These 14 Cameras See Everything: A Film Review

Directors: Seth Fuller and Scott Hussion.

Writer: Victor Zarcoff.

Cast: Amber Midthunder, Tait Fletcher and Sharon Anne Henderson.

14 Cameras is a follow-up to 2015's 13 Cameras aka Slumlord. Writer Victor Zarcoff has written both films. But, this time, the sequel has been co-directed by Seth Fuller and Scott Hussion. A familiar villain returns. In the heart of New Mexico, a family is being stalked through hidden cameras. Every intimate moment is filmed. Very much a kidnap thriller, 14 Cameras confines some of the characters, while spying on others. All of the characters are well-defined as Zarcoff gives even the minor characters something to deal with. The finale is great, with the world's worst landlord coming out from behind the walls to show his true malevolence. 14 Cameras is a decent kidnap thriller, especially if you hate happy endings.

After seeing so many films, this film fan and critic has developed his own genres, including the kidnap thriller. These types of films put a victim or victims in a locked room or basement. Meanwhile, the captor lurks about, tormenting his prey. Silence of the Lambs (1991) and Nine Dead (2010) are two more examples of kidnap thrillers. In both of these films, there is not just confinement but psychological torture. In 14 Cameras, the villain is a voyeur, watching a family through a series of hidden cameras. This slumlord has a couple of characters locked away in a buried cargo container; he is ready to capture more. But, this villain is mostly a voyeur, only forced into kidnapping when there is no other alternative.

A landlord from Hell!

In the meantime, the characters play out their own dramas. Danielle (Amber Midthunder), one of the protagonists, is a guest of the family and staying at the vacation home. She is dealing with a cheating boyfriend, while also noticing that her undergarments are going missing. With the creeper nowhere to be seen, Danielle blames her friend's brother, Kyle (John-Paul Howard). Kyle is trying to convince others of his innocence. Not much farther away, other characters are dealing with more pressing issues. Two women are prisoners and held below ground. One victim wants to fight back, while the other has given up on any hopes of escape. Their different desires lead to more conflict. Still other characters are struggling to understand their role in a world with a killer and kidnapper. Zarcoff has created a number of interesting characters, within 14 Cameras. Most viewers will be able to identify with someone on the screen.

Finally, the film offers a worst-case renting scenario. If the rent is too good to be true, then there is a reason. The family gets their villa for a mere $400 a week. But, they also get a lurking creeper, who uses their toothbrush, or spies on them when they are changing. Gerald (Neville Archambault) as he is innocuously named, is the world's worst landlord. He does everything viewers' would fear. He smells the characters' clothes, when they are away. Or, he tries on their lip balm. Very strange looking, this creeper is very technologically adept. And, some of the scenes are shown through his many hidden cameras. If you ever see a balding man with bulging eyes and a rental offer, skip to the next advert'. You can thank this reviewer later.

14 Cameras is slated for a Digital release, this Summer. Very much a kidnap thriller, 14 Cameras brings a renting nightmare to the screen. Every character is dealing with some sort of trouble. Though, the confined characters are bearing the brunt of the challenges. There was no catharsis for this viewer, with one despicable character escaping to a foreign country. Still, the finale was explosive. Two villains fight over the remaining minor characters. Not really a horror film, this title is for those looking for a well written story. Just don't expect all of the plot details to be wrapped up in a nice bow as this package has more camera equipment and handcuffs inside.

Overall: 6.75 out of 10.

A trailer for this film is available on 28DLA: A 14 Cameras Trailer on 28DLA


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Posted in: 2018,characters,creep,kidnap,kidnapped,movie,movie review,psychological,psychological thriller,review,sequel,stalker,story,thriller movie review