Thursday, June 23, 2011
Michael Allen
Writers: Scott Martin, Marilee A. Benson, Lori Chavez, and C.W. Fallin.
Wow, what an absolutely dismal film. Anchor Bay Entertainment continues to distribute some of these lackluster horror titles e.g. Sharktopus, Altitude for no apparent reason. Their latest disaster is more of a horror soap opera, than anything else. The Rig has an interesting premise, with elements such as: a hurricane styled storm coming in, an isolated oil rig, and creatures released from deep below. Yet, the film delivers a mish-mash of bad acting, terrible musical compositions and plot holes so big that a huge drill could not fill them in. Unfortunately, those sent to The Rig will soon be looking for their first boat back to Florida.
Several oil workers set up a new drill site, only to unleash a sea borne terror. They look much like a cheap knock off of the creatures from the Alien franchise. Sadly, there is no James Cameron here. Instead, you get some non-scary thrills from director Peter Atencio shooting characters running down the same hallways over and over again. This is not the worst element within The Rig. The lead actor Scott Martin as Dobbs just does not deliver any interesting flourishes. Other actors have never been seen by this reviewer before and there performances are sometimes unforgivable. In the end, the acting is starchy and full of trouble.
Now, several plastic suited creatures are moving about The Rig taking characters out one by one, for no explained reason. Surprise attacks seem to be the monsters only strategy when dealing with the living. The repetitive creature feature storyline is further dampened by Bruce Fowler's musical compositions. This reviewer is not sure who would think violins is a good choice for a horror movie, but they are here. The music seems out of place and more suitable for a horror soap opera, if there is such a thing. The melodrama and this lackluster film will soon have you feeling seasick. Yet, the film continues.
The upright and bipedal monstrosities look like something out of Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Apparently special effects have not improved since the 1950s, as the film would have viewers believe. They leak fluorescent blood, much like the aforementioned Aliens styled creatures. As well, they use claws to hack and slash the crew members, just like the 1986 film. There is no tension here, nor thrills and The Rig really comes off like a missed opportunity, or a sleazy attempt to cash in on the horror film watching crowd.
The Rig is not believable and when the suriving oil workers are reduced to one, this household gave a cheer. Yes, the credits are coming soon! This film is not compelling and the poor production does not create an interesting reality. This film is best left at the bottom of the sea, with one final jab worth mentioning. If there is a hurricane like storm coming in to the setting, then, surely, someone should turn on a wind machine or rain machine somewhere. Maybe believability was too much of a hassle for the crew.
This film is going on this reviewer's top ten list for worst films of 2011, without a doubt. Uninspiring, repetitive and full of problems, the premise of The Rig slowly falls apart. The only thing more nightmarish than watching The Rig again is wondering when Anchor Bay Entertainment will decide to make a sequel of this schlocker.
Writing/plot/premise: 7 (interesting plot, no major problems in writing, but some plot holes).
Acting/believability: 5 (something went wrong in casting).
Cohesion/flow/pacing: 5.5 (not sure, not good).
Overall: 5.8 out of 10 (not recommended at all, torturous, lackluster).
Another review of this film at DVD Verdict (Ike Oden):
The Rig Lambasted at DVD Verdict
You are doing yourself a disservice if you watch this film:
The Rig at Amazon Video-on-Demand
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Posted in: 2011,anchor bay,anchor bay entertainment,movie review,ocean,sharktopus,william forsythe
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