DVD Review: i-LIVED (2015)

i-LIVED
Directed by  Franck Khalfoun
Distributed by XLrator Media

  I recently got the privilege of checking out a new horror film called i-LIVED.  This was a very interesting film with a fun interactive experience...more on that later.  Here is the basic plot synopsis from the film's press release:

 Josh Fosse is a 20-something guy whose life is going nowhere. His girl left, his rent is late, and he lacks a real job. He is trying to make it as an app reviewer online and decides to review a self help app called i-Lived for fun. He's signs on and immediately his life turns around. He meets the girl of his dreams and he gets a job offer he can't refuse. Convinced it's him and not the app, he signs out... and loses everything. He signs on again but this time the terms are different, the app is asking him to do things that are out of his moral comfort zone... but essential to becoming the success the app tells him he can be

  This is one of the better films I have seen this year.  It kept me thoroughly entertained and I honestly don't have a negative thing to say about it.   The acting was superb by all involved and the film was shot very well.  The film has a very intriguing story which was very fun to watch pan out.    What made this film extra fun was the interactive "Second Screen" experience.   By downloading the i-LIVED app from your smartphone's app store, you will have access to this interactive experience that runs parallel with the film.  You will get [fake] text messages throughout the film, just like the ones that are being sent to the main character on screen!  The interactive app also utilizes your phone's flash, and speakers for some very spooky scares.  Also, there are little inside jokes sent to your phone during a scene, some of which are laugh out loud funny!  It would be a lot different watching this movie without the app, but I bet it would still be pretty enjoyable.   I think this app adds an extra element to the film, though, that you really need to check out.  I can really see this idea going places and improving, especially as our phones and tablets continue to improve.  

  Be sure to check out i-LIVED as soon as you can.  The DVD is out now on DVD from XLrator Media.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

DVD Review: THE HUMAN RACE

THE HUMAN RACE
Writtend & Directed by Paul Hough
Distributed by  XLrator Media

  I wasn't sure what to expect going into this film.  I knew nothing about it, had read no reviews, and had not watched the trailer.   While I was not expecting much, I was pleasantly surprised with this film.  This film was fun and exciting and kept my attention the entire running time.  The film is called THE HUMAN RACE which is an amazing title I realize after watching this film.  It plays not only only the physical race the people have, but also the entire population of humans.   You will realize how big of a part that plays after watching this film.  Here is the brief synopsis of the film from the XLrator Media website:

 Eighty strangers from all walks of life are ripped out of their daily lives and forced to participate in a brutal race to the death. The rules are simple; follow the arrows or you will die, step on the grass and you will die, get lapped twice and you will die. Only one participant will survive. Race or die. There can only be one winner, but who will survive and for what purpose?

 At first the film just seems very simple, but the further the movie goes, the deeper you find out this movie really is.   It can be confusing at times, but I think it all makes sense in the end.   The movie starts abruptly with all the participants starting the race, then we are given the back story on the film's main characters.   While the film is not really horror at all, there are some very gruesome kills, in fact, anyone that steps on the grass literally blows up! The film is more of an action/drama, but then towards the end quickly turns into a very cool science fiction film.  Like I said, it will all make sense in the end. 

  The film is well acted, well written, and was thoroughly enjoyable for me. I would definitely recommend THE HUMAN RACE.  The film is available now on DVD and contains the following special features:

*  Director & Cast Commentary
*  Deleted Scenes
*  Trailer


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD