I generally don't like low-budget direct to video horror. So often I've gone into these with an open mind, willing to give them a little slack for not having all the Hollywood gloss only to be kicked in the knackers, robbed of my money and time (ie-steaming turds like "13 Seconds" and anything from "Brain Damage Films"). Imagine my utter shock when this little gem actually turned out to be good. In fact, it's damn good! A nutty photographer with a penchant for drugging, killing and snapping shots of his victims then wrapping them in plastic and storing them in his basement violates the wrong chick and ends up in a whole lotta trouble. To say more would ruin this fine flick. The director here makes great use of his low budget. Instead of loading the screen with shoddy gore effects ala "Hells' Highway" we get creepy atmosphere, a chilling score and sound effects and a tight script with a twist or two. The acting, while not stellar, is above the norm for mini-budget horror and manages to keep the viewer engaged instead of repelled. An impressive, chilling ride. This almost restores my faith in the DTV horror genre.
Review of Ghost of the Needle
