Frailty (US)

"Only demons should fear me. And you`re not a demon, are you?"

Actor Bill Paxton`s directorial debut is a cut above most horror movies and is given good representation on DVD.
This is a dark, moody horror picture that shines with some good performances. It is told in flashback by Paxton`s now grown up son (Matthew McConaughey) who outlines for a FBI agent (Powers Boothe) the events of his childhood. Some interesting plot twists and character developments are thrown in to make this a well-rounded thriller that holds your interest throughout.

What "Frailty" does right, is what so many other films of the same vein do wrong - it knows that implication is sometimes stronger than blatant imagery or explanation. As Dad and his sons take on the demons, you`ll see very little onscreen violence, but the audio cues and the dialogue will lead you to believe otherwise. Through every little bend in the narrative arc, "Frailty" plays up the suspense of the material and remains absorbing on many levels.

The 5.1 Dolby Digital sound makes use of the rear speakers a few times and the score by Brian Tyler fills the speakers perfectly. The vocals are easily audible and overall sound quality is as good as you could want.

Paxton has produced a fine film and Lions Gate has given it the treatment it deserves. Packed with features and produced with care, it adds up to a great DVD that should be included in every collection. A throwback to classic horror and suspense, "Frailty" offers a taut look at a serial killer and his motives that may or may not be altruistic. "Frailty" is a dark and disturbing film that offers some good performances and an involving storyline. This is well worth watching for anyone who likes their movies a little dark.

Recommended.

I was told this is a very good movie, so I had rather high expectations from it. I`m glad to report that I wasn`t disappointed. Far from it. The movie turned out to be even better than I expected.
The story is about a family, slowly disintegrating into what can be described as madness.
This is Paxton`s debut as a director, and I`m pleased to say that his direction seems better than his acting.
McConaughey is very good as Fenton, but it`s the kid actors who make the movie work. They give outstanding performances.
The editor did a brilliant job and the movie progresses very well (despite having some repetitive elements).
The video transfer is very good. Many parts of the movie were shot in the dark, but no grain is visible and no compression signs can be spotted either.
The DD 5.1 soundtrack is very good. The surrounds are used very effectively to enhance the creepy atmosphere.
The musical score is an absolute delight to the ear - it`s both melodramatic and gothic.
The menus are animated with sound.
The extras include 3 (!!!) commentaries by the director, producer and writer, 2 behind the scenes featurettes, a photo gallery, 4 deleted scenes (which could`ve easily be included in the movie) and several storyboards.
Bottom line - a very good and stylized thriller and a good disc to match it, too.

"Frailty" revisited - June 2008
*******************************
Almost five and a half years after first watching and reviewing the movie - I gave it another go.
WOW! It still remains a powerful movie with a very convincing young cast.
Don't miss it (or else...). :)