The Gravedancers (2006) Movie Info
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | The Gravedancers (2006) |
| Original Title | The Gravedancers |
| Director | Mike Mendez |
| Screenplay Writer | Brad Keene |
| Story By | Brad Keene |
| Based on Novel by | — (Original screenplay) |
| Producer(s) | Chris Bender, J.C. Spink |
| Executive Producer(s) | — |
| Lead Actors | Dominic Purcell, Clare Kramer |
| Cast | Dominic Purcell, Clare Kramer, Josie Maran, Marcus Thomas, Tchéky Karyo |
| Genre | Horror |
| Subgenre | Supernatural Horror, Ghost Story |
| Release Date | October 14, 2006 (Screamfest Horror Film Festival) |
| Runtime / Duration | 1h 35m (95 minutes) |
| Budget | Independent horror production |
| Box Office (Worldwide) | Limited release |
| Language | English |
| Country | United States |
| Production Company | After Dark Films |
| Distributor | Lionsgate |
| Filming Locations | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Music By | Joseph Bishara |
| Cinematography | David A. Armstrong |
| Edited By | Mike Mendez |
| Production Design | Chris Anthony Miller |
| Costume Design | — |
| Special Effects | Practical ghost makeup and CGI supernatural effects |
| MPAA Rating | R |
| Aspect Ratio | 2.35:1 |
| Sound Mix | Dolby Digital |
| Format | Color |
| Themes | Guilt, supernatural revenge, friendship |
| Setting | Haunted suburban homes and cemetery locations |
| Notable Trivia | Part of the original After Dark Horrorfest “8 Films to Die For” lineup |
| Critical Reception | Mixed reviews but praised for creepy visuals |
| Home Media | DVD, Blu-ray |
| Sequel / Remake | None |
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A group of friends’ lives are invaded by a trio of hostile ghosts after they engage in a drunken bout of gravedancing during a wake for an old friend.
Gravedancers is one of the feature films in the much anticipated Horrorfest lineup. Let me just say before I get started, this was one outstanding film. It was a throwback to the 70’s and 80’s style of horror that sadly you just don’t see anymore.
The plot was simple enough. My above description tells you everything you need to know. What takes place after the foolish act laid out in the title is a rollercoaster ride of sheer terror.
The acting was mediocre. But for a film like this you really couldn’t expect anything spectacular, or should I say spooktacular sorry. There was the token comic relief dude in the film who annoyed the hell out of me as that clichéd character does in every horror movie I watch. Quite frankly I don’t know why Hollywood feels the need to shove token comic relief guy down our throats. As if we’re all mindless idiots. Rant over. Everyone was pretty solid in delivering a passable performance though. With perhaps an exception on “The Entity” ghost’s victim. Let’s just say she was a little too composed throughout this flick considering the horrors being inflicted upon her person.
The lead character delivered a pretty realistic performance. One thing that I loved about the writer’s use of this character was that he questioned every stupid WTF explanation that was given forcing the script to provide plausible explanations. It was great. Nothing worse than seeing in a film someone making some insane proclamation like “I know how to kill the ghost” and nobody questions HOW. This movie didn’t cheat us out of our intelligence. Major props!
The special effects were also a major throwback. The ghost’s in their demonic form were absolutely horrifying. The first time you get a glimpse you say to your self “WTF”! It was also done with make-up. Not a lame CGI look. The climax delivers very ghostly effects that are extremely reminiscent of Poltergeist. I immediately thought of the ghost dog in that film.
The gore wasn’t extreme though there was plenty of blood. This film relied more on creepy images to provide scares. Perhaps the only thing more terrifying than ghost rape is a demonic woman floating around a house wielding an axe covered in blood shutters.
Overall this film was very well done and a MUCH needed breath of fresh air to the horror genre. It is easily the best horror flick to come out this year. If you dig 70’s or 80’s style terror you will love this. However, if you are into the modern horror revolution you may be disappointed. I’ve noticed a lot of the younger kids found Gravedancers to be cheesy. Idiots! In case you haven’t guessed this easily gets the Marshal’s seal of approval.
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