[Rec] 4: Apocalypse

 



Director - Jaume Balaguero (The Nameless, Darkness)
Starring - Manuela Velasco ([Rec], Brainiac), Paco Manzanedo (Girl Seeks Girl, The Ministry of Time), and Hector Colome (The Outlaw, Wolf)
Release Date - 2014
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "The time has come"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

 

     It was a long time coming but I've finally reached the end of the [Rec] series.  The franchise did not start out on a good foot for me but the sequel picked it up and the third film was absolutely amazing.  Now I prepare to watch the fourth and final film in the series which is another one I've been looking forward to.  The first two films did not look interesting to me but I've always wanted to see the third and fourth film.  After finally watching [Rec] 3: Genesis I couldn't wait to throw in [Rec] 4: Apocalypse. 

      The film takes place after [Rec] 3 and Angela (Velasco) has been rescued from the apartment building.  She is escorted out with a medical team who rush her to a cargo ship where they plan to run tests on her in the middle of the ocean.  In true movie form something bad happens with an infected monkey gets out of its cage and infects the military personal and crew members.  Now they must rush to find a cure before the infected kill them or one of the scientists triggers a kill switch on the ship that will kill them all. 

     I had such high expectations for [Rec] 4.  The third one was so much fucking fun that I couldn't wait to throw in the fourth film.  Sadly, this film was not as fun as the third installment but it should still be watched.  It was fun and just as brutal as the last film but was a bit dry for 40 minutes or so.  The acting in this one is great.  We once again get a fantastic performance from Manuela Velasco who was the shining star of the first film.  She traded in her panic screams for a final girl bravado that works.  Her character is strong and resilient which Velasco delivering a solid performance.  The supporting cast is just as entertaining.  They all deliver stellar performances with some great characters.  The story for this one is more in line with the first two films but follows in [Rec] 3's footsteps and breaks away from the found footage style.  The movie is a bit of a slow burn for the first 40 minutes or so but once it picks up the actions never stops.  The plot is a little iffy however.  The movie expects the viewer to believe a lot of stuff that doesn't add up but doesn't ruin the film.  Finally, this one does not shy away from the on screen deaths.  We get some fucking fun and brutal kills with some fantastic practical effects.  We do get more visual effects than the last film that do stand out but I've seen a lot worse.  Overall, [Rec] 4: Apocalypse is a fantastic installment in this Spanish horror franchise.  I didn't like it as much as the third film but it still deserves your attention.  Check it out.