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Speck

Film based on real life killer Richard Speck

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GOOD FILM BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN A CLASSIC

Jun 3, 2010

by FM_ALEX
posted in Movie Hype

Rating:

SPECK

At first glance this seems like the all too typical low budget serial killer movie that seems popular today. But once you get to the back of the cover your hopes go up a little, the pics on the back make it seem like this will be a great independent film. Also instead of the typical synopsis on the back of the case, it is a newspaper article explaining the murders. But once you start the film you go back to your original thought of what the film will be, the typical low budget film. You see with this onslaught of based on true events serial killer films that are coming out they all fall in to one particular category or another. The ones like "DAHMER, & NIGHTSTALKER" are dark artistic portrayal of the killer, were ones like "TED BUNDY, & THE HILLSIDE STRANGLER" are just straight out pull no punches no holds barred films. Then the ones like "GACY, & THE KILLER WITH IN ME" are more of the guy next door scary type of feel with a little made for TV feeling. And of course you have "ED GEIN & STARKWEATHER" that are just great films that don't go all the way into one of the other categories creating one of their own.

This film seems to want to make it to one of those levels but just doesn't make it to one. The atmosphere of the film makes it feel like the Bundy type as you can see these girls being chosen one by one for their rape and death. That element redeems this film from being out right predictable. But that lack of detail to the full story and its budget restraints [I guess], keep it from falling into the Dahmer category either. The atmosphere can also be credited from keeping this film from being in the Gacy range. And since the film isn't as good as Gein or Starkweather it falls into a lesser category. Not saying that the film isn't good because it is, it just doesn't hold up to the standards others have set. But like I said the film is in its own right is an entertaining picture none the less.

The before mentioned heightened tension with the nurses just waiting to be killed makes this an interesting film, but the lack of scenes showing the actual murders tone down the fear you are supposed to share with the girls. And as far as acting goes DOUG COLE does do an excellent job with his role, his evil looks and cold hearted expressions make him perfect for this film. The girls on the other hand are only given roles in which for the most part they are tied up or screaming, so it wouldn't be fair to judge their acting abilities to the fullest. But for what they are given they all portray their characters well, the surviving girl in particular does a great job for the most part.

You can tell producer/director KIETH WALLEY tried to make an honestly good film portraying this sick killer, and for what we got it is a good film. Writers AARON POPE & DON ADAMS could have added a little death scenes showing them killed into the script, but they made up for it with the scenes showing the girls waiting for execution. Over all this is a decent film hat has its moments, but fails to deliver like some of the other serial killer films. Did I mention that Full Moon Pictures prodcued this? Also for those who are interested there is actual footage out there some where of the real life killer [Speck] during his time in prison. In this footage he is seen wearing women's clothes and has enlarged breasts from hormone pills. He is also seen doing drugs and having sex with other inmates [they do to him what he did to those nurses]. He is also asked by the inmate filming about the murders and he goes into detail about it. This guy is deserved eveything he got fro what he did to those women.

Some of this footage is avalible on youtube from the A&E documentary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i725FCBJIxA

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woopak_the_thrill June 03, 2010

I thought DAHMER was the most decent one of the series. I need to check this out in future. Thanks for the great review, Alex!!

FM_ALEX June 08, 2010

It is a crazy little flick man.

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About the reviewer

FM_ALEX
Ranked #6

I basically am just a normal person obbsessed with Mixed Martial Arts, pro wrestling, movies of all kinds, music of all kinds, books of all kinds, and of course foods of all kinds. Just trying to keep … more