I was having some trouble getting into this while I was watching, but for some reason it really stuck with me after I left the theater. I think the main difference with this flick was its attention to realism - no guys coming back for one final gunshot or whatever, no ride off into the sunset, none of that. People that are set up to be big and badass and invincible turn out to just be humans. Crazy ones, yeah, but humans nonetheless.

Supposedly based on a true story - director Zev Berman insists on the IMDB forums that it is indeed true, but you can make up your own mind - the movie takes time to painstakingly detail its protagonists, so we aren't presented with cardboard characters, but with rounded out people who we get to know, if not care about. Unfortunately the set-up is a bit long, so pacing became a problem, and really left me wondering why in the hell this was picked for the Horrorfest in the first place. I'm still a little unsure even after watching the movie pick up its dragging ass and letting the blood flow (especially a scene with a dead body and a goat head), as it is more of a thriller-esque fish out of water kind of tale, but that might just be me.

The casting is a little odd - why is Rider Strong playing an early 20's guy? I know he's thin and all but come on, he's almost 30. Which, by the way, makes me feel very old. Sean Astin, however, was perfectly cast, and plays a great batshit crazy guy. Despite his huge name because of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, he is still willing to do films like this, which kicks ass, honestly - though I still kept expecting him to say, "Don't go where I can't follow! POE-TAY-TOES!" Everyone else in the film does alright, including Ms. Higareda, who made Valeria a very approachable yet strong-willed woman, and she holds her own.

I also really ended up liking the Ed character, who seemed lost and idealistic but a straight up enough guy. I think that's really why this movie ended up working - strong characters and a dedication to realism (Wolf Creek makers, take note, this is how to do it right) makes it seem like you are really there. If it wasn't for the off pacing of the beginning it would be higher rated.

Directorial choices were nice; one of the death scenes in the film involved someone being strung up by their toes, and as they eventually bleed to death, the camera looks up at them as their last breath escapes them. A bit of extravagance in an otherwise straight-forward film, to be sure, but appreciated nonetheless. Later the character is decapitated and unceremoniously dumped out so it definitely heads back to realism quickly. The Mexican landscapes are bleak and empty like they should be, lots of browns and tans.

I definitely say catch it in the theater or rent, but a return visit might not be needed, so buy only if the realism gets to you. Don't just give up on it, either, it might just stick with you like it did with me.

Oh and Berman, if you read this - trust me, posting to people on IMDB is an exercise in pure futility. I admire your tenacity but you'll go crazy!

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