The 7 (2006)

Load of rubbish!!

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

Blistering performances.

Excellent job all around. Knowing the budget, I was stunned by the production values. Low budget filmmakers should definitely watch this; it is proof that it is the combination of writer, director, actors and DP that make a film and not necessarily the budget. I believe the horror genre is particular difficult--especially with limited funds. The suspense factor was perfect -- keeping one glued and wondering what was around the next corner. Most importantly, "characterization" was present, which is so often lacking in low budget horror films (and high budget truth be known). These particular filmmakers clearly know how to bring it all together and make it work. Kudos.

Saw a screener of this, aware of the film's budget, and was pleasantly surprised by the production values and realistic performances. A similarly themed film, The Cave, with a budget over a hundred times greater, wasn't nearly as atmospheric (and definitely not as funny). Lacking the money to dazzle us with special effects (and who is still dazzled by them anyway?), the filmmakers put their efforts into artful set and sound design, lighting, photography, score and, most importantly, believable performances. The two leads were particularly good, with a sweet chemistry, and lots of star potential, and the bitchy blond was especially funny. If you need piles of fabulous special effects, this probably won't do it for you, but if you like intelligently crafted little movies, check it out.

This was a low budget film which showed that, yes, even without a bigger budget, a good film can be the outcome. Even though some say this is a low budget version of the "Descent" I found it to be more enjoyable, and the acting to be much more professional. A horror film can be just as frightening without the gore, which is what this film showed.The filming and directing were excellent, as were the actors. They all seemed to work well together. I particularly liked the differences in all the characters, and the fact that the most unlikely candidate for a high school romance with a teacher was a geek named Janice.

I am not a horror/thriller fan, but I went to see the film because I am a fan of the Directors personal story "My Backyard was a Mountain." Once again the director was able to pull off what a lot of independent filmmakers are trying to do. To be able to tell a compelling and believable story with a very very limited budget. With a setting that primarily takes place in a cave, throughout the movie I was wondering is this cave real? After the Q&A I asked that question. The director said that the cave was not a real one, but built for the movie. Wow!! Impressive! The director was able to pull all the shots. Making a cave look like a labyrinth when in reality it's a little stage is what I call a truly independent director. Another point of the movie that I really was impressed with was that he had a Latina protagonist. No, she was not a maid or a slut...but a leading role in a film that showcased her talent. This director probably took a chance at that because America does not feel comfortable with leading actors that are not white, but this young lady did a great job. With the little resources the director was given, he proved that he CAN direct. I just cannot wait to see the unbelievable magic waiting to come out on screen when this director is given a bigger budget.