DVD Review – Landmine Goes Click (2015)

Gripping, Grim and Powerful

Landmine Goes Click is the newest film from the FrightFest Presents series from Icon Film Distribution, Release on DVD and Digital Download from July 25th.

When three young American tourists are travelling in the stunning countryside of Georgia, Suddenly Chris (Sterling Knight) steps on an old Landmine from the Georgian war and can not move as it would kill him and everyone around him. Unknown to them this is not the deadliest thing they have to worry about.

I went into this film knowing nothing, which in my opinion is the best thing to do. I saw the Trailer at Glasgow Fright Fest this year and since then I have been eager  to see the film. And now I can safely say wow!

This is what an exploitation film should be. It was a film I felt had so much going for it. Very much in the vain of I Spit On Your Grave and The Last House On The Left. The film explores the true essence of Human nature and exactly what someone would do to seek revenge.

The setting of the film was a highlight, the gorgeous Georgian landscape was a stunning setting for this grim horror experience. It was such a contrast from the horrific acts that unfolded throughout the film and was some what the best part of the film as it added so much to the atmosphere.

The score as well was on point and was eerie and set the tone of the film amazingly. All of this plus the camera operation was excellent. The use of close ups, long shows and external shots were very powerful especially in the more intense scenes.

As for the Characters, it was pointed out in another review that the characters were some what grey as in there wasn’t a character purely good nor purely bad. They all had good and bad in them and I felt and agreed with the reviewers that this helped ground the film in reality which also lead to the film feeling more uncomfortable to watch.

In terms of Acting I felt that they all played their part very well. However my props always goes out to the lead actress, or in some cases, the lead actor as having to perform a sexual assault scene is never easy and takes a lot out of the actor. But over all I commend every one who took part in this film as I can only imagine how tough it must have been to make this film, as it was so grim.

As much as I admire and respect the work done in this film and I thought that the storyline was brilliant, I can honestly say its hard to say I enjoyed this film as it was very very tough to watch at certain points. I did think it was a great film though.

However I do have a couple of minor issues. There were a couple of unanswered questions that I wanted to discuss in case any of our readers may have any thoughts.

Without giving to much away. A character leaves about 20 minutes or so into the film and does not return I felt their story was still needed in the film and I had a feeling of confusion about what had happened and wanted answers. Another issue I would say – and without saying to much – I felt that the ending was a little rushed and could have done with an extra few minutes of suspense. I felt that, although I felt the film was good with or without the ending the film went for, it was a little unsatisfying to an extent as I felt that it was rushed as I said and as I also said there were characters that were not addressed even though they were key to the story.

Other than those minor issue really in all honesty there is nothing really negative I can say about this film. I will warn people though that this is not a good film for those of you that can not handle extreme violence of may be distressed by sexually violent content.

Other than that I would say if you think you can handle it then go for it! I can not say enough about this film and how much it has and will have an effect on me for a long while now. Just like films of this sub-genre have before.

I have to give this film its credit where it is due. A fantastic and thrilling ride.

★★★★ 1/2 | Ross Wilcock

Thriller, Horror | Croatia, 2015 | 18 |Icon Film Distribution | 25th July 2016 (UK) |Dir. Levan Bakhia | Sterling Knight, Spencer Locke, Dean Geyer, Kote Tolordava, Giorgi Tsaava |Buy: [DVD]