Review of Series 7 (2001) by Tim B — 25 Aug 2009

This is a big hit with me for several reasons. First off, I love the fact that this is a mockumentary in the guise of a reality show. I can't stand 98% of that crap and this one takes it to the next level.

Contestants on this type of show are given weapons and told to hunt eachother down until one winner remains. This isn't the first movie with this idea but the style its presented in is. I like how most of the characters were in the grey area in terms of likeable.

It helped that the actors were on the ball. Brooke Smith is hilarious and tough as the champion Dawn. Marylouise Burke was mousy but frightening when it came to offing someone. Glenn Fitzgerald is funny as Jeff and his penchant to change his mind so often cracked me up.

Merrit Weaver is cute as hell and ended up being my favorite in this. Daniel Minahan made the movie look and sound exactly like a putrid reality show. The cameramen just mostly follow the actors around.

I must say it's very convincing. If this was playing on TV and you randomly turned it on, you'd be convinced. I guess he did his job in that aspect. The movie isn't perfect for me, though.

I wished there was a bit more violence. Hints of blood and simple gunshots don't cut it for me nowadays. That could've been the movie's point but it didn't really gel with me. I also wish that there was more on two of The Contenders that were either dropped from the movie too fast, or not emphasized on enough.

Yes, I'm talking about Tony and Franklin. We get a lot on Tony early on only to see him go quickly and Hardly anything comes up about Franklin. Lastly, the ending is a real cop out. It's not a horrible ending but it definitely wasn't what I was looking for.

But this movie is all about fun times for me. Most people I watch this with like the concept, but then want to shut it off half way through. I wonder if I told them it was a real show if they'd be more likely to stick with it.

The sad thing is, most people get off on reality shows by watching mental breakdowns and heated arguements. This movie just takes it a tiny step further from what we're already seeing. Clever idea, funny throughout, one shocking scene, an awesome (and lame) soundtrack and a hard hitting underlying message make this a very fun watch for me.