Bloodtype Online

      When first hearing about this film I thought I was going to despise it. Instead from the very beginning I found myself enjoying the characters and liking each place the story went. Especially once the ghost children begin to make noises in the woods and then their mother’s ghost scares the holy shit out of Teddi and Sharon. All they wanted to do was prove their husbands wrong and survive in the forest. After one of the ghost children tell there father there’s pretty girls in the wilderness survival is out of the question. The Killer(Gary Kent) does a solid job and doesn’t disappoint although his gimmick is strictly his broken self. No mask just a knife and his resolve to hunt down any human being because he simply needs to eat. There is a hilarious scene where he explains to a soon to be victim “I’m starving to death! I haven’t had anything to eat in days!”. Classic fucking line in my opinion. 

      The backstory about the killer’s cheating wife was interesting. She was one mean and heartless bitch. If she could she would bone the pizza boy or maybe even a member of Best Buy’s Geek Squad these more current times. When he catches her sleeping around he simply chokes her out and slams her head off the corner of a table. She did this while she had her children locked in the closet. She deserved what she got but the Killer fell apart and brought his kids down with him. I won’t explain how his kids die but I guarantee it’s not what you’re thinking. While the ghosts of his children still come around him to cheer him up, they might not be as loyal as he believes them to be. 

      For those that want to see some red there is a total of about 5 or 6 kills in this film that are fairly done. Expecially being that this slasher film of sorts was made a little before the Tom Savini era. I think for a micro budget shot on film slasher it was original with its combinations of subgenres while using all of the simplicity that makes those types of films a breeze. The abrupt ending isn’t all that climactic and could have been better with some action or an ending not so typical. Still I enjoyed the performances from the mostly unknown cast that made an interesting story. It was refreshing to see adults in a horror movie rather than dumb teens flashing their boobies. While there are moments of inexperienced decision making of some of the characters, there still we’re sincere moments that felt true. 

      As for Don Jones I think his directing style was excellent with the POV of the killer in the opening scene. Also I have to give credit to cinematographer  Stuart Asbjorsen and Don Jones for teaming up to make a film that captured the boondocks beautifully and for the speedy camera work during the chases between the victims and the killer. The structure of the story was presented in a manner that was easy to keep up with. Don Jones was smart enough to go through the back story of the killer quickly. The flashback sequence had some killing as well so that’s always a plus. The child actors  Corky Pigeon and Becki Burke do a fine job as the harmless ghost children that played backwoods voyeurs more than evil spirits. They were innocent and helpful characters that gave this film a charm. The cannibalism scene in this film should balance out the sweet ghosts. I found it to be a slightly above average film for its tiny budget and I recommend everyone give it a chance. 

      The Code Red DVD features Commentary by Don Jones and Gary Kent, Trailers, a Stills Gallery and Cast and Crew interviews. Code Red always delivers with some cheesy slice and dice fun with the films acquire (“Doom Asylum”). Don’t expect a drastic life altering horror film but try to have fun with this one. 

** 1/2 

-Russ Rutter