The Lazarus Effect

When I watch most horror films, the star that typically shines more than most is the sound design and editing. Think back and you can see it in films such as "The Exorcist" '73, "The Others" '01, "The Haunting" '63, "The Strangers" '08, even Hitchcock's "The Birds" '63. The sound is so integral to the effect it gives to the storyline that, at times, it can and has overshadowed the cast of these films. With "The Lazarus Effect", we have yet another film that is far more motivated by the sound design than by the acting and its characters combined.

This story follows a group of researchers led by Frank (Mark Duplass) and his fiancée Zoe (Olivia Wilde) who've achieved the unimaginable--bringing the dead back to life. After a successful, yet unsanctioned, trial on a newly deceased dog, the team is ready to unveil their breakthrough to the world. They are actually pushed to shove to bring a human back only after Zoe inadvertently dies during an experiment, so Frank convinces the others to assist him in bringing her back to life. Meanwhile, when the dean of their university learns of their underground experiments, the Lazarus Project, as it is called, is unexpectedly shut down and their materials are confiscated. What ensues after bringing Zoe back to life epitomizes the whole concept of leaving nature alone lest you reap the horrific consequences.

Others to round out the cast are Sarah Bolger as Eva, Evan Peters as Clay, Donald Glover as Niko, Amy Aquino as Dean Dalley, Sean T. Krishnan as Lawyer, Scott Sheldon as Security Guard, Emily Kelavos as Little Girl, James Earl as Security Guard Terrence, and Cato as Rocky the Dog.

Considering the lack of theatrical experience, the directing by David Gelb ("A Vision of Blindness" (TV movie documentary) '08, "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" (documentary) '11) was certainly better that I thought. This doesn't make it great--there were areas of choppiness and staginess, but not bad. With more work, this guy does have the potential of directing solid work, as long as the Hollywood community can be patient enough. It was written by Luke Dawson and Jeremy Slater. Again, considering the newness of these writers, even though the storyline is as old as dirt, it was still conveyed in a thrilling way that keeps one on the edge of their seats. There is really nothing remarkable here, except a place to hone some young filmmakers' talents so as to receive more work, which they probably will.

If you're a fan of the horror genre, this is definitely a film that you will keep you riveted, but one must be a fan, otherwise this will not be a film that you'll remember by the time you reach your car in the multiplex parking lot.

Out of 4 Stars: 2                                  Rated: PG-13                                   83mins.