BelSports
This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.
Jenna Walter
The film may be flawed, but its message is not.
BG Green
This film was shot a few years ago and what with the updates in cameras like the Canon D5 etc. One can see that this was done on possibly a lower grade camera. It has moments when you can tell it's the magic word - VIDEO.But that aside and having seen how much it was made for and am impressed - mainly with the story and the actors, all of whom are excellent with a couple of exceptions. But do not want to sound negative about this - It's good, it's entertaining, has it's horror moments with a smattering of good humour.The cut is very sharp and there is little waste, which keeps it's pace up, this is often a big problem with very low budget as they tend to labour over things... this doesn't - it's lean and at 85 minutes zips by.My favourite character is Dan - he's so affable, cheeky and has most of the best lines. Max is a smaller role but is played beautifully. Of the Ladies, Tamsin is the main lead role and is very much the holding role as a character - done really well. Also the crazy transformation of Natasha is very interesting.Is it worth a watch - damn right. I enjoyed this movie... a lot!
tony-walsworth
Call of the Hunter is an independently made horror drama reminiscent of the later Hammer horror productions of the 1970s, featuring a team of documentary makers investigating the legend of Herne the hunter, who become stranded in a creepy old house set in dark woodland by no less than the spirit of Herne himself. Call of the Hunter is well made considering its cripplingly low budget, and is ably supported by a talented and enthusiastic cast and crew engaged with a simple yet sturdy plot that develops slowly at first and then accelerates onward exhibiting a malevolent force dotted with short blasts of blood and gore which continue to build right up until the final moments. The movie style exploits the fast twitch, sudden shock approach to horror that's associated with the Hammer style but goes somewhat further than this by adding greater depth to the characters and a story that has the luxury of warming up before the final sprint. The movie has some significant comedy moments and a distinctly self satirising feel with lines such as 'If this was a horror film I'd be dead by now!' and 'Why is it always the Brummie that gets it?' spoken by Dan, a deeply unfortunate Birmingham man who seems intent on rendering himself unconscious at every possible opportunity. There's a good class of monster, some absolutely classic turn around scenes in the final moments and, for those who like the heavy rock/metal genre of music,there's also some pretty decent action score thrown in. The cast of Call of the Hunter deserve a good deal of credit for the way in which they've become immersed in the story in a completely unselfconscious way that lends a great deal to the credibility of the tale. In particular my hat comes off to Sarah Paul (Tamsin), who demonstrates a significantly stalwart nature until just the right time whereupon she caves in and then comes back stronger, and to Michael Instone (Dan) for some great comedy. No-one can push a cadaver across a field in a wheelbarrow like him. The Hammer horror productions are now in the cult status department of most DVD stores and I've no doubt that Call of the Hunter will one day sit alongside them. I watched this movie once. Then I watched all the extra features, got to know the cast, saw the making of the movie and the humour and camaraderie that went into it, and then I watched the movie again and enjoyed it even more. There aren't many flicks that I'm prepared to say that about. If you can get it, get it.
ed-gains
I came across this title whilst doing some research on the Green Man - and one of the connections is a book by a really excellent author John Matthews. The title is, The Quest for the Green Man. So one lead to the other and after reading the green man I decided to see what this film was about. The trailer looked interesting and I love horror movies and independent work so took a chance.Having found out how low the budget, I was not only surprised by the quality, but was enthralled by the content. The first half is filled with great information and legend about Herne the Hunter, the Green Man and by not showing too much of him keep the interest in the character.The acting is superb, the writing is excellent and it's been edited at pace so is never boring. The DVD also has quite a lot of extras which in the end made this a 10/10 vote for me in terms of value for money. I really believe that they could exploit other English legends and folklore.In conclusion: Worth every penny, because every penny is on screen.
jokenny1
Upon entering the cinema expecting to be grossed out by a slasher/gore movie I was pleasantly surprised to find that The Call of the Hunter does not rely on over blown horror effects to grab my attention. I was drawn into a ghostly tale following the fate of a group of film-makers on location to shoot a documentary who find themselves stranded in a spooky house. The story unfolds with a liberal smattering of slapstick horror and tension as one by one the characters each meet a mysterious and grizzly end. Performances by all of the cast are engaging.Personal favourites include scenes with the gorgeous Tamsin(played by Sarah Paul)or scenes watching the demure character of Natasha(Katrin Reidel-Kelly)develop into a raving maniac.Although I must confess I probably enjoyed the cheeky shower scene featuring Dan(Mike Instone) a little more than is decent. Over all the movie is a ripping yarn which romps along beautifully, driven by a blistering rock sound track,a solid cast of entertaining characters and a director with his tongue firmly in his cheek.
