The Human Race

Here is another film that takes the idea of Battle Royale or Hunger Games and tries to spin its own twist on things. Here the twist is running to survive, keep off the grass and don't get lapped. This premise wasn't too bad, but while the previous films I mentioned are all set in reality, this one takes a step back from reality with the people being magically transported to this running location (which still looks like an average neighbourhood location), you spend the film wondering, is it magic, is it supernatural, is it alien, do I really care? And why if the powers behind this race had such ability would they choose all the people from a small city block area rather than individuals from a variety of places? And why this area specifically? The cast are passable, and the writing definitely attempts to give depth and diversity to the characters, but there are as many bad characters as good which leaves you struggling to relate to most of them. Apparently the film was made of many years and perhaps this is why it feels a bit disjointed and lacks a cohesive flow. It's not terrible but it would definitely be very low on your watch list and there are much better films you could be seeing.

I know there are a lot of reviews on here that magnify the negative points in this film. So, to get some stuff out of the way, the acting and sets used in this film are awful. Pure terrible. Additionally, the start of the film is awfully jarring.

However, there are some really interesting ideas to be found here. I wont be giving anything away by saying that there are two deaf characters in this film. The way the film makers have used these two characters sign conversations are quite clever, I don't think I have seen an interaction like this before (but then I am fairly ignorant).

The development of the characters as individuals is also done in timed manner. I don't think there was a moment in the film where I asked myself "what about so and so...".

I am not sure that this is the right format for the material though. As I was watching, I felt that it could have been better conveyed as a mini series etc.

Essentially, if you don't mind losing an hour and a half out of your life and want to see something different, give it a watch.

I surprised that this movie turned out so divisive, while certainly not everyones cup of tea it is certainly very memorable and interesting. I like simple set-ups like this, classic battle royal setup, clearly communicated rules for the audience and participants to understand and a diverse range of characters from all ranges of life.

The Human Race cleverly avoids offering a clear protagonist to root for allowing you to pick your own champion or play the "what would I do" game in your head. All of that achieves one thing: it makes the movie more engaging, if you are willing to engage with it. It helps that the pacing, editing and cinematography move things along quickly without much downtime.

The performances are a bit hit and miss, some are terrible (cyclist guy) some are okay (one legged guy) and some are really good (especially the deaf girl). The effects are serviceable, some digital blood effects look better than others, but overall a good production for its budget level. So even without going into the aspect of potentially pretentious commentary on the human condition, the movie works fine just on a surface level, if you want to interpret it deeper, that's okay, there are some interesting observations sprinkled in.

Without spoiling it, the ending did not work for me, the movie should have ended 3 minutes earlier and it would have been better. Despite that, I recommend it, it's better than Circle or The Belko Experiment which had a similar setup...

A group of people are taken from their known existence and taken to a remote location they are unaware of. The lot are from all walks of life; young, old, disabled, athletic, rich and poor, of all nationalities. Confused and afraid, these 80 people will be unwilling participants will strive for the one goal evolution teaches us: survival of the fittest.

This movie is on an epic scale and worthy of a comparison to the movie Battle Royal. Not for the faint of heart, you get a realization of what a human being will do when reduced from its modern conveniences and put in a state where primal urges rule. Paul Hough did not spare any expense and reveals to the audience the difference between survival and salvation. The well rounded cast played their roles well from the injured and compassionate vet to the bloodthirsty hot chick who cares only for herself. The story is unconventional and told in a brilliant way which separates it from most independent horror stories into a class all on its own.

It s slasher that's a thriller and leaves plenty of room for the psychological betrayal of the audience. It all makes for a great story; seeing both ends of the spectrum of the human condition. The intense plot twists will keep the audience craving for more. The performance and chemistry between Eddie McGee and Paul McCarthy-Boyington were top notch, drawing me in for what's to come for these two brothers against the hordes.

So yes, this movie is made to a budget, the actors aren't convincing, the special effects are cheap and the storyline is a little lacking.

However, overall it's a curiously enjoyable romp. The story develops the characters just enough for the viewer to connect to them and take an interest in their eventual fate.

Also of note is the use of non-stereotypical characters. The main characters involve a deaf couple, a cripple, a priest, a pregnant woman, and it goes on, the variety and effort to stick away from typical archetypal heroes is well noticed and appreciated.

It is a movie that most people can happily bypass, but by no means is it a waste of time... enjoyable. :)