful landscape and fun dialogues, those are the main reasons why I didn’t have any problem with this film and its initial slow pace. The last twenty minutes are brilliant, fast and tense, with a gimmick here and there, like slow motion preceding fast motion. The only flaw in this otherwise perfect thriller are those ten minutes of exposition that may be justified, but up until then the viewer is led by the nose and this scene comes right when the film starts gaining speed, so it’s hard not to look forward to the end of that explanation. Very good summer thriller. 7/10
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This film was definitely not as pleasant a surprise for me as I had hoped. The whole plot was predictable, and because of that, it felt poorly executed and poorly anchored, where what was presented at the beginning didn't match what was happening, but not in a way that deceives the viewer like The Sixth Sense, but rather just plays a game with them, which in my opinion doesn't work.
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