Search - The Abandoned on DVD

Derek B. from LINDSBORG, KS
Reviewed on 1/11/2011...

In Russia cars drive you! This isn't the best horror movie ever made but it isn't a horrible movie. It's kind of confusing which is actually kind of a good thing. The movie keeps you guessing and wondering what in the hell is going on. There are some scenes that could probably have been cut out of the movie and it would have been just fine and the acting could have been better but overall it is a decent movie and if you can see it for free or for a low price its probably worth checking out.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Nicole W. (sterju3) from SCRANTON, PA
Reviewed on 4/6/2009...

great movie! about one of the only highlights of 2006 horrorfest. Very scary, frightning and chilling. Highly recomended for a good mind scare.
Dopppelgangers freak me out.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

ONE OF THE BETTER ONES FROM THE FIRST SET

fmwaalex | Austin, TX USA | 10/22/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"THE ABANDONED



This film is the one that was the last released from the first group of The After Dark Horrorfest, in fact this one had a limited theatrical release. Yes indeed this is from the first set that is at about three sets now, so I am sure you remember this one. When the first set was released there was a lot of hype behind these 8 Films to Die For, this one in particular. So how did this one fair in the series, well this may be the best from the first set or at least close to it. I had a certain amount of expectation for this one since it got that special release.



The story follows a woman who is traveling to Russia to learn more about her family, her parents to be exact. Upon arriving there things get a bit weird but things are ok at first, but that changes soon. Things start going bump and there seems to be a dead version of her self that wants to get at her. Also add in some guy that seems to know all about her which I guess it makes sense he says he is her brother. Once he gets there things really heat up especially since there is an evil version of him as well. As the mystery that is her parents and her life stat to unravel she has to find a way out before it is to late.



The story is actually interesting and has some cool little twists that may keep you interested, Karim Hussain, Richard Stanley, and director Nacho Cerdà should be credited for that. The direction in this film is great and the atmosphere created through out is excellent. Another thing that is strong in this film is the cinematography because there are a lot of beautiful shots like the opening shots of the land. There is a lot to like about this movie like the acting is good in this one, well for the most part but the lead seemed like she was straining at times. To be honest though there were times when I had some attention on something else so that may be the reason I feel that way.



Things aren't perfect though like some times the film seems a little less interesting if that is believable because this is actually good. Still the twists that this film takes while not hard to figure out really for the most part will keep you interested. When compared to others in the series from the first set to the latest this may be one of the better ones at least from my point of view. Would I recommend this to the casual fan, yes and that is mainly because the casual fan may have a hard time figuring this out. Yet I would also recommend this to the horror fan because while that person may have seen enough of these to figure this one out it is still fun to watch it play out. Over all this is a good addition to the set and a worthy film of ownership.

"

Too SLOW and repetitive

MJ. (scary drood) | 10/22/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"It was kind of a bore, to be honest. Not scary, really, never was scared. The cinematography is the main thing it has to offer, story was far too repetitive, even though there was a seed of something interesting there, but it just wasn't enough to make this a good movie."

Do NOT invite me to the next Russian Family Reunion!

Jason | Backwater, Alabama | 12/27/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As a quiet, Russian farming family sits down for a pious dinner, a rusty, weathered truck speeds down a dirt road littered with pot-holes. With blood splatter and desperation encouraging the female driver's foot, the gas pedal hugs the floor for more speed. When the truck crashes onto the farm property the family jolts from dinner, wielding a shotgun, to investigate the loud commotion. The door is opened, and a dead mother is discovered with screaming twin babies in the passenger seat.



Flash forward 40 years.



A female movie producer with a mixed past - birth in Russia, raised in England, divorced in the U.S. - is contacted by Russian officials and told of an isolated island inheritance. Desperate to seek out her birth-mother, she answers the call with ulterior motives in mind. Upon her arrival in Russia, she discovers her past may have been best left alone.



The choice of protagonist is a bit different, with relative unknown Anastasia Hille being chosen as Marie, but the selection is spot-on. Not only does Hille perform excellently, capturing the fear and paranoia believably, but her appearance is ideal for the role. Director Nacho Cerda sets up a wonderfully suspenseful ride chock full of dark corners, tense horror, and an overall vibe that exudes creepiness. Similarly, the concept is fairly dark and original, scares and hauntings spawning more from aural fear than the common dark to light, or quiet to loud so typical in lazy horror. Speaking of the auditory, Alfonse Conde's original score is menacing. Along with the thunderous bass and a variety of screeching sounds - both animal and human - accompanying the rusty pipes, dripping water, misfiring electricity and creaking floorboards that make old, abandoned houses so terrifying, the score blends smoothly with the theme as well as the story. The gore and special effects are used sparingly and very effectively. Great production job all around; and a nearly flawless ending rounds out a solid story, making the film very exciting and enjoyable.



This is recommended for a late night scare and for horror fans in general. This is better and has more potential than the majority of big box office horror, and it's worth the viewing.



Jason Elin"