Devil Beneath

Unlike other reviews here aka Destiny_west that obviously didn't watch the movie because they would have realised that Red Billabong and Devil Beneath are the exact same movie re-released for the America's but then again by the sounds of it they have some type of axe to grind regarding the director....and the writers...and the effects team and probably everyone associated with the production. Its a typical Aussie horror flick that pokes fun at itself but also reveals the political undertones associated with certain Australian history. That being said its just a fun little production so don't watch it if your expecting oscar worthy credentials but at least watch it before passing judgement...top tip don't review movies if you haven't seen them rookie.

What a waste of time this was the actors in this believe we're completely stupid, completely dumb acting and overall the worst of all BJ was the worst. Actor of them are some punk spoiled kid, but what a waste of time although the movie did have some good action in it, but it was still a stupid I will not watch this ever again whoever does watch to stay away from it. Watch something else don't spend your money watching this I would rather watch Power Rangers than this stupid movie. At least I know Power Rangers would be a little bit more action than this. On another note don't even waste your time watching the trailer it's not worth it.

The first thing "Nick" (Dan Ewing) discovers when he arrives at the home of his late grandfather is an half-eaten kangaroo on the lawn! Then his brother "Tristan" (Tim Pocock) appears with a shovel and assuming it was the victim of a crocodile, they bury the animal. "Tristan" has a decision to make about their inherited property. Will he agree to leave it to the local Aboriginal population or will he sell it to developers? Well that decision might be taken out of his hands by the source of some fearful noises that are emanating from the woods, especially as their friends turn up for a party and then start to go missing! There really isn't anything original about this 'creature from the black lagoon" style mystery, peppered as it is with familial discord and horny friendships, but once we get to the last half hour the thing comes alive a little better with some decent visual effects and a wee bit of roar and gore mixed in with plenty of gunfire, overturned trucks and some traditional mythology. The narrative is a bit of mess and neither the acting nor the writing are going to win any prizes, but the two lads are easy enough on the eye and it's eventually got just enough action and mysticism to make it watchable - once!

Plot

Two estranged brothers come together and discover old family secrets after inheriting their grandfather's property. As their friends start to go missing, they fear they are being stalked by a creature lurking in the shadows.

Cast

Made by the same chap who made the highly meh Occupation (2018).

Verdict

First of all let me clarify this is the movie Red Billabong (2016) re released for some reason.

The tale of two brothers torn between money and their fathers withes and between a peaceful life and being ripped apart by something nasty in the woods. As you can probably work out they have friends who conveniently join them as no horror movie is complete without a bit of cannon fodder.

The trouble is the film is so devastatingly boring, I found myself drifting off multiple times due to a combination of nothing of note happening and it being so generic when it did.

Combine that with some very poor CGI and phoned in performances and this is a very underwhelming effort.

Rants

I remember about a decade ago Australia went through a phase of delivering wall to wall fantastic films such as Wyrmwood and John Doe: Vigilante. It was a great time to be a world cinema fan, it was title after title then suddenly the quality flatlined and we were back to inconsistency again. I've often wondered why that was? A new set of writers who came and went? Law of averages? Or were they just trolling us? Either way, I'd love a repeat.

Breakdown

Poor CGI Weak characters It's all so incredibly generic.

If I had known Devil Beneath was from the same film maker as Red Billabong, I would have not bothered watching it. I actually did not realise that until I came to do my IMDB review, now looking back over Devil Beneath you can blatantly see Luke Sparkle's film style.

Now what can I say about Devil Beneath?

It could have been something. The story idea was there buried beneath a whole lot of stale, robotic acting and bad visual effects. I understand budgets can place a limit on what a film maker can afford, so work within your budget and tailor your script to suit that budget so you can have the best film possible.

I thought that would have been realised after Red Billabong, but obviously not.

The idea that these kind of films keep going out to an international audience is the only thing scary about them.

Get better actors! Or do more rehearsals. Somethings got to give.