I must say it's been a while since I've got to watch an actual who-done-it Slasher, so I'm quite glad I got around to trying Most Likely to Die. The key components, i.e. characters, relationships and social intrigues are all as cookie-cutter as can be, without even the slightest distinct effort to present something new. I get that, some films have no desire to reinvent the wheel and it's perfectly legitimate in such a classic sub-genre. Additionally, some of the all too familiar cheats are of course present and are quite significant for the plot to make the slightest sense (of course there's no cellular reception, has anyone ever seen an on-set slasher location in which basic communication devices actually worked? That would force the screenwriters to actually think!). On the other hand, this was perhaps the first time I've seen a Slasher film with an actually logical explanation for the car refusing to start in a desolate location, so at least there's that.
Speaking of the plot, it's nice, okay, sufficient and other such underwhelming adjectives. Sadly, the only real red herring and sort-of chance for a remotely surprising plot twist is proven innocent (thus removed from the equation) far too earl for my liking, so there isn't really a twist. The only reason the killer's identity could catch you off guard is that you didn't bet on the right horse, as there are no hints whatsoever, subtle or other. Nothing smart or well planned, nothing to leave you with any appreciation for the writing. Same goes for acting and direction. Seriously, you've just witnessed a gruesome death, how about a little more convincing scream and hysterics? You know, more so than when you break a nail...
Having said that, let's all take a moment to remember that this is a Slasher, not a psychological thriller. Not all films can (nor should) be Saw or Insidious (yes, I'm a big fan of the Wan and only). As a Slasher, Most Likely to Die has some very well planned killing scenes, and awesome and never before seen murder weapon, and a distinguished lack of forced pornography (some erotica though) and people dying solely on account of being stupid. Also, the killer is not given Jason super powers, is not walking faster than sprinting victims and it's implied he wouldn't be able to shrug off a bullet. All these features are indeed commendable.
All in all, anyone expecting a Slasher to be more than it is would surely be disappointed, and have no one but themselves to blame. Those who just expect a Slasher, offering some half-finished story and plenty of features bad enough to be sufficiently amusing, would surely be pleasantly surprised but at least a few scenes. I know I was and I know I had a pretty fun time watching this for the first and last time. NEVER believe any Horror film's rating on this site, as it appears to be a social or ego thing to trash them. Always assume the film would be two scores better than most ratings and reviews. Trust me, rating this film a 4 is nothing but juvenile.
Speaking of the plot, it's nice, okay, sufficient and other such underwhelming adjectives. Sadly, the only real red herring and sort-of chance for a remotely surprising plot twist is proven innocent (thus removed from the equation) far too earl for my liking, so there isn't really a twist. The only reason the killer's identity could catch you off guard is that you didn't bet on the right horse, as there are no hints whatsoever, subtle or other. Nothing smart or well planned, nothing to leave you with any appreciation for the writing. Same goes for acting and direction. Seriously, you've just witnessed a gruesome death, how about a little more convincing scream and hysterics? You know, more so than when you break a nail...
Having said that, let's all take a moment to remember that this is a Slasher, not a psychological thriller. Not all films can (nor should) be Saw or Insidious (yes, I'm a big fan of the Wan and only). As a Slasher, Most Likely to Die has some very well planned killing scenes, and awesome and never before seen murder weapon, and a distinguished lack of forced pornography (some erotica though) and people dying solely on account of being stupid. Also, the killer is not given Jason super powers, is not walking faster than sprinting victims and it's implied he wouldn't be able to shrug off a bullet. All these features are indeed commendable.
All in all, anyone expecting a Slasher to be more than it is would surely be disappointed, and have no one but themselves to blame. Those who just expect a Slasher, offering some half-finished story and plenty of features bad enough to be sufficiently amusing, would surely be pleasantly surprised but at least a few scenes. I know I was and I know I had a pretty fun time watching this for the first and last time. NEVER believe any Horror film's rating on this site, as it appears to be a social or ego thing to trash them. Always assume the film would be two scores better than most ratings and reviews. Trust me, rating this film a 4 is nothing but juvenile.