Call this a mix of REC and END OF WATCH, as it mixes those two films far more effectively than you’d guess. Watching it, I was struck at how few found footage films are done with police. There are a few, but not as many as you’d think, considering that many are wearing live cameras at all times.
I suppose part of the reason is budgetary limitations as you try to get the cars and costumes. Heck, I have seen so many of these movies throw a cop in with a ponytail and it’s like, bro, brooooo, come on now. At least cast someone who looks like they’d be a cop. What LIVE ESCAPE reminded me though is that this is fertile ground still as a storytelling technique in the subgenre.
LIVE ESCAPE is the story of two police officers on patrol. One is a rookie just getting on the force, and the other is a vet showing him the ropes. We get to know them as they patrol during the evening and work their shift. As the story unwinds, the duo are called to a homeless facility that has an issue inside. When the two arrive, they find a building with no lights and an air of deep mystery. Within the building, they find nothing that tells them it would be usable by any community organization, let alone this specific one. They begin to find people inside the building wandering around just out of view of their flashlights, putting them on edge. As they move deeper inside they find injured people and realize something more is going on than was reported. As they call for help and realize that it’s not coming soon enough, the true horror of what is lurking in the darkness reveals itself and it’s nothing they are prepared for.
This is a really fun movie. Clearly working on a low budget, the only time this really comes into play is when the zombies make their appearance. The make-up feel very slap-dash, though I will give them the grace that this is all filmed with low lighting in the dark so it’s not like you would invest time and money on stuff you won’t really see well. They do a good job of keeping the zombies in the shadows as much as possible and as mysterious as possible. The story is a really interesting one that could be developed more (there is at least one sequel I know) and doesn’t feel cheesy. The chemistry between the leads is fantastic and the dialogue feels genuine and fun. They are really the big draw to the film and the reason to keep watching.
As I said, the zombie makeup is not great, and the actors portraying them are very much of the arms out and moaning variety. This lessens the film but doesn’t kill it at all.
The film shows its low budget but, again, it works. Pacing starts to drag a bit in the middle but it’s well made, well shot, and kept me engaged throughout. Definitely a sleeper if you’re looking for something new.
3 out of 5
The Spooky World of Chris Ringler 