When Things go Wrong at "The Cottage"

Brothers David and Peter kidnap the daughter of a local gangster, and bring her to a cottage in the English countryside. Some henchmen close in on these bumbling brothers as the ransom of $100,000 is just too much to pay. With revenge on the brothers looming, fate intervenes on their behalf (Internet).

A lonely, disfigured local farmer goes 'vigilante,' on the henchmen and many of the local residents. Peter, David, and their kidnap victim Tracey go on the run with a crazed killer in hot pursuit, but with the local townsfolk closing their doors, help must be found in each other. As the likliehood of a paycheque dims and a killer spoiling the brothers plans it becomes clear that kidnapping is the business of professionals (Internet).

Release Date: 14 March 2008 UK.

Director/writer: Paul Andrew Williams.

Starring: Andy Serkis, Reece Shearsmith, and Jennifer Ellison.

"The Lodge," starts off as being a kidnapping story involving; one inept brother, an all business sibling, and a foul-mouthed woman. However, halfway into the film "The Lodge," shifts gears and another story develops revolving around a serial killer with mommy issues. There is no build-up to the second part of the film, so it is a bit of a shock as it comes out of nowhere. As well few hints are given as to where the film intends to go. But, this film is mainly about having some fun, and enjoying a few laughs. With the characters antagonizing each other and the story throwing out a couple campy scares this film is pure enjoyment.

Paul Andrew Williams is the writer and director of "The Cottage," and his lack of experience in filmmaking, unfortunatly shows. The first half hour of the film takes a long time to expand into an interesting story. As well, there is no hook in the early part of the film or action sequences that could potentially excite movie audiences. By the time the action gets under way most cinema goers will be thinking about other things i.e. when does this movie end? On the other hand, the second part of the film offers some good laughs and fun scenes including; one with David interacting with a few inquisitive townsfolk, another where a heavy-set man literally loses his head, and one where Peter must come to terms with his fear of moths (mottephobia). Overall, the first half of the movie is disappointing, but the intensity of the second half makes up for the first.

Often when a movie tries to fit into several genres, in this case the comedy, horror genre a movie fails to deliver in either, however this is not the case with "The Cottage." The music of the film helps to deliver comedic punchlines, and the joy of the film is in the well written dialogue. "The Cottage," does not take itself seriously and laughs at itself throughout the showing. The horror sections of the film are over the top and very campy and will have most audiences laughing rather than squealing in terror. One scene where a character endures a foot amputation is pure hilarity; whether this is the intention of the writer/director is unknown.

Although, it difficult to determine the themes of "The Cottage," other than the importance of family loyalty this film is clever enough for horror fans to view. Already making the rounds in the United Kingdom, "The Cottage," will find its way to North American audiences sometime in 2009. If you are in the moood for some light comedy with a few gory moments thrown in, then pick this one up on DVD or Blu-Ray.



Sources:

The Cottage at Internet Movie Database

The Cottage Review at Horror-movies.ca

Posted in: 2008,Andy Serkis,comedy,horror,jennifer ellison,midnight movie,Reece shearsmith,the cottage,united kingdom