Roulette (2005) User Reviews

Not terribly original but considering what they were working with a success

[bi_mo_hi · 7/10 · 4 April 2006]

This horror movie was obviously made on a budget of no dollars. However despite its economic shortcomings it does manage to at certain times to build suspense and create a few genuine scares. For that it rises above a lot of the laughable gore fests that Hollywood continues to churn out and label horror. For this the director deserves a lot of credit, for his ability to create chills from essentially nothing.

*********************Spoiler warning*********************************** The films plot is nothing original what with its vengeful spirit picking people off bent. Also at times the whole meta-physical, intersecting time-lines bit really didn't make much sense or work well with the rest of the film. **********************End Spoilers********************************** The acting also got a bit hammy at times but it was nothing that took away from the overall enjoyment of the film. You can really see potential for some of the actors to perhaps have future careers.

In general this is a pretty good movie--by no means great--by worth a view if you have nothing better to do and like movies that can create a sense of dread and even deliver the occasionally jolt. I again I can't stress enough how low budget it is and that being said it surpassed my expectations in every way.

8 friends experience the consequences of their actions after a late night game of Russian roulette

[bell7273 · 9/10 · 4 April 2006]

Love this - it's new talent carving a path for themselves. But these directors aren't your run-of-the-mill everybody's-doing-it-directors. They've got talent and the sparks are obvious in their first feature-length film. Shot entirely on a hand-held camera and without a formal script, the team's creativity and editing ability give the audience goosebumps and edge-of-your-seat moments usually reserved for seasoned horror film directors. This is the type of film you have to watch again and again - each time brings new and interesting twists that showcase BadFritter's editing talent and thought process. The film comes with a cast of fresh faces who's convincing performance matches the directors creative vision perfectly. Roulette brings the horror film genre back to its roots with an intelligent twist. Can't wait to see more work from these guys.

The "horror" in this horror movie is the compelling reality of living or in this case dying as the result of impulsive choices made for all the wrong reasons.

[socrdoc999 · 9/10 · 11 April 2006]

As a psychiatrist I found this movie chillingly instructive. The years from eighteen to twenty seven are formative in their ability to destroy one's life based on choices made during periods of depression, low self esteem, rejection, peer pressure, mental illness. This theme is beautifully portrayed in "Roulette." With the stark reality as members and astute observer's of this generation, the Directors tell the story of five young people who choose poorly. The pacing of the movie enhances the impulsive decisions of the five to play roulette. The winner will take home the money but this has nothing to do with the true motives for taunting death. Are these five young people all suicidal in their own way? Perhaps! Are their reasons for putting the gun to their heads compelling? Of course! Can they really understand the consequences of their actions. No way! At least not until the blood flows. Then their lives are over. It just takes a little while for them to die. Had they not played the game the evolution of their lives would have carried them beyond adolescence into adulthood, which confers on it's participants the life experiences that make life bearable, understandable, and even enjoyable. Unfortunately many young people never find that out. Other than auto accidents, the number one cause of death in this age group is suicide. "Roulette" explores this horrible fact better than any psychiatric text or lecture.

excellent psycho-thriller

[ekaplan-4 · 9/10 · 24 May 2006]

Do not be misled by the "horror" genre label attached to this film. And don't come looking for Cravenesque blood and guts either. But if you like clever psychological thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat with mind games and questions without answers, take a spin with Roulette. There is plenty to like in this surprising little film. The actors were very well cast and so believable that, at times, it looked like we were watching an 8mm home movie of some kids in the neighborhood. The sound track was very creative and worth having as a CD were it available--call it the greatest alt-emo hits you never heard of. It rocked from start through the credits.

No matter what else a film has going for it, a good plot, or something worth telling, is a must. There is no disappointment here. Just when you start to fidget a little bit and think about looking at your watch, and maybe even shaking it to make sure it's still working, BANG--things get going and an hour later you realize you haven't moved a muscle since that 15 minute mark.

The film misses a 10 by it's overuse of special effects. It's obvious these boys know all of the tricks, but they're a little too eager to show them off all at once. Maybe they weren't certain there would be another film to make down the road, but it will be obvious to everybody that sees this one that that won't be a problem.

Better than 99% of horror films on the market

[pitman76 · 9/10 · 30 April 2006]

"Roulette" simply reaffirms that talented individuals, even without major funding, typically produce a more engaging, rewarding, and just plain better end product than their high budget counterparts.

The writers/directors of "Roulette" set up a great premise and then actually delivers with scenes that are so intense and visceral that you will be shocked and terrified, but unable to turn away.

"Roulette" quickly connects with the viewer through honest acting and a compelling story line. The camera-work and editing is innovative and exciting, and the fact that it was filmed on video adds to the authenticity and tension to the movie.

"Roulette" is built around a seemingly random group of individuals who are brought together for a fateful night that leaves them changed forever and possibly beyond salvation. The plot line careens bloodily towards a climax that brings closure, but, true to real life, does not provide easy answers.

Consider watching "Roulette" before settling for the mainstream dreck that will leave you feeling empty, disappointed, and like you've just wasted 90 minutes of your life (i.e. "Hostel", "Silent Hill", "Wolf Creek", and on and on). "Roulette" is a more fulfilling, more unique, and a hell of a lot scarier experience!

Really really good...

[mizerpark · 10/10 · 19 April 2006]

I was surprised. I really was. This is an absolutely no budget film that was done exceptionally well. This ghost story makes your skin crawl, and despite what others may say, it is an entirely original and compelling story. SCARY, SCARY STUFF!

SPOILERS KINDA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I won't give too much away but there are intersecting story lines that brilliantly link together all of the characters. The performances are also surprisingly realistic and actually rival major Hollywood performances. The kid who played Troy is hilarious! Would love to see more of him in the future! I jumped many times and the twist ending blew me out of my seat. The guy who plays Scott is also really funny in the shower.

END SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hear that the filmmakers have a new project coming this summer with a much larger budget and I have to say I really can't wait. Keep your eye out for these guys (Bad Fritter Films). Seriously, this is the absolute best indie horror film I've ever seen and I've seen a lot! Maybe these guys should consider a remake of "Roulette" with a larger budget, it would be a huge hit! I'm talking millions! Keep up the great work!