WOULD YOU RATHER – The DVD Review

Review by Dane Marti

Years ago back when good men and women everywhere rode on horseback…or at the very least, horse and buggy (and eschewed those newfangled horseless carriages), I went to see a reissue of the classic film, ‘Jaws’. I had already seen it back when it was first released, back when it was vital for a cool kid to see the movie that everyone was talking about. On that occasion, I recall that after the movie was over, I felt like my eyes had been permanently glued-open, or at the very least, my eyelids had been sliced off. Hey, that reminds me of the film I’m supposed to be reviewing here, but please bare with me for a moment, okay?

So, a few years after first seeing the film, and having read the seminal work, ‘The Jaws Log’, one of my formative reading experiences, I went and saw a reissue of the classic suspense-horror-adventure. Now, I love Jaws. For a genre that often is much maligned, Jaws is brilliant and one of Steven Spielberg’s best films.
On this occasion, due to the fact that my father hadn’t seen it and we also needed a ride there and back again, my pop went with us! During the film, he jumped in surprise at all the shocking moments and seemed to like the film, but near the climax, while Quint in being consumed and eaten by the Great White Shark, there is a moment of silence as Quint is dragged under the water, a modern Ahab.

The entire audience was stunned, silent. My father took this opportunity to say, “Why do people want to see things like that?”

Well, WOULD YOU RATHER is definitely not on the same caliber as Jaws, but it does have some great moments. I didn’t dislike it, but then I probably won’t be watching it over and over; once is enough.

This film reminded me of a 21^st Century ‘The Most Dangerous Game’ that had convincingly fused with a version of the novel/film, ‘The Ten Little Indians.’  Although the movie isn’t supernatural, I imagine that most Horror Film Devotees will love the film.

A woman is desperately concerned about her brother’s sickness and how to get him a vital, essential bone marrow transplant with little money. She asks a doctor. He has an unorthodox idea. In his office, the young woman, played convincingly by… is introduced to a wealthy philanthropist played by the wonderful Jeffrey Combs, famous for his quality work in the horror film, ReAnimator.
Without knowing the full extent of the deal she has made, thee young woman agrees to compete in a strange and seriously demented game. Whoever wins the game, will get all the important medical help for her brother. As the group of people arrives at the millionaire’s estate, it doesn’t take long for them to realize that the man who presides over the game is a sadist.

Ordinarily, I’m not a major fan of the thriller/horror hybrid known by some as ‘Torture Porn.’ Frankly, I’d rather watch real porn. It’s a bit happier, more upbeat, so to speak. However, I still found myself riveted to my seat, unable to look away from the desperate people seeking help and forced to play a psychopathic version of the popular game, ‘Would You Rather.’

The acting is first-rate, especially by Mr. Combs as the demented and wealthy host of the game. Never over the top, the actor gives the character a subtle believability and charm. He’s often amusing and…he’s a sick human being. As the main Game Player, Iris is willing to do almost anything to get help for her brother—Brittany Snow plays her skillfully.  Porn Actress Sasha Gray is also convincing in the role of a young Goth girl who doesn’t let ethics or morality get in her way when it comes to the serious, life and death issue of survival, of winning the game!

Directed with style and precision by David Guy Levy, this is a movie that never explodes into silly blood and guts insanity, but through excellent cinematography, nicely written dialogue and actors that can make horrible situations. It’s a suspenseful film, that deals with ugly situations, events and people in a quality way. It’s as much of an Independent film Drama as the obligatory horror movie.  As creepy and unsettling as this film is (I imagine that it’s often similar to watching a Snuff Film!), I was impressed with its relentless power. Although it takes place almost completely in a single room, it’s still quite cinematic.  The director handles the grim events with subtle style. Frankly, I couldn’t help but enjoy the movie, even if it was akin to a primitive form of tooth extraction. Sometimes a movie is effective –and successful—in making the audience uncomfortable and that’s a great thing.