A Deposit at this ATM Could be a Mistake: A Movie Review

Director: David Brooks.

Writer: Chris Sparling.

Cast: Alice Eve, Josh Peck and Brian Geraghty.

ATM is a smallish horror film developed by a threesome of production companies who shot this film in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The climate is brutally cold in the film and so was this reviewer's reception to the film. ATM just seems underdeveloped. There are underdeveloped characters, especially the protagonist, David (Brian Geraghty). Other problems occur involving unbelievable characters actions and the script from award winner Chris Sparling (Buried) lacks a strong conflict between the villain and supposed hero. The overall impression left by this film is one of weakness.

The main deficiency comes from the two male friends Corey (Josh Peck) and David. Their relationship is just too contrived. They share office space, but it is difficult to see these two characters spending time after the work day is through. Corey is the annoying selfish drinker while David is the soft-spoken golden boy. If you are seeing opposites, then you are on to something. But opposites attract, right? In the film, David is attracted to Emily (Alice Eve). Yet, he has a tough time breaking the ice. An after party drive home with a killer to boot is just the right scenario to bring all three characters together as a team. But bickering, strange behaviours and even cowardice keeps these characters and the story in general from rising to truly terrifying heights.

Hiding is rarely heroic nor inspiring

The Masked Slasher at Dread Central sums up the film fairly accurately with "ATM is the kind of movie where everything is off-kilter." ATM does show high production values in the film quality and some use of directing techniques including long shots, interior shots and intercutting is well done (some intercut scenes are held for too short a duration). However, outside of the poor characters, the killer's motivations are never revealed. If someone puts hours of planning into murder, then surely there is a reason for the bloodshed or is the viewer meant to believe in the existence of pure evil? The acting is somewhat off-putting during the climax and the finale is eye-rolling rather than insightful or shocking.

ATM is not a satisfying horror film despite an interesting scenario involving an automated bank teller building, a masked killer and three supremely stupid semi-friends. Surely, the white hat could have confronted the villain at least once before the final scene. These are not friends that you would want watching your back in any mild challenge.

Overall, ATM is a slight challenge to finish and horror fans who like a few more surprises in their cinema or a few more thrills might want to watch the recently released Resurrection County or Donner Pass. These two films offer reels that are disturbing and there are a few twists within also. Skip the ATM for something more time-worthy and less awkwardly produced.

Overall: 6 out of 10 (since when is covering a bleeding wound with deposit slips a good idea? if a friend was trying to break up your late night hook up, wouldn't you just leave him at the ATM?).

*released on VOD March 2nd.

**rated restricted.

ATM reviewed at Dread Central:

ATM Reviewed at Dread Central

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