My Review Of “13/13/13”

“13/13/13” is James Cullen Bressack’s breakaway from his traditional horror concepts of home invasion, homicidal lovers and “HATE CRIME” (that was one hell of a movie!). Now “13/13/13” stars some pretty indie and amateur talent,  Trae Ireland, Erin Coker, Jody Barton, Calico Cooper, Tiffany Martinez, Jared Cohn and Bill Voorhees. The story is one that plays on a legend of demonic inheritance of the earth on a specific date. I have never heard of this before but it is a pretty sweet and horrific notion.  For millennia, calendars have added an extra day every four years. In doing so, they violated the ancient Mayan calendar. Now we are in the 13th month of the 13th year of the new millennium, and the few who survive will battle a world of demons. So I was intrigued by the synopsis and how Bressack would approach this concept-By the way kudos on The Asylum picking up your talent Bressack!

Now just to get it out of the way, the things that I didn’t like about the film. “13/13/13” is a pretty low budget film with some pretty low budget acting. Some of the dialog driven scenes in the film where a bit too amateurish, forcing uncomfortable breaks in the flow of the story. The acting at times was over exaggerated by a couple of actors and some of the dialog may have been more than the cast could convincingly convey. That is it, aside from that bit of failed execution from this production, I enjoyed the other aspects of “13/13/13”.

What really hooked me with this film is Bressack’s ability to fuse his distinct style and vision of pushing the comfort level of the viewer. This film showed that same disturbing atmosphere that Bressack has become known for in such films as “Hate Crime” (again, a killer film) and “To Jennifer”, both films where like watching real life crimes taking place that just happened to be on video. That is why I love James Cullen Bressack’s work. Some of that intense and chilling vibe was visible in this film as well. All be it, not as much as I would like, but it was enough to make me want to follow through with this film. The story just kicks off in the situation, no intro or set up for what is going to happen. I liked that, a lot of people want but I enjoy that about these movies because it is kind of like life. We are not gonna get an intro packet in the mail saying what will take place in times of tragedy or horror, so why should that be the way films are introduced to us? Kudos for being a truly individual director Bressack. You make us pay attention and learn as we watch.

The effects in “13/13/13” are 50/50, when it works it works great and when corners were cut-it showed. Still the fact that the camera found inventive ways of showing the grue and kill moments in this supernatural horror story, is entertaining. Plus the fact that Bressack didn’t shy away from getting in there and shooting the full on effects of the killing or brutality is note-worthy. He doesn’t leave it to the imagination, instead he sears it into our brain visually. “13/13/13” is not gonna be for everyone because of the ultra low budget feel of the film but I did. Let me explain, this film has a cool concept, plenty of action and gore. Straight on gruesome moments that remind us of spaghetti thrillers. Yeah the quality is ultra low indie horror and the acting is bad but I found enough moments within this film that entertained me so I cant’ give it a bad review. Just know that not every one is find this movie enjoyable and go into it with caution- it isn’t at the stellar level of “Hate Crime” and “To Jennifer” but it is standard quality that The Asylum distributes. What can I say I am a fan of Bressack's talent and works for life. I like his style.