There are some who may know the name Tyler Mane. If not then my guess is you've seen him without realizing it. At one time a professional wrestler, Mane made his big break in films playing Sabretooth in the first X-MEN movie. That led to his getting parts in numerous horror and action films over the past 14 years as well as tons of appearances at conventions across the country. Now he steps into as one of the writers and producers of COMPOUND FRACTURE.
Mane stars as Michael, a no nonsense father on his way to
visit his ailing father Gary (Muse Watson). Along for the ride are Michael's
girlfriend Juliette (Renae Geerlings) and his nephew Brandon, a stereotypical
brooding teen. It's been years since Michael has been home and the resentment
he feels for his father is palpable. But with the death of his sister earlier
and a call from his stepmother he decides the time is right to come home and
try to make amends.
When they arrive at his father's house the first thing they
notice is the overabundance of security cameras covering the house. When Gary
comes out to greet them he seems to keep a wary eye out and later acts a bit
strange. Annabelle (Leslie Easterbrook), Gary's wife, has reached a point where
his violent nature has taken its toll on her. She still loves him but can't
deal with him any longer. She relates this to Michael, apologizing for leaving,
but hoping for the best.
As the story progresses we learn that things are not exactly
what they seem. Isn't it always that way? Just what happened to Chloe and how
she was killed is the centerpiece of the story. A combination of ghost story
and cult-like activity join together to make an interesting tale. It seems
Chloe's husband and Brandon's father William was heavily involved in the
occult, enough so that when he died his ghost lived on and has come to seek
retribution and spill evil over the family he left behind. Just who will
survive this battle makes for a great story.
William is played here by Derek Mears, another horror film
regular these days who makes the convention circuit as well. Mears has a
menacing appearance when he wants and uses it to full advantage here. One of
the few actors able to stand eye to eye with Mane, the face off between these
two as they battle for the lives of Mane's loved ones makes for an interesting
confrontation.
For me, while the entire cast did a great job, the stand out
was Mane. With his angry appearance and bad guy wrestler build Mane has been
subjected to always playing the heavy in most films he's made. He even played
the new Michael Meyers for goodness sake. Here he is given the chance to show
that he does indeed have some acting ability and can play the good guy if given
the chance. He does a great job of it but at the same time come on Tyler, smile
a little more.
In the end what we have here is an enjoyable horror film
that offers an original story with some great acting to take you on the trip it
offers. It's rare that a horror film offers something new these days. Take advantage
of the trip this one presents and you just might have a good time.
Click here to order.
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