As with the majority of zombie films made today, the makers
of [REC] 3 are keen to point out that their film isn’t a zombie movie. And
they’re right, of course, [REC] mythology has always specialised in something
far greater, but we’re still talking about ravenous dead guys taking chunks out
of their next unhappy meal, so you’ll forgive me for labelling this a zombie
fix.
In case you’ve been living in an abandoned apartment complex
for the past five years, the [REC] films play out in much the same way as the
early entries of the Alien saga. The first film is very claustrophobic, tightly
constructed and dripping in tension, much like Ridley Scott’s original entry in
the Alien franchise. [REC] 2 plays out in similar fashion but ups the ante with
extra firepower and more attention to action. It’s also in many ways the
superior picture. Thankfully that’s where comparisons end. [REC] 3 shares
nothing in common with Alien 3, in fact some might argue it’s the polar
opposite.
Alien 3 took us into darker, more forsaken territory,
whereas [REC] 3 – a film that runs parallel to the original movie in the series
– is happy to drown itself in colour, joviality and the occasional chainsaw
massacre. Paco Plaza (driving solo on this one with collaborator Jaume
Balaguero focusing on the fourth and final chapter) makes a brave decision with
Genesis, dropping the first person perspective early on in favour of a more
traditional approach. It’s a move that has already upset the hardcore faithful,
but you have to respect the guy for trying to keep things fresh.
Paco calls [REC] 3: Genesis an adventure movie, but
in all honesty, that’s a bit of a stretch. At its heart [REC], 3 shares more in
common with romantic comedies, but don’t let that put you off. If red is the
colour of love there’s plenty of it to go around here. It positively oozes from
the screen at times. Koldo (Diego Martin) and Clara (Leticia Dolera) are made
for each other and they plan to celebrate their marriage surrounded by their
nearest and dearest, but a black cloud is looming overhead. On the happiest day
of their lives all hell is breaking loose, and more importantly, it’s
threatening to ruin Clara’s big day.
As I mentioned earlier, [REC] 3 starts in much the same way
as its siblings. One of the guests records the ceremony with a handheld camera
and we get to know the main characters pretty well. More importantly –
considering what’s about to transpire over the next fifty minutes – we’re able
to form a bond with our two libidinous leads. Martin and Dolera are incredibly
infectious here, and you will care about their plights as the film races to its
gluttonous climax. Which is a good job really, because in adding layers of comedy
to the mix, [REC] 3 all but loses its sense of fear and tension. You can’t
really blame the change of style, even if the first person approach has always
been a great source of anxiety, but [REC] 3 embraces the absurdity of life with
glee, and much of the terror is lost along the way.
The biggest disappointment for me was the fact that it
failed to add anything new to the franchise. [REC] 3 seems content with taking
a step back when it should have been racing forward. There are no great
developments and no major revelations. In fact, at its heart, [REC] 3 is a very
traditional ‘zombie’ movie. Part two in particular felt more substantial,
adding religious subtext to the mix and hinting at a greater evil. There’s a
throwaway conversation in Genesis that picks at the same themes – and
reflections in the mirror tell of darker days to come – but Plaza is happy to
leave the ‘bigger picture’ to Balaguero in part 4 (fittingly entitled
Apocalypse). Telling the viewer to lower expectations before going into this feels
like a cop out, but if you’re coming into [REC] 3 with major plot developments
in mind, Paco Plaza’s lightweight solo effort is likely to frustrate.
Which is a shame because [REC] 3 is still a highly enjoyable
horror movie – bloody heroines, merciless beheadings and knights in shining
armour serve up an un/welcome change of pace for this hugely successful
franchise. On it’s own terms, Genesis is a comical, colourful ‘zombie’ movie
with a welcome dose of romance. As the highly anticipated latest chapter of the
[REC] series however, Genesis feels like a hasty bridesmaid clambering for the
bouquet – desperately shallow and way past her prime. Having said that, few
would dispute the power of a woman proclaiming, “This is my day!” Especially
when she’s brandishing a high-powered chainsaw.
Suffering the same fate as many third instalments, [REC] 3
pales in comparison to the films that preceded it. Fortunately for us, it’s
still a rollicking horror comedy, so leave your expectations at the door and enjoy
the ride. AW
No comments:
Post a Comment