"Choose or Die"

The Netflix horror film "Choose or Die" features a quirky concept reminiscent of 80s and 90s horror films. However, it fails to deliver on its promise of surreal horror, lacking the visual flair of masters like Wes Craven or David Cronenberg. The main character, Kayla, a college student with financial and personal problems, finds an old text-based game with a cash prize that adjusts to the surroundings and leads to bloodshed.

The film often feels unstructured and lacks confidence, partly due to its limited budget. The final act is the only truly captivating part, with a great performance by Eddie Marsan and an impressive score by Liam Howlett. Overall, "Choose or Die" falls short of expectations and it would be better to watch classic films like "Videodrome" instead.

The movie's plot revolves around Kayla and her friend Isaac who, after discovering the game "Curs>r," are transported to alternate realities with each level they play. The terror in the film feels unorganized, and the director and writer's lack of vision leads to a lack of confidence. The visuals, often obscured by darkness and dry ice, are disappointing, and much of the violence occurs off-camera.

Despite these shortcomings, "Choose or Die" has a few redeeming qualities. Its final act is genuinely weird and captivating, and its score places it firmly in the techno-horror era of the 80s. But, ultimately, the film falls short of delivering the surreal horror promised by its quirky concept. If you're looking for a classic horror film, it's best to choose to watch something else.

However, fans of '80s and '90s horror flicks may appreciate the nod to the genre, with a poster of Wes Craven's "A Nightmare on Elm Street" in the opening scene and Robert Englund, aka Freddy Krueger, providing his voice talents.

The film also touches upon the concept of "terrifying technology" seen in movies like "Ghost in the Machine" and "Shocker." Despite its allusions to classic horror, "Choose or Die" lacks the visual personality necessary to bring its bizarre premise to life. In the end, it's a forgettable film that fails to live up to its potential.

The protagonist, Kayla, is a college student grappling with debt and a struggling mother. Her best friend, Isaac, is a programmer who designs a character after Kayla in his new game. Kayla stumbles upon an old text-based game called "Curs>r" with a cash prize that was never claimed. But when she starts playing, the game adjusts to what's happening in the room and leads to bloodshed with the screen reading "CHOOSE OR DIE." The game shatters reality and puts those around Kayla in danger, much like Freddy Krueger in the "Nightmare" films.

However, the terror in "Choose or Die" lacks structure, often feeling like it's making things up as it goes along. Part of the problem may have been budget constraints, leading to darkness and dry ice hiding much of the action and violence happening off-camera. Despite a captivating final act and a techno-heavy score by Liam Howlett of The Prodigy, "Choose or Die" falls short of its potential and fails to deliver a truly memorable experience. It's safer to choose to watch classics like "Videodrome" instead.

"Choose or Die," the latest Netflix original horror movie, has a unique and nostalgic premise that harkens back to the '80s and '90s genre films. With strong influences from Wes Craven's "A Nightmare on Elm Street" and other technology-driven horror movies, "Choose or Die" had the potential to be a standout in the genre. Unfortunately, the film's lack of visual flair and creativity falls short of expectations, failing to deliver on the surreal horror promised by its premise.

The main protagonist, Kayla (played by Iola Evans), is a college student struggling with debt and a troubled mother. Her friend Isaac (Asa Butterfield) is a programmer who creates a character after Kayla in his new game. But when Kayla stumbles upon the old '80s game "Curs>r," everything changes.

The game has a cash prize that has never been claimed, and its levels adjust based on what's happening in the room. Every level ends in bloodshed and the phrase "Choose or Die" repeating on the screen. Kayla's gameplay leads to shattering reality, as "Curs>r" transports her to other places and puts those around her in danger, much like Freddy Krueger in the "Nightmare" films.

"Choose or Die" lacks the structure and confidence of a great horror film. The terror often feels aimless, lacking the relatable aspect of Freddy's ability to enter your dreams. The film's budget constraints result in a dull and dark film, save for the captivating final act led by MVP Eddie Marsan. While the score by Liam Howlett of Prodigy is great, it's not enough to save the film. In the end, it's better to just choose to watch "Videodrome" again.