The Mountain Kings

While this might sound like an average seen-it-all-before horror/thriller that entertains the main-stream movie goers, this is definitely in a class of its own. It is a bizarre, edgy, grueling movie confronting head-on many uncomfortable issues about the frequently extreme violence promoted to us through Hollywood movies such as 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre', and the concern that maybe we as an audience are becoming immune to all of it due to America's growing appetite for watching blood, gore and torture in movies, and that violence is being normalized in the eyes of the media.

The first thing that hits you when you are watching this movie is the unusual style that directly goes against many of the commonly used conventions that we as an audience have become accustomed to.

An interesting thing this movie does is it frequently breaks the imaginary 'fourth-wall', when the character Paxton directly addresses the audience and comments on the violence that is taking place and what he anticipates will be the audience's reaction to it. By taking away the 'fourth-wall', the movie also takes away our comfort zone.

To summarize, I think this an exceptionally powerful movie which manages to combine a wicked twist of a story with a powerful statement about the impact of Hollywood on our society today and is definitely worth seeing!

This is a tough film to review, as it does everything in its power to deter, dismiss, and disappoint its audience. The truth is, however, that it does do something far more compelling: It remains compelling and does not broadcast a message, it forces you to experience it.

The story is of course disturbing and distressing, extremely strong performances, and highlights the fleeting boundary between reality and fiction. Overall it's a artistic-horror-thriller, raising many serious questions about violence.

I found myself sympathizing for the main victim in this film played by an unknown and exceptional young actress. She was constantly put in further peril for the sake of "entertainment". And for this reason, I was completely enthralled. I was glued to the screen, wondering what the group's exact fate was. It was at that point that I realized, the only way to help them is to turn away and leave the rest to my imagination as it becomes extremely clear just where everything is going.

I couldn't though. It may have been my addiction to violent tension, it could have been sheer curiosity, it could have been anything. However, one thing was certain, I could not deter my fascination. As a result, I witnessed bizarre and brutal events at my own expense.

This is not an easy movie to like, but it's almost impossible to not respect the impact it will have on you. The filmmakers of this have enough of a soul to call a spade a spade when they see one. The spade is that senseless violence devoid of context, moralizing, or affect is outright insulting coming from a society that is one, if not the most violent nations in recent history.

In my perspective, it's all about the actors chosen, and their performance. And I must say they didn't disappoint! In fact I think they all do an excellent job turning what could have been a disastrous endeavor into one very well done! I've never heard of any of the actors before but they definitely rocked it!

In general I think this movie is a great essay on evilness and Human's perversity. It's really sadistic, from the psychological point of view, and worst of all, it offers no chance to the victims to escape, from the beginning!

It's really a cat-mouse game where we know who will win... Evil! Since the beginning we see that evilness will triumph over goodness in this film. There's no chance to escape from it.Because evil also triumphs too many times in "real life", and the "heroes" that we're always watching in movies don't exist in a great number out there.

This film will keep you frightened and glued to your seat. Because one thing that this film is NOT, is predictable. It also contains a surprise scene that temporarily shifts into the realm of fantasy, which further bends minds and entertains the audience.

Dear everyone who had anything to do with making this movie;

I am charging you with battery. You have mentally assaulted me. You'll be hearing from my lawyer.

The clockwork orange vibe intrigued me and was drawn into seeing the film. Myself and the 2 people I watched this with love movies. We love thrillers, and we love horrors and suspense. We even love B horror and spoof comic horror. Unfortunately this movie effectively fails at all of these. it managed to remain devoid of anything funny. Sometimes a movie is so bad its funny. This couldn't even do that.

It attempts to shock and presents itself as pushing the limits. A partial list of movies that have accomplished what this movie attempts: For making us identify with a sadist and scenes of shocking violence "A Clockwork Orange" For jarring us by breaking the fourth wall and horrific violence, "Goodfellas". For cruel and dismissive homicide, Mickey & Mallory in "Natural Born Killers". For holding up a mirror to the USA, "There will be Blood".

The acting was the only thing that was convincing and above average. The young, lead psychopath was spot on. His character's girlfriend in the movie is good as the more sexually and mindlessly vicious of the two. The kidnap victim is great. She does an outstanding job of portraying wide wild-eyed terror. It was miserable though to watch. The gang's Uber-Wimp lackey was relatable, since like him, I didn't want to be there either.

There is some resonance to this movie, but not the good kind, it's more of an ugliness, a feeling of shame and a feeling of getting betrayed by believing that there could be something redeeming from the experience.

Loathsome depiction of American complacency and American audience's bystanding voyeurism.

I get what the director wants to get across and shove down our throats but I ain't swallowing it. This is one of the most uncomftable films I've ever seen and I cringed every minute of it. That was torture enough! To have to describe every creepy nasty moment is a disservice to those who want their entertainment just that : entertaining.

Sick and twisted. On a par with the snuff film genre. You can intellectualise a reason to sit through this but to my mind you can't excuse the inexcusable. Couldn't watch it.... very upsetting.

The film only gets 3 stars from me and that's because of the cast. They were excellent.