Pretty sure this is not the first time I've watched this; there were too many scenes that seemed familiar and that were all too predicatable so I _think_ I've seen this one. This time around, however, I can at least say this was only given a "Fair" rating (by myself) because of the kill scenes. The movie itself was not all that great: way too plodding, predictable, and even the closing scene felt like you knew in advance what was going to happen. The film took far too long to advance to the "game" itself, and once there, slowed to a snail's pace. I don't know...the "challenges" were interesting enough, but that's the only reason - and sparse enough in itself - to merit watching this one. [spoiler]I kept waiting for something to really backfire (and you really thought it would blow up in Lambrick's face at the end) but nothing ever happened and you're left hanging with a real dissatisfaction. No idea what became of him or his demented son, so there's a huge void at the end. Maybe they're considering a sequel but it's been over 10 years so I'm guessing they should have wrapped this one up more snugly at the end.[/spoiler]

Truth or Dare?

It’s difficult to know if David Guy Levy’s film is taking the rise out of the current horror market’s propensity for torture porn, or if it is as it seems, a lazy exploitation flic pandering to an undemanding audience?

Eight strangers with financial problems are invited to the mansion of rich nutter Shepard Lambrick (Jeffrey Combs) to partake in a game, the winner of which will get their utmost requirements met.

What starts out as a promising piece soon descends into a boorish reliance on shock tactics as the guests are required to do “unspeakable” things to each other. There’s some wince inducing moments, even times when the picture dares you to contemplate how you would react in similar circumstances. Yet it all feels so lazy and cheap, with some poor acting and cringe worthy dialogue dragging the piece down still further. A twist in the tail works well, but by then you may feel jaded to the point of not caring. 5/10