Writer/Director Eric Red Weaves a Fantastic Ghost Story

Marnie Watson (Famke Janssen) is back home after a long prison stay for killing her abusive husband. Enduring physical trauma for years Marnie returns to the site of her initial torment only to find other occupants residing in her home; not all of the residents take physical form (Movies).

Wearing an ankle bracelet and under house arrest Marnie can only travel 100' from the center of her home, but Mike (Michael Pare) now an apparition and Marnie's former husband haunts the lonely halls and empty basements of this New York apartment. Marnie must face Mike in a final test of wills that one send one character to the other side forever (Movies).

Rating: Rated R for some strong violence, terror, language and a scene of sexuality.

Cast: Famke Janssen, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Pare, and Ed Westwick.

Release Date: November 2008.

Director/writer: Eric Red (Internet).

Director Eric Red is the creative genius and writer of "100 Feet," but he might be better known for classic horror films like; "The Hitcher," or "Near Dark." Red manages to take a typical ghost story and turn it into a tale of romance, and redemption while adding a few comedic moments. "100 Feet," is surprising in its delivery of unpredictable scares while maximizing the story of an abusive husband and his take no bull**** wife. Well written, with few pauses Red delivers another instant horror classic in "100 Feet," (Bloody).

Most films that take place in a single environment with one central character tend to be on the dull side of the movie spectrum (think "I Am Legend," the first forty-five minutes), but not "100 Feet," as actress Famke Jannsen delivers an emotionally intense performance. Jannsen is front and center throughout most of the film with minor characters adding relevant elements to the story. Each character interaction adds depth to the plot while ex-husband Mike looms angrily in the background and moves center stage near the climactic ending. However, "100 Feet," is mostly a movie about Marnie (Bloody).

One of the most effective villains in recent horror cinema is the appearance of Mike as the vengeful ghast, hell bent on tormenting Marnie. Shots of Mike as a ghostly apparition are truly horrifying initially, and although the scare factor weakens over time the climactic ending gives a final terrifying push that is sure to excite horror fans. Any supernatural ghoul that is shown in scenes with a blood-red mask, who is brutally violent is a fun, yet scary watch. Well done Michael Pare you scared the crap out of me (Bloody).

One of the few minor setbacks to the film is the fact that ex police officer and ghost, Mike is able to physically attack and harm many of the individuals within the film, which possibly sets a new mold for the ghost haunting genre. As well, Marnie while being at least twenty years senior, manages to seduce the local delivery boy. Meanwhile, jealous ex-husband Mike rages and hovers nearby with revenge in mind. Not a good idea to piss off a ghost! In the next scene Mike delivers blow upon blow to Marnie's new boyfriend (Ed Westwick), which briefly requires a suspension of belief and an open mind to the potentialities of the other world (Bloody). A ghost who is able to hurt the living is somewhat grounbreaking, in film and sets up a nice scenario involving a hand and a garbage disposal

Another minor drawback to the film is the overseriousness of the character Shanks (Bobby Cannavale) who is dealing with the loss of his best friend, by becoming a constantly angry, irrational maniac. Over time Shanks character slowly warms to Marnie's plight and finally begins to listen halfway into the movie, but the stubbornness of the character might unsettle some viewers. Possibly, some over-acting here, as well (Bloody).

With only two minor setbacks to the film, "100 Feet," is a fun watch for a dark night alone or with a loved one (turn off the lights to heighten the scares). Although, somewhat serious in tone, during some scenes this non-typical ghost story about revenge, passion, and letting go of the past is a must watch and worthy of a rewatch. "100 Feet," is probably going direct to video, but this is not due to the quality of film as it rates a definite A+ on this site. In any event, distribution of independent horror films are not usually a high priority for film studios. So, you will have to take my word for it and find this movie wherever and whenever it is shown, and then watch it multiple times (Bloody).

One of the first trailers for "100 Feet," from traileraddict.com:



Sources:

100 Feet at Bloody-disgusting.com

100 Feet at Internet Movie Database

100 Feet at Moviesonline.ca

Posted in: 100 feet,2008,bobby cannavale,eric red,famke janssen,ghost,ghost story,horror,house arrest,independent,movie,murder,thriller