Reed Alexander's Horror Review of 'The Layer'

Yeah, this was a fun little creature feature. I think what I like the most about it is that the cast seemed like they were having fun but it wasn't the usual 'so bad it's good' movie where that happens. It was very well put together too. Nothing to write home about, we're not talking award-winning or anything but this kind of movie never has to be. It's like Pitch Black (2000), or Crawl or Die (2014). Action-packed, some good humor, plenty of violence, interesting creatures, quirky cast, the whole package.

The plot actually has some layers to it. It's not deep or anything. We're not talking Shakespeare. Anyway, it all starts with a Royal Air Force Pilot getting shot down over Afghanistan. The secondary antagonists are the Taliban, of course, but then, while on the run, she discovers an unmarked bunker. We know what happens from there. I don't have to go into the spoilers to let you know that there are monsters everywhere after that point. That's what we came here to see, monsters all over the goddamn place. It would be kinda fucked up if it didn't deliver at least that much.

You know, the acting wasn't bad. Actually, it was surprisingly good. Every bit as good as Pitch Black, at least. That's way better than you'd expect for horror or action, especially when you're getting both. Yeah, it gets hammy from time to time, but we expect that. Hell, we kinda want that. It's like a fucking requirement or some shit. It's what makes this movie so damn fun, some good dialog and the quirky characters.

I'm not sure what to say about the practical FX. They're standard. The rubber monster costumes look good. There's explosions and gunfire, the right kind of setting and atmosphere. What I really want to impress upon my readers is that this movie did everything it was supposed to and that's what makes it worth it.

So yeah. This one is definitely worth at least one go. I think, at least, Horror Heads are gonna want to check this out. Even maybe Riffers. It is riffable.

SPOILERS!!!

How the fuck are you gonna tell me that you can take out one of these nasty buggers with a fucking baseball bat? Don't get me wrong, it's a great scene and part of what makes this movie so damn fun, but these things are practically fucking bulletproof. I mean, it takes a LOT of concentrated gunfire to put one of these bastards down and you're telling me a guy with a Louisville Slugger is gonna put one in the ground? I mean, going into movies like this, you gotta suspend disbelief, but this was a big fucking stretch. Great scene though.

You know, it's funny, when everything is done right, but there really isn't anything to write home about, movies like this get overlooked. I mean, it hists the standard, but that's it, it's just standard. That's not a bad thing, but far too often it just isn't enough for some people. All of this has been done before, like we've already seen this movie. But that's not a reason not to watch it. It's like a bit of nostalgia, or that familiar old feeling, or our favorite movie we've seen a thousand times and still keep coming back to. It really is worth it. Even if it's just bubblegum for the mind, something to chew on, it's got the right flavor that we crave and love. Seriously, give this movie its day in court. It deserves it and I think it's worth it.