Freaktana
A Major Disappointment
Ava-Grace Willis
Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.
Taha Avalos
The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.
trashgang
I was looking forward to see the debut of Danielle Harris as a director. She should know what should be in a horror flick because face it, she's in the scene from her youth (Halloween 4 (1988)) until today and has been seen in a few classics within the genre. But I was left with a bitter feeling at the end. I liked it somehow but I also had a few problems with this debut.I liked the story and the way it was shown. But I had troubles with the editing somehow. It's clear that reaction shots were inserts and the inserts are edited to slow. The reaction of some doesn't fit into the fact or reason why they should react. On the other hand, the torture that we do see is okay and it all looked good but once one of the friends is tortured he or she just staid in the game. When fingers are being cut off or even one his testicles they all stay alive. maybe I don't get it and it's all part of this flick but for me that teared this flick down. It's funny to see Kane Hodder and Michael Biehn here in a cameo which is normal, Danielle worked together with Hodder in Hatchet to Hatchet 3 and her best friend is Jessica Blanc, who is married with Micheal Biehn. Due the way the torture and the afterglow was presented I also had a bit of a problem with the acting. Still, Danielle did well and there are a few rare scene's to see especially when Lily is tripping on paddo's. Is it a must see for the geeks of the genre, well, I understand that a few did have actual problems with Among Friends. It never really becomes gory and there's no nudity even as there are a few erotic scene's and the ending, there's a lot to say about that part too. Among Friends, you love it or hate it, sadly I'm in between.Gore 1/5 Nudity 0/5 Effects 3/5 Story 2,5/5 Comedy 0/5
TheContorted
Among Friends has some great things going for it. The story is interesting, the actors (for the most part) do a great job, and some of the directorial decisions make this a fun ride. The movie does borrow from a handful of other movies. Saw, Would you Rather, and Deranged being among them. But the movie distinguishes itself and is better than some of the movies it shares similarities with.However, as much fun as I had with Among Friends and as invested as I was with the characters and their situation, the ending kills this movie. Simply because there is no conclusion. The movie just ends. There's no reason for a film maker to not create an ending for their movie. As the viewers we've invested the time into getting to know the characters and anticipate how the story unfolds. It's the writer and director's job to make sure that the story has a satisfactory conclusion. Not always happy, not always straightforward, but an ending that makes me glad I invested the time into watching the movie. Among friends doesn't have this. I just felt frustrated, cheated, and completely unsatisfied.In conclusion, I can't recommend this movie. It's frustrating how much potential was displayed and then squandered.
tcoll32
Among Friends is the directorial debut of horror queen Danielle Harris. It would appear to be, on the surface, a similar hash of the tired torture horror that has been overdone since the endless Saw sequels and Hostel ripoffs but it actually brings some fresh air to the subject. The story revolves around a group of 6 friends who have come to a 80's themed party hosted by their friend Bernadette. They are drugged by one of the group and forced to see their sins displayed and they have to answer for them. You see them violate the trusts of others and they violate each other to the deepest core. Before the night is over none of them will ever be the same if they can make it through the night. Ms. Harris called in all of her friends to help with this one and you can see she has a very talented group of friends. Standout performances from Alyssa Lobit, AJ Bowen, and Brianne Davis. Abley supported by Jennifer Blanc-Biehn, Christopher Backus, Kamala Jones, Chris Meyer, Dana Daurey, and Kane Hodder as the limo driver. There are a host of cameos including Ms. Harris in a certain costume she made famous. This is great start for Danielle Harris and I can only hope she make her next film as entertaining as this one.
Michael 'Hallows Eve' Smillie
Well, where to start. This movie had potential - until it started. Apart from AJ Bowen (who I like), the acting in this movie is average at best, as was the whole film. It was cliché, as the plot has been done before, and much better, and the script obviously wasn't that ground breaking either. I mean I normally like Danielle Harris, and this was her directorial debut, so I'm hoping that she will improve from this attempt. But after this, she should stick to acting. The film reeked of another movie that I saw this year - Would You Rather, which is a much better movie all round. It also reminded me of Urban Legend, by the revenge against friends side of the story. And there was a part where good old Kane Hodder had to fight off a skinny woman, and he LOSES. But later on that skinny woman is beaten by an even smaller woman! Yeah... whatever. So unfortunately all I can give this film is a 2 out of 10. Save your money.
