Review of [REC] 4: Apocalypse

For a franchise that's called "[ REC ]", we rarely get anymore "live recording" POV after the second entry of this series, which is extremely disappointing, as this was what made the first two instant horror classics, and distinguished itself from so many other ones! This sequel is even more bad than it's predecessor, as the found footage style is non-existing in this one... The only real connections to the first movies, is Angela and her damaged camera with footage from the first movie, which the doctors on the boat is trying to recover, in order to figure out what happened inside the building and trying to make a cure. Standard stuff really. The last time we left Angela, she was possessed by a demon. The one that caused the first outbreak. She killed a priest sent by the vatican, and was granted safe access to the outside world using his radio, in order to further spread the virus. In this one, we find out she is somehow no longer possessed, which is rather disappointing and makes no sense... When we find out why she's suddenly free and what happens next, i almost stopped the movie out of sheer frustration... I got so bored, so quickly that i only paid half attention to what was happening, and what they said to each other after just 20 minutes! I really disliked all of the characters, especially Nick! He was extremely cowardly throughout most of the movie. He only got brave when it was about Angela, like he just wanted to get laid, which is fine really, but he could've at least tried to help some of the others as well, that would've benefited his character. The boat setting, is supposed to make us feel the claustrophobia, paranoia and fear like in the original two, but it fails to deliver scares, even tiny ones, and the hopelessness that keeps you on the edge of your seat is never really there, which every good horror movie should have! There is no suspense, as we feel the characters are never really in any serious danger like in the building. I never rooted for anyone, i just wanted it to end quickly no matter what the cost. This sequel is essentially just like the last one, a splatterfest with less splatter, but just as painfully boring and slow. They should've let this franchise end with the second one, which had the best ending this series could've possibly hoped for, as it fitted perfectly with the style and overall feel. These last two entries has gone away from the found footage style in favor of experimenting with something different, which is not okay and not at all in keeping with the movies central themes and title. It would be like if the next Paranormal Activity was filmed in third person. It's called Paranormal Activity but it's not really Paranormal Activity. I am so glad that this is hopefully the last one, and if not I will never EVER watch another-quote unquote-[ REC ] movie! Do yourself a favor and stick with the original first two, which is far superior and actually scary and consistent with the overall theme and plot, and stands as a golden testament to Spanish horror, and horror in general!