Splinter (2008)

brilliant horror film from start to finish, loads of gross out gore moments, cool story, very original. a must watch for horror fans, a gem indeed, i hope theres a sequal soon.

This movie is unlikely to make anyone's Top 10 list, but it is definitely one of the more entertaining horror films I've seen in the last couple of years. There have been so many appalling horror movies put out recently that it was refreshing to genuinely enjoy one from start to finish.

Of the number of remarkable successes that define Splinter, the most refreshing is the acting. Not to say that films of this genre are never associated with competent actors, but in this case not only has first time director Toby Wilkins managed to solicit some talent that beg to ask the question. . .Why have these people not appeared in other movies? . . . but is able to quite convincingly develop the story with just four main actors.

The premise is simple, as we find Polly (Jill Wagner) and Seth (Paulo Costanzo) on an anniversary vacation to the great outdoors, where they quickly abort a disastrous attempt in setting up the campsite. They mutually agree to call it quits and rent a motel room, which they agree, has to be dilapidated to offset their failed wilderness adventure. While on route to the motel, they stop to help an apparently stranded woman Lacey (Rachel Kerbs) a drug addict, who is in reality a distraction for the aggressive and violent Dennis (Shea Whingham), catching the adventurous campers off guard, so he is able to carjack the unsuspecting couple.

Taking Polly and Seth hostage, their fortunes continue to deteriorate after they strike a mysterious creature on the road, damaging the car and deflating a tyre. Quickly changing the wheel, they struggle to a nearby gas station where they soon find out that the thing they hit is not a woodland creature, but a spiked sea urchin formulation, a slimy parasitic contaminant that absorbs and kills whatever it touches. The survivors barricade themselves inside the gas station and try to deduce a plan to escape the hostile creature.

There is a cornucopia of gore in Splinter, which never seems excessive or vile
and certainly provides the fear, notably a mutilation scene that puts the
Hostel movies to shame. All the characters are interesting and intelligent
people who use their wits and brains to try to save their lives and do not
just scream and panic. The movie is tense and gory and does not drag for a
second. Special effects are middle-of-the-road but sufficient. So to conclude,
I am not a huge horror fan but I gave this film a chance and was not disappointed.

I ordered this from play, and it arrived today, so I watched it this afternoon, and I am happy to say it was quite good. A lot better than some of the rubbish I have seen recently. It is a good story, and what I liked the most is that it kept my attention, which I think is one of the most important things, if a film can't keep your attention then it is not a good film. I was entertained and quite pleased. Worth a watch.

I know you shouldn't judge a book (or movie) by its cover, but thats what catches your eye on this movie and the film itself is very, very good. Good acting, nice effects and not dragged out. It gets straight in to it and doesn't stop. A damn good scare!!!!

After considering whether to watch 'Splinter', i decided to rent it and was very suprised by the outcome. The acting wasn't the greatest but the considering the small cast and the circumstances the characters are in, it almost carries the same feeling of realism that '28 Days Later' carried.

The special effects are some of the best i have seen in a low budget film which also includes one of the most disgusting scenes i have ever seen which involves a mans arm bending fully backwards, breaking his elbow without his control.

The only bad thing with this film is that it isnt very well known and is missing out on the full potential and gratitude that it should receive. This is definately one film which you shouldn't miss.