247°F Review.

While checking out one of the local Redbox kiosks in the area, I stumbled upon 247°F. Immediately thinking it was one of the lame direct-to-video films they throw into the horror category, I kept looking through the films. I was disappointed at the lack of anything that looked like it was worth watching so I started from the beginning of the list and soon found myself looking at 247°F. Not catching Scout Taylor Compton's name on the artwork the first time, I slightly fan-girled when I saw she was in the film. After reading the plot, I decided I was going to get the film. Long story short, the Redbox machine wouldn't work and I walked away empty handed. Luckily, I found a copy of the film today for a reasonable $10.00 and decided to give it a chance.

The film centers on a group of friends who travel to a lakeside cabin in the middle of nowhere to relax for the weekend. After they're settled, they decide to go into the cabin's sauna and hang out for a bit. The friends soon find themselves trapped in the sauna when a ladder falls against the door. With their only chance of getting out being at a local party, the group soon finds themselves desperate to find a way out before its too late.

The biggest flaw with this movie is the lack of proper characterization. There was an event that led to post-traumatic something to one o the characters and that plays a huge role in the film, yet the writers never touched base on the event too well. In fact, the only idea of this is during the opening credits. The other characters are ridiculously boring and really don't have an impact on the viewer and I personally believe that's what makes a movie good.

I also found myself losing interest where I should've been at the edge of my seat. The filmmakers failed to bring any suspense which is what I had wanted to experience most while watching the film.

Not all was bad, though. The cast did very well with what they were given. Throughout the stages of their entrapment, the actors manage to pull off everything they were supposed to, especially towards the end. In fact, I felt guilty for drinking while watching these people dying for a drink (literally).

Was the movie bad? No, but it wasn't the best. As I look at other trapped-in-a-small-place-at-risk-of-dying films (Frozen, Devil, and Elevator to name a few), I find myself wishing this one could've been as good as them. The film is still worth a watch, but you're better of renting it.