High Tension MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +1/2 Content: -4

In this partially subtitled French film, Marie and Alex (Cecile de France and Maiwenn Le Besco) prepare for college exams in a secluded country home. Reminiscent of a 1980s slasher film, Lions Gates High Tension is aptly titled. The tension and blood begin early and rarely stop. In the first night in the home, a stranger knocks on the door after bedtime. When Alexs father opens the door, the brutal killing spree begins, and Alex is abducted in chains. The psychopathic killer (Philippe Nahon) has a history of abducting women and having sex with their decapitated bodies. Refusing to let her friend be taken to certain death, Marie intervenes. After the gruesome death of a gas station owner, Marie is finally able to call the police who, of course, cant help. Marie decides to take matters into her own hands, but a shocking discovery by police leaves Alex in even greater danger.

With simple plans to enjoy quiet solitude while they prepare for exams, Alex and Marie are traumatized by a horrific night of terror. Armed with a small blade, the killer brutally decapitates a few victims and shoots another with a shotgun. For an hour and a half, viewers are entertained by what may be the goriest movie to ever hit local theaters. In one scene, the killer is the recipient of what appears to be consensual unconventional sex in his van. In the next scene, he throws the head out the window. The language and nudity is inappropriate, but the sadistic slaughter of people makes this an avoid-at-all-costs film. High Tension is not only a film to miss; its one to discourage others from attending. In 1884, the French gave us the Statue of Liberty. In 2005, they give us High Tension. What an amazing and sad contrast.

Preview Reviewer: Henry J. Rogers
Distributor: Lions Gate