------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overall Rating : 8/10
Directed By : Alexander Bulkley
Justin Chambers (Grey's Anatomy (TV) )
Robin Tunney (Prison Break (TV) )
Rory Culkin (Mean Creek)
William Mapother (The Grudge)
Supplied By : Velocity Home Entertainment
Film Reviewed By : Rick L. Blalock
Date Reviewed : Aug. 15, 2006
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| PLOT This psychological thriller follows the trail of terror left by one of the most notorious serial murderers in U.S. history, the still-at-large Zodiac Killer, who terrorized Northern California in the 1960s and '70s. When small-town cop Matt Parish and his son Johnny become obsessed with unmasking the maniac, they find themselves at the center of a media circus -- and maybe the killer's next targets. |
||||
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ||||
| THE REVIEW THE ZODIAC is the story of the real live killer that stalked Southern California in the 60s and 70's In the film Matt Parish a dedicated father whom is also a Police Sergeant. His relationship with his wife and young son Johnny is suddenly strained when a killer strikes at random and leaves no evidence at all. The killings continue at the same random pattern. 'The Zodiac', as he calls himself starts sending Police and media officials cryptic letters in which they are not able to crack. While his dad is working on the case, Johnny conducts a search on his own... all of which does not seem to unmask 'The Zodiac'. Me being a fan of all films relating to 60's and 70's culture, I have seen my share of films based on true crime and true life killers, With that being said, I find that almost every film that has been made to chronicle a notorious serial killer has ultimately failed...with the exception of the two HELTER SKELTER miniseries based on Charles Manson. Well now that I have seen ThinkFilm's release of THE ZODIAC, I can finally add another film to the list of ones that were highly effective and that I thoroughly enjoyed. THE ZODIAC plays out much like a 70's crime drama like a DRAGNET if you you will....but with much more character depth and far better acting. The filmmakers put you right into the heart of the investigation and you actually get the feeling that you are there when you are watching it, The characters happen to be very likeable and you want to watch this until the very end just to see it's conclusion on like most of these horrible true crime flicks out there - and the fact that we never see The Zodiac's face, gives the film a more suspenseful element and that gets major props from me... To me The Zodiac is without a doubt....the smartest serial killer in the annuls of American history and his reign has lasted more than 30 years and is still at large today unlike The BTK Killer Dennis Rader, who made one mistake too many. This film examines just how smart he is, from his cryptic messages he sent to reporters and Police alike to his brash cockiness that was his own confidence - he has a reason to be confident as well....he's smarter than all of law enforcement to this day. Bringing this true story to life is a cast of seemingly very dedicated actors, our main character Sgt Matt Parish is brilliantly played by Justin Chambers, who brings to life a man whom loves his family but is very dedicated to his job and is determined to stop the Zodiac. Is wife played by the stunning Robin Tunney from TV's PRISON BREAK, is very likeable;e and easy to care for, as her character is seemingly stuck in the middle for the most part, at times you feel sympathetic for the character of Laura. Rounding out the main characters is Rory Culkin, whom is the younger kid brother of Macaulay Culkin. I have been very impressed with Rory ever since I saw him in the film MEAN CREEK, I believe the young kid is going to be someone big in his profession and his performance here does not hinder my belief. Overall I was really and truly impressed with all involved - very impressive! Unlike the lackluster films like GACY, ED GEIN, BUNDY and DAHMER just to name a few whom tired to be serious interpretations... THE ZODIAC is both smart and intriguing without trying to force itself to be - it's probably one of the best new serial killer epics to play in my DVD player in a long time. I really enjoyed the film, too bad it will probably never get the recognition it deserves, because a bigger budgeter about The Zodiac is scheduled to release next year..... just what we need isn't it? |
||||
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ||||
| GORE
METER 3.5/10 Not all that bloody, but the killings are suspenseful and I believe that THE ZODIAC would not have been the film that it is if it had relied on an abundance of gore... |
||||
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ||||
| MUSICAL
SCORE 5.5/10 The score was one that was inspired by the film's time period that's for sure, and really added to the film's suspenseful edge |
||||
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ||||
| OVERALL
IMPRESSION OF THE FILM THE ZODIAC is pure mystery, one that I found myself really liking. it is definitely a film you have to keep interest in to really enjoy so you can't be distracted and things like that while taking it in. I recommend this to all serious true crime fans. This DVD will be released on August 29, 2006 |
||||
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ||||
| STILLS | ||||
|
