SPIRAL (2007)

Directed By: Adam Green & Joel David Moore 
Written By: Joel David Moore & Jeremy Danail Boreing 
Cinematography By: Will Barratt 
Editor: Cory Livingston 


Cast: Joel David Moore, Amber Tamblyn, Zachary Levi, Tricia Helfer 


A reclusive telemarketer has only one semblance of a friend: His telecommuter boss. But the telemarketer's social circle seems to improve greatly when a whimsical co-worker enters his life. Only, as he begins to sketch his new friend's portrait, disturbing "voices" from the phone man's past threaten to lead him into a network of destruction.

This film has so much promise. One was actually excited about seeing this movie. As it was director Adam Green collaborating with HATCHET star Joel Moore on a psychological thriller. Rather than an out and out horror film. New ground for them both.

The films works for the most part, but falls short in other ways. For instance Joel David Moore as an actor is a good actor but as crazy as his character is supposed to be his performance needs to be reigned in more. As he was over the top and obvious. As the movie goes along he becomes more annoying and unbelievable. His performance brings to mind that if you were a fan of WWE wrestling back in the day. He reminds one of The Undertaker’s manager Paul Bearer. That is how over the top he is. Though it is nice to see him in a dramatic leading role. It’s nice to see all the actors here play against type and taking chances. It makes one wonder if the character was something he was working on and sought to create a story around him.

The film feels slower than it needs to be or at least longer than it needs to be. Even though it has a short running time. I can understand it laying the groundwork for a fuller story but at times some scenes and the film feel monotonous.

If you watch the whole film. You will be rewarded as the third act is so full and such a smart guy punch that you realize why the first two acts are the way they are.

It is certainly a film that makes you think. As at times the whole endeavor comes across as more cerebral. The film is different and original one can give it that much. It plays with your expectations a bit as you think the film will be more horrific but ends up actually more of a drama.

It also might be me as a fan of the show CHUCK, but Zachary Levi puts in a really good performance. As the leads best friend who is more assertive and tries to lead him though he should pity him. Yet he has a soft spot for him.

The film is so structured that if one thing was to be out of place. It would crash, which is a strength of the film and a weakness.

The films romantic angle is a little far-fetched but you go with it. As you enjoy the characters for the most part. By the end the film feels like a modern day version TWILIGHT ZONE episode stretched out into a feature.

Grade: C+