“Yellowbrickroad” is take on horror that could be great given it’s performances, setup of characters and storyline. Independent filmmakers that try to pull off this kind of filmmaking I admire and wish them all the best wether the film is good or bad because they are trying to pull off a feat that is almost imposble today. Especially for the genre of horror and making a film in general in the year 2011.
“Yellowbrickroad” sets up a mple formula, yet half way through the film it feels dull, lacks plot and is very cliche. The film starts off strong and makes a lot of great references along the way to “The Wizard Of Oz.” Hens the title. But that just does not cut it. A film like this can be completely hit or miss and for me, this film is a miss. Being that the woods is “haunted” there really is nothing else going on except for people going crazy in the woods and muc playing in the background. Very reminiscent of something like, Eli Roth’s “Cabin Fever.”
The filmmaking from the beginning of the film to the end feels different. It seems to take it’s time in the beginning as we get to know the characters, somewhat and see why and where they are going. As we move on towards the middle of the film and the first death happens, there is a disarray members splitting up, taking des and just loong it. That does not mean that the filmmaking needs to do the same. It suffers from something I hated in “The Decent” where half way through the film I’m saying to myself, “wait, how many characters are left?” and “who is this person again?”
Ade from some good kills from characters turning against each other. Dying characters come too little too late in this film. They loose me almost completely before the majority of people start dying. Even then it’s like, I feel like I’ve seen this before and if not, I feel like I saw it coming once the opening title card pops on screen. A film like, Darren Aronofsky’s “Black Swan” does this style of filmmaking so well. Actually telling you in the first ten minutes what the film’s layout and even ending will be and shocks you by the end with it’s creativity, characters, subtle imagery and acting. You have to bring something more to the table when you have just a mple and predictable story. ”Yellowbrickroad” lacks that in bulk. Surprise me, please.
Rating: C-
Source:
http://whenthelightscomeup.com/post/575 ... roadreview