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8

horcrux2007May 29, 2015

After a pretty underwhelming third installment, this Spanish horror series largely bounces back with the surprisingly good final entry, REC 4. I was a little skeptical since REC 3 was mediocre, but this was definitely an unexpectedlyAfter a pretty underwhelming third installment, this Spanish horror series largely bounces back with the surprisingly good final entry, REC 4. I was a little skeptical since REC 3 was mediocre, but this was definitely an unexpectedly enjoyable movie. Largely ignoring the events of REC 3 and picking up right where REC 2 left off, REC 4 once again follows doomed television reporter Angela Vidal who was rescued from the infected apartment complex and is now on a ship in the middle of an ocean, but she may still be possessing the parasite that started the initial outbreak. REC 4 won't win any points for being scary or terribly original, as this is more of an action thriller than horror, but it is mostly successful due to the fact that it drops the slapstick comedy of REC 3 and goes for a more serious tone, and the setting make this stand out in the zombie genre. The tight hallways and tiny rooms throughout the ship do emulate the claustrophobic feeling of the first two movies, which amplifies the tension and thrill of many scenes in the film. The characters in the movie also make REC 4 so much better than it could have been. Each character has their own personality and seem real, mostly because of the outstanding acting. If you're a fan of the REC series, I highly recommend REC 4 because it's a great ending to an iconic horror franchise.… Expand

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5

JohnMasterLJan 2, 2015

Rec 4 le queda grande el titulo "Apocalipsis" aplausos al editor, guionista o director de haber quitado el titulo "Apocalipsis" en la película. Ya no es mas Rec, de ser una saga de terror de origen Español, se convierte en una producción alRec 4 le queda grande el titulo "Apocalipsis" aplausos al editor, guionista o director de haber quitado el titulo "Apocalipsis" en la película. Ya no es mas Rec, de ser una saga de terror de origen Español, se convierte en una producción al estilo "Gringo" o Hollywood, es lamentable si, pero supera en todos los aspectos a la horrorosa Rec 3 de Paco Plaza, pero se queda muy corta en comparación con sus 2 primeras entregas.… Expand

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7

TheQuietGamerMay 17, 2015

After the disappointing third movie Jaume Balaguero returns. In doing so we lose the attempts at humor and get a sequel that's more in touch with the series horror roots. The only thing that's kept from the third movie is the traditionalAfter the disappointing third movie Jaume Balaguero returns. In doing so we lose the attempts at humor and get a sequel that's more in touch with the series horror roots. The only thing that's kept from the third movie is the traditional cinematography. There's no found footage here.

The apartment setting from the first two [REC] movies is traded for that of a ship in the middle of the ocean. The corridors and hallways are just as dark and tight, the sense of claustrophobia and fear aren't there. The chase scenes still pack tension though out side of an unintentionally goofy scene involving infected, computer generated monkeys.

What we get here is more in line with a typical zombie movie. There isn't any "apocalypse" here so I don't really understand why that's the subtitle. The exorcism elements of [REC] 2 are nowhere to be found, which probably would have helped it establish more of it's own identity. It might not due anything new for zombie movies, but it's a good return to form for the series. The plot even picks up where [REC] 2 left off, so we get to see a continuation of that plot, unlike 3 which was a deviation. It doesn't do anything new for zombie movies and it doesn't quite live up to what came before, but it is a good return to form for the series. It might not really succeed at being an actual horror movie, but at least it's trying to be one again.

I give "[REC] 4: Apocalypse" a 7.5/10.… Expand

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2

PanchogulMay 23, 2020

Dicen que Rec 3 es la peor pero dicen que esta es mejor, sinceramente no estoy de acuerdo, si bien esta retoma la trama de las dos primeras y tiene mas seriedad, es aburrida de principio a fin, mientras todas las anteriores no pasaban de losDicen que Rec 3 es la peor pero dicen que esta es mejor, sinceramente no estoy de acuerdo, si bien esta retoma la trama de las dos primeras y tiene mas seriedad, es aburrida de principio a fin, mientras todas las anteriores no pasaban de los 80 minutos, esta se extiende por casi 20 minutos más en una trama mal desarrollada y sin gracia, y para rematar, el plano final parece sacado de un videojuego de PS2.… Expand

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6

quincytheodoreJan 14, 2015

After the debacle of chainsaw-wielding bride, REC 4 returns to its root, partially. This one isn't shot in found footage style, although some elements are strung together to make it feel like it's the first REC. Manuela Velasco's return is aAfter the debacle of chainsaw-wielding bride, REC 4 returns to its root, partially. This one isn't shot in found footage style, although some elements are strung together to make it feel like it's the first REC. Manuela Velasco's return is a good direction, her character develops nicely and as the original protagonist it gives some nostalgic investment.

REC 4 uses dark claustrophobic setting, intense scenario, extreme gore and a touch of mystery. It's a good effort as occasionally it delivers decent thrill, although it's more of an action buzz instead of horror. REC was one of the few movies that popularized found footage genre a few years back, it's understandable that it's difficult to create the same effect without the camcorder first person point of view.

Manuela as Angela is more mature after her ordeal. How she handles different situations also affects the tone of movie. Apparently, the badass female protagonist idea hasn't been scratch entirely, since the movie often tries to portray Angela as such. This isn't completely bad, Angela can't run around scared all the time, and her more aggressive nature seems plausible as defense mechanism. She hasn't transformed into superheroine either, although sometimes I can't help but thinking she looks like she's in a Resident Evil movie.

The movie gives more time to build up tension and establish the other characters in order to set-up later altercation. First REC has consecutive bursts of scare, it never let up, but on the fourth iteration the novel sense has wear off, so the longer escalation is needed to get the vivid atmosphere. Regrettably, REC 4 only manages to achieve the violent action tone, not the intended gripping dread.

To some degree, the movie knows the limit of its horror potential or human drama, thus churning blood and gore to maximize the horror effect. A few twists here and there keep the audience guessing, but eventually it relies on action sequences on latter arc. When the movie gives the protagonist arsenal of weapon and fighting mentality, it's obvious that it opts for action.

RED 4 is a glorified action horror, it's successful in differentiating itself from horde of other same movies, mostly due to its namesake and main heroine. For those wanting the fright of original REC, it still has some leftover, but it might not be as satisfying.… Expand