Stay Alive: 2 1/2 out of 4 Stars

A movie review written by:



Andrew Vigeant


In this film it's the old game of death...After the brutal death of a friend, Loomis Crowley(Milo Ventimiglia) a group of friends stumble upon a video-game called "Stay Alive." The game is about a true story of a woman known as the "Blood Countess"(Maria Kalinina) who terrorized many children. After playing the game the friends begin to realize that once they die in the game....they die in reality as well. As more and more of them perish the few remaining friends band together to make an attempt to defeat the Blood Countess.

I watched this film a long time ago with a friend, when he still worked at the video store, because he got free rentals. I enjoyed it then, and enjoyed it the 2nd time just as much when I recently viewed it again.

Jon Foster (Hutch) one scene he's believable then in the next he's as believable as a 5 year-old. Certain scenes his facial expressions go along with the emotion in the room then the scene shifts and his expressions become nothing short of laughable. I haven't even mentioned that he keeps his arms stiff throughout the entire film even while he runs.
Samaire Armstrong (Abigail) not only is she cute, but gives you slight and distinct expressions changes that speak loudly through the entire film. She has the 2nd best delivery in this film. The only way she fails you is when she screams...it just doesn't sound like she's being terrorized...gang-banged maybe...
Frankie Muniz (Swink) I remember this guy from the TV show "Malcolm In The Middle" where he was hilarious. In this film he becomes slightly annoying but at least makes most of his lines work. He has the 3rd best delivery in this film. He needs to show other emotions besides fear though...that seems to be his specialty. He still plays someone really smart even though he doesn't look it.
Jimmi Simpson (Phineus)
Sophia Bush (October) arguably the most fun person to watch in the entire film, she delivers the best performance. She's cute, shows just the right amount of emotion, and her expressions and line delivery never falter. *Spoiler* Even after her brother dies, and she goes after the Countess herself she is believable under extremely hard conditions.
Adam Goldberg (Miller Banks) This guy is so bad I wont even waste anymore time talking about him.
Milo Ventimiglia (Loomis Crowley) Reminds me of Johnny Depp from "Secret Window"...that is...without the incredible acting ability.

Sound effects, soundtrack, and make-up are GREAT in this film. That isn't even to mention the game itself. The sound effects, especially when the Countess is around, is so amazing. I wish I could have that guys job...The soundtrack was really simple, but worked really well with this film which is a major plus because if it didn't the film would probably make your head start to droop. Make-up, especially on the Countess, seemed to be a major concentration point...I don't know why but they did do a great job. The game itself/the plot was well thought out, but could've been made so much better.

Camera-work, editing, outstanding scene(s), and acting is what brings this film down. The camera angles can literally make you dizzy, and wonder if the cameramen were drunk or just retarded. Nearly every scene it seems as if they purposely pick the worst spots. The editing is choppy, and I wouldn't doubt if it was done within a 5 minute time-frame. Their are no outstanding/memorable/one that speaks to you scenes in this entire film...besides the top 3 I listed above everyone falls below average and Muniz was only average also and he was in the top 3....Overall I definitely recommend this film. Especially if you are looking for an enjoyable, yet not over the top, thriller.