[Rec] Genesis - WARNING: very different to the previous two

The original Rec was a classic - one of the few `found footage' films that actually worked. It was no wonder it was not only remade (reasonably faithfully) for the American audience as `Quarantine,' but also spawned a sequel which was very similar to the original in look and feel (although not quite as good, but definitely passable).

How much enjoyment you get out of the third instalment will depend on how well you deal with the change (spoilers ahead). After twenty minutes of setting up the film as shot from the first person via a wedding video, it deliberately changes itself into a regular `third person' film. Not only do they do this to kind of surprise the audience, but it also serves as one of the indicative new main ingredients, i.e. some self-knowingness.

Rec 1 and 2 were both as serious as they come, whereas part 3 (Rec 3: Genesis as it's known) throws in more than a fair few moment of comedy and parody. Therefore it moves the film away from the familiar Rec territory and comes across more like a regular zombie/horror film that rolls along happily, never taking itself too seriously.

If this film was simply called `Genesis' and had nothing to do with the franchise, it would probably have got a better reception overall. However, the changes obviously was a gamble and not for everyone. Rec 3 never reaches the chilling heights of terror that its predecessors managed, but it is still an entertaining little yarn that you should be able to enjoy if you like your gore messy and plot holes easily overlooked.

6/10 May just keep you awake if Freddy Krueger was haunting your nights