Serial (2007) User Reviews

What a complete surprise!

[filmlovingal1 · 10/10 · 4 May 2005]

I saw this movie at a screening in NY. One of my friends had a small part in the movie. I thought this movie was about a crazy serial killer but that was only half right. The movie is actually about the relationship between network news and its audience. The filmmakers used the serial killer motif in order to tell that story. I was shocked at how good the film was because I know this is their first film. I loved, loved the editing! It was kind of like that Oliver Stone movie, U-Turn. I recognized a couple of people from the cast. Lauren Velez was the star and I've never seen her portray a character like this before. She's usually a cop, lawyer, or doctor. This time she was the reporter who seemed like she would do anything to get the story. Maybe I like it so much because I thought it was going to be bad or amateurish but I was wrong. The directors are really funny and it also shows in the film. This movie's tagline reads "Twisted Dark Comedy..." and that's pretty darn accurate. Some moments I was laughing, others I was scared, and the end of the movie is meeeeeesed up! I truly am a fan of these two directors. One of them is really cute! I don't know how much the movie cost but I think the budget was comparable to OPEN WATER. I hope everyone sees this movie and they make it big! I can't wait to see what they do next!

A dark comedy : Media vs. the Masses

[carma999 · 9/10 · 26 April 2005]

This film is a dark comedy on the effects the media has on society. The film could be used as a guise of educating the masses on the dangers of the media. How what we consider news affects the masses. The directors of this film mix humor and horror to set the mode of what could happen to a little sleepy town invaded by the one eye bandit, that being the camera which is a main character in the film, that doesn't say much but sees all. The format at times feels like a reality show with the camera always on, capturing every moment. Just like those shows, the viewer is compelled to watch this voyeuristic film. Lauren Vélez plays television reporter Roseanne Crystal. Her character is our guide so to speak that allows us to join in and follow along in the story. Vélez delivers a stellar performance along with Erik Jensen and Kelly AuCoin. Like the urge to look through a stranger's medicine cabinet the viewers at times will feel, I think like they are intruding on these people's lives but we will continue to watch like a pepping tom through a window. Rich with interesting characters and comedic moments this film keeps the audience guessing until the very end. In the wake of every television show being made into a movie this film is a refreshing original masterpiece that the audience can really enjoy.