Stake Land (2010)

Sorry, this movie sucks

Admirable film.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

I didn't hate the fact that they were making vampires 'cool' again. Films Like From dusk TIll Dawn, and John Carpenters Vampires, are both classics, In my humble opinion. I also didn't mind the copious amount of gore throughout the film. The shaky camera, in scenes where people are sitting still is unforgivable. The Gummo-like voice overs were too quite to hear. The Acting was all passable. But Danielle Harris' wonky eyebrow still amazes/amuses me, beyond any of the performances in this. Also, thanks for killing her character off. I know the baby probably shows up somewhere in the sequel(which I refuse to watch). But knowing Ms. Harris isn't getting paid for said sequel. THAT is glorious. One last sentence.

Yeah this movie isn't all that great, but some are calling it the worst horror film of the decade, but I wouldn't call it that, not by a long shot, that honor goes to Zombie Nation (no I don't mean the TV series) that movie is a steaming pile of crap and more then deserves its rating of 2.1/10. Anyways the thing I didn't like the most about Stake Land is that it has a lot of plot holes, like Mister who is supposed to be some expert hunter, yet he goes and leaves a sleeping, pregnant girl alone, I mean come on! And the sister wasn't having any trouble keeping up, but she just suddenly decides to commit suicide?!? She was with Mister and Martin, so wasn't able to see that the girl had fallen behind, so she wasn't doing it to help her get away. Also Mister had been obsessed with getting both himself and Martin to New Eden, but when they are finally within reach of it, he just goes off and leaves him? Would of made way more sense for Mister to make sure he at least got there, even if Mister no longer wanted to stay. Plus the dialogue just didn't feel natural a lot of the time, seemed like people said things that one wouldn't actually say. Also the tone of the film was very serious, it wasn't trying to be one of those "so stupid it's funny" movies, it was trying to be serious, yet it was very cheesy at times, like that cop saluting Mister as he rode off into the distance, I actually laughed out loud at that. I realize this movie was done on a small budget, but still the really cheap sound affects detracted from the film as well, as did the many different firearms mistakes. However considering the small budget I was impressed with the quality of the special affects. I think this movie's strongest point is the character development, that was pretty well written. I was genuinely sad when Martin had to kill the girl.

People are turning into grotesque vamps. The remaining humanity survive in isolated communities or even as rumored cannibals. Mister (Nick Damici) is able to save young Martin (Connor Paolo) when his family is attacked by vamps. They are driving north. On the way, they rescue a nun Sister (Kelly McGillis) being hunted by two rapists. They are then captured by a dangerous religious cult leader Jebedia Loven. Mister and Martin escape leaving Sister behind. They continue north and take on pregnant Belle (Danielle Harris) and former marine Willie.This is well-made considering its low budget. Director Jim Mickle concentrates on a dirty ugly dystopia. The characters are simple and well-drawn. It's not breaking new grounds but it's got good grit. There are also some good actors and familiar faces. It's dirty and harsh. The long rambling road trip may actually fit better as a TV show.

From the director of Cold in July & We Are What We Are, Stake Land is Jim Mickle's sophomore effort and one of the most interesting post-apocalyptic horrors to come out in the recent years for it is expertly staged & brilliantly acted, and despite its low budget features an impressive production design, excellent make-up & practical effects.Stake Land presents a world that has been run over by vampires, leaving behind only a handful of survivors. The story is seen through the eyes of an orphaned young man who is taken under the wing of a vampire hunter & learns how to kill them. As the two head north looking for a safe haven, they are joined by more survivors while their peril deepens.Co-written & directed by Jim Mickle, Stake Land feels incredibly fresh despite following a similar road of zombie apocalypse genre. Cinematography adds an atmospheric tension to the plot while capturing every event in fine detail, Editing excellently paces its narrative from start to finish & Jeff Grace's score plays an important role in further elevating its tense mood.Coming to the performances, Stake Land features Nick Damici (who has co-written & acted in every Mickle film so far) in the starring role of Mister; a vampire hunter who along with Martin (Connor Paolo) is heading north to escape from the vampires. Rest of its supporting cast is no slouch for they fill in ably in their given roles while Paolo does a fine job in narrating the whole premise.On an overall scale, Stake Land doesn't bring anything new to the genre but nails the old- school style so well that it's worthy of admiration. The characterization part is handled amazingly well, the plot tries to avoid the genre-clichés wherever possible & is a work of quality in every department. Gripping, entertaining & satisfying, Stake Land is another fab indie from Jim Mickle & comes recommended.