Following the success of the previous three films in the Spanish Horror film franchise, [REC], the final installment [REC] 4: Apocalypse was released in the USA this past January via Magnolia Pictures and Magnet Releasing. Directed/written by Juame Balaguero ([REC] 2007, [REC] 2 2009) and starring Manuela Velasco ([REC] 2007, [REC] 2 2009), Paco Manzanedo (Borgia TV Series, Omnivores 2013), Hector Colome (Family United 2013, The Outlaw 2010), and Ismael Fritschi (Omnivores 2013, Al Final Todos Mueren 2013). While some had mixed feelings about 2012’s [REC] 3: Genesis, the latest film returns to the original story, adding excitement and intrigue for followers.
- Still from [REC] 4: Apocalypse
Immediately following the events of [REC] 2, Angela (Velasco) finds herself strapped to an operating table being examined by a doctor. She escapes and runs into Guzman (Manzanedo), who is also trying to escape. When they get outside, they realize they are on a large ship in the middle of the ocean and meet Dr. Ricarte (Colome) who explains that they were brought here because it was the only way to ensure that they are all isolated. Angela was brought there because she was the only survivor from the building. Ricarte is trying to create a retro-virus and explains further that there was another outbreak in Barcelona, of which there was only one survivor, an Old Woman (Maria Alfonsa Rossa: Volver 2006, Cannibal 2013), who is also being tested. There are also a number of armed soldiers roaming around the ship for security.
- Still from [REC] 4: Apocalypse
After Angela is taken to her room, Guzman is introduced to the ship’s crew, Captain Ortega (Mariano Venancio: Camino 2008, Esposados TV series), Nick (Fritschi), and the Bridge Officer Goro (Carlos Zabala: Gernika bajo los bombas TV mini series 2012, Vacas 1992). Little does anyone know, that a sample of the virus was smuggled on board by Guzman’s partner, Lucas (Crispulo Cabezas: Barrio 1998, Nobody Knows Anybody 1999). Dr. Ricarte and company have taken the sample and infected a monkey, which breaks loose and infects the cook, setting off a chain of events that lead to an exciting and shocking conclusion.
- Still from [REC] 4: Apocalypse
The characters are all interesting and believable with the role of Angela being reprised by Manuela Velasco, who has evolved from a spunky little reporter to a hardcore survivor. Guzman is a tough, charismatic SOB with a secret. Dr. Ricarte is the sinister, not-so-mad scientist, and Nick is the lovable, chubby tech guy who seems like he will be the first one to die. Because [REC] 4: Apocalypse is set entirely on a large barge, the terror is amped up when the infected start flooding the claustrophobic hallways and the monkeys start climbing out of the vents, leaving the survivors very little room to run. This, in turn, leads to some of the awesome and not so awesome special FX. Though mostly practical, there was some bad CG animation for the monkeys, but thankfully, it was quick, and all close ups of the monkeys was practical, and pretty sick. The film also features a boat motor used not as intended, and that is pretty cool. Overall, [REC] 4: Apocalypse is action-packed, a little scary, and does not just limp along like a lot of fourth sequels have a tendency to do because ideas are running very low. Rejoice fans, [REC] 4: Apocalypse keeps the [REC] series interesting in what is said to be its final hurrah. CrypticRock gives this film 4 out of 5 stars.
- Magnolia Pictures
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