Splinter (2008) Reviews

• Very fun flick

  onosideboard2008-11-22

  The premise has been done many times before, but this film does it right. Apparently "Splinter" is an independent film, but it doesn't deserve to be lumped in the same category as the hundreds of "low budget" horror movies out there that are hardly more than a few friends with a camcorder and some ketchup packets. The production value here looks as good as many Hollywood movies, and the "monster" is done particularly well. The three main actors are great, and the characters are likable. This movie isn't going to change the genre or make anyone's Top 10 list, but it's definitely one of the more entertaining horror films I've seen in the last couple of years. It's a fun way to spend 80 minutes. My 8 out of 10 rating is a bit over-inflated simply because there have been so many terrible horror movies put out recently that it was refreshing to genuinely enjoy one from start to finish. A more realistic rating would be 6 or 6.5. Totally worth the price of admission, and I look forward to seeing more from this director in the future.

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• Simple,cheap and great fun!

  markokristic2008-10-31

  What a nice surprise this movie turned out to be. Lately I have seen so many bad horror movies that I almost gave up on the genre itself but this one had good reviews on horror sites I visited so I gave it a go. I'm glad I did. The story is basic and simple:a monster, an isolated place and people doing their best to get out the situation alive.Been there, seen that,right? Sure, but Splinter is so well crafted and executed that this didn't bother me one bit.Characters are interesting and intelligent people that use their wits and brains to try to save their lives and don't just scream and panic. The movie is tense and gory and doesn't drag for a second. Special effects are mediocre but sufficient. If you are a horror fan this is the one to watch.Good job Mr. Wilkins!

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• Good acting and good script with mediocre effects

  NotMoreMovies2008-10-10

  This movie is stuck somewhere between a theatrical release-quality film and a direct to DVD movie, but much better than your ordinary Sci-Fi channel special. The acting is top quality. All characters, especially the one portrayed by Shea, are portrayed exceptionally well. The plot keeps you glued to your seat, and you can't wait to see what happens next or how they will think of a way out of their predicament. The only problems lie in the filming of the "monster" and to a lesser degree, the sound. I'm not a personal fan of the "flicker" style of filming so it may work for others. I prefer a fluid style of filming throughout the entire film. It's hard to keep track of the events occurring when things "flash" around rapidly. But if you can overlook it's extremely minor flaws, you're in for a treat with this one. The acting and the central theme of the plot are strong enough to overcome its shortcomings. My final ratings: Quality: 7 Entertainment level: 7 Overall: 7 Consensus: This might be Toby Wilkins' break as a writer/director and is a standout performance for Shea Whigham

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• Don't be a prick and see Splinter

  Simon_Says_Movies2008-11-04

  When it comes to B movie gold, Splinter is an Oscar contender. Boasting a similar vibe (and name) to 2006's Slither, starring Nathan Fillion, this gory, witty and original flick is what all films of the genre strive to become. Although both films are low budget schlock of the highest calibre that is where the similarities end as Splinter does not need to pillage its ideas or motif from any other efforts. The writing is, for the duration as snappy as anyone could want, and the acting is as surprisingly solid as we could dream. Forget Saw V, or the onslaught of Asian horror remakes, this is the sort of chiller you should rush out and see. Of the number of remarkable successes that define Splinter, the most refreshing, as I alluded to above, is the acting. Not to say that films of this ilk never associate with competent actors, but in this effort not only has first time director Toby Wilkins managed to scrounge up some talent that beg to ask the question "why are these people not in more movies" but constructs the movie with only 4 of them. The movie in its entirety features 6 actors. Charles Baker as a doomed gas station attendant, Laurel Whitsett as a local Sheriff, Rachel Kerbs as Lacey the drug addict girlfriend of Dennis (Shea Whingham, who steals every scene), Jill Wagner as Polly and her boyfriend Seth (Paulo Costanzo, who I have only ever seen as the nephew of Joey Tribiani on the short lived 'Friends' spin-off 'Joey') Not to ruin anything, but only a few of these characters survive long enough to be deemed as a main character, which basically leaves you with a three man show; and what a show. The premise is simple, as all B movies are, as we find Polly and Seth on an anniversary vacation to the great outdoors. But after a disastrous campsite set up, they decide to call it quits and hole up in a motel, which they agree, has to be dilapidated to offset their failed wilderness adventure. While on route, they stop to help an apparently stranded woman (Lacey) who is in reality a distraction for the gruff Dennis, so he is able to carjack the happy couple. Taking Polly and Seth hostage, their fortunes continue to deteriorate after they strike a mysterious creature on the road, damaging the car. Struggling to a nearby gas station they soon find out that the thing they hit is not a fuzzy woodland creature, but a spiked sea urchin-esquire, slimy parasitic contaminant that absorbs and kills whatever it touches. The survivors barricade themselves in the gas station and try to deduce a plan to escape un-consumed. Unlike a number of B movie horror flicks, the crude special effects work to Splinter's advantage. The creature's erratic and robotic movements and the use of quick cut editing truly add a creepy vibe to proceedings. The 'thing' is very well realized and its characteristics can be viewed as an endearing amalgamation of dozens of movie monsters; the gooiness of the blob, the hunting practice of The Predator, the blood lust of Dracula, among others. There is a cornucopia of gore in Splinter, but never seems excessive or vile and certainly provides the scares; notably, a mutilation scene that puts the Hostel movies to shame. Simply put, Splinter is a whole lot of fun, and far more original then 99% of the fright flicks that are slapped on the big screen yearly. If you have a chance, check out this beautiful barrage of B movie basics, disguised as a much better film. Don't be a prick and check out Splinter. 7.5 / 10 Read all my reviews at Simon Says Movies http://simonsaysmovies.blogspot.com/

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• Good low budget horror

  slake092008-11-08

  A young couple and an ex-con are holed up in a gas station while strange monsters prowl outside. This is a good example of what can be done with some good acting, a decent script and an idea for a horror film that won't cost too much to make. It's definitely watchable, even if the characters sometimes do some odd things. There is a lot left unexplained, which seems OK within the context of the movie; the answers you don't get sort of enhance the story you watched. There is also an obvious sequel ending. If you like horror and enjoy some good suspense, get this and watch it, you'll be glad you did. It's not awesome, but it's pretty good.

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