Movie Review: Playback

Every once in a blood-moon horror is graced with a true masterpiece. Something that either redefines the genre, or reminds us why we fell in love with the old ghoul in the first place. Sadly, Playback is not one of those works. No, no. Playback is the kind of film that reminds us that Hollywood typically has no idea what it's doing when it comes to what makes great horror.

Playback's story centers around a group of teens, led by the dashing young Julian, (played by Johnny Pacar , who, by the way, actually played his role pretty well) researching a decades old massacre that occurred in their town. And by researching, I mean, making an offensive indie horror film of it for their journalism class. Admittedly, the murders were bizarre and pretty creepy: Harlan Diehl filmed the murder of his parents and topless step-sister in their small, rundown farm house, the cops arriving just in time for him to finish off his topless step-sister, but sparing her newborn baby. Did I mention the step-sister is topless? You've been warned!

Sadly, the original video is the best part of the movie horror-wise, and it's over pretty quickly. Now, as you might expect, digging up old, bloody history like this doesn't sit well with any of the older folks, particularly Julian's mom. But Julian, ever the hardened journalist, keeps digging deeper. He enlists the help of creepy tech-geek Quinn (portrayed by Toby Hemingway), but when Quinn uncovers some of the original tapes, the spirit of Harlan Diehl, somehow trapped within the film, possesses him. Quinn's descent into madness is swift, as he gains the ability to reach into the minds of others through cameras and will them to do his bidding. As you can imagine, things get pretty ridiculous from there, the the movie begins to feel more like dark science fiction than horror.

My biggest complaint, however, is about the only Christian character in the film, Deedee (played by the lovely Jennifer Missoni). (And by Christian, I mean she is considered "innocent" [or naive] and wears a cross. . .which the director feels the need to emphasize) No, no, thank God, she isn't your typical Hollywood bigot-Christian. She doesn't stone any gays or molest any little boys. It's just. . .she's a complete idiot. I want to say airhead to be a little more lenient. . .but idiot seems more than appropriate. And of course, a film about mind-control wouldn't miss out on a chance to have a hot Christian chick do a strip-tease for a pervy cop. (Yes, there's a perverted cop who plays a fairly pointless role . . . and yes, he's played by Christian Slater . . . oh Slater, what happened?) All that said, Deedee isn't necessarily an unlikable character either. . .nope. . .just dumb.

Deedee's clueless expression after being asked her age

The film wasn't an entire letdown though. The acting is pretty good, and while uninspired (Deedee), the characters are all quirky and interesting enough that you want them to survive. And I'll admit, the last fifteen or so minutes of the film did have me on edge -- there's some good suspense there if you're willing to wait for it.

In the end this was a kind of fun movie to watch, but nothing new or notable. . .oh, and did I mention the topless step-sister?

Overall Score: 2 out of 5