
Movies
![[Rec] poster](/thumbs/img/posters/300xauto/rec.webp)
[Rec] is a lovely thrill that smartly uses modern techniques to its best advantage, creating a truly creepy and tense atmosphere where so many films have failed before.
![[Rec] 3: Genesis poster](/thumbs/img/posters/300xauto/rec-3.webp)
Plaza knows how to deliver a fun, action-filled zombie flick that harbors some kick-ass gore and a few very funny moments.
![[Rec] 2 poster](/thumbs/img/posters/300xauto/rec2.webp)
If you didn't like the first film, I can't see how you'll like this one. Stylistically the films are very much alike, though the directors made better use of the style this time around.

Paco Plaza's return to the horror genre. Don't expect a full-on chiller though, Plaza's latest has some drama and fantasy elements to make for a more rounded genre film. It's a shame the plot is a bit too generous with hints as to what is going on exactly, as Plaza's direction is pretty stylish. Susanne is a Spanish model working in Paris. On the day she gets her big break, she gets a call from the hospital telling her that her grandmother has falling ill. Susanne travels back to Madrid to take care of her, but even though they shared a close bond, it's not as easy as she imagined. Solid performances, a beautiful location (the flat of the grandmother) and some eerie scenes make this a tense and creepy horror film. The ending is pretty cool too, though a bit expected (not because it's a genre cliché, but because the film is a foreshadowing a little too much). Plaza made another great film for genre fans.Read all

Films to Keep You Awake: The Christmas Tale


Quite a change of pace for Paco Plaza. Best known as a full-blown horror director, Plaza slow things down and deliver a crime thriller with strong dramatic undertones. Not really the film I was expecting from him, it's equally clear he struggled with the genre switch in places, but overall this was a pretty solid film. The story revolves around Mario, a nurse who works in a retirement home. Things go sour for him when he is paired with a senior drug lord responsible for the death of his brother. Mario struggles with his conscience, but decides he can't pass up this opportunity and start to slowly poison his patient. Performances are decent but nothing out of the ordinary. The cinematography isn't all that either, looking a bit drab and lifeless. Luckily the soundtrack is on par and delivers oodles of atmosphere, while the story is interesting enough to hold the attention. I think Plaza is better suited for the horror genre, but this wasn't all that bad.Read all