The Hood Has Eyez (2007)

Cast: Carlos Javier Castillo, Cydne Shulte, Anne Stinnette

Writer: Terence Williams

Director: Terence Williams

I almost feel guilty writing this review, seeing as how I'm good friends with the Director and many would think I'm marking out for him just to win friend points. I'm fairly certain however, that he like all those who know me also know I'm not the kind to kiss ass or beat around the bush. If I like your work, I like your work. If I think it sucks, then it sucks. Anyone can either thank me for my honesty or get over it. With that said, you the readers will get my full honesty on Terrence Williams' rape/revenge shocker "The Hood Has Eyez". Read on and see what I think.

 When I first stumbled upon the trailer of this film on youtube, The title made me laugh, especially since I've seen many a "Hood" titled horror movies and knew non can deliver.When I saw the trailer, my laughter ceased and interest grew and grew until I had the film in my hand. Now for anyone with intentions on seeing this film, be advised that their are plenty of "Micro-Budgeted Films" being made everyday, some bring up questions as to why? Others are real gems that grow a cult following. Now you're probably wondering where this film lands, as a do or a don't?

The film opens with a nice shower scene with our beautiful antagonist Kimmy (Cydne Schulte) as she prepares to venture off to school. She meets up with her Catholic school girl friends Rachel and Susan (Jamielynn Kane, Jesselynn Desmond) and they convince Kimmy to ditch school and hit a hookey party with them in the hood. Lost, they find themselves driving down a strange alley where they accidentally hit what looks like a potential rape victim with their car. Startled by her abruptly getting up they run and run into two charming thugs by the names of Joker and Psycho (Carlos Javier Castillo, Antonio Royuela) and this our festivities begin.

Though the film is shot on a micro-budget, it's shot well. The cuts and shots and even, the little cinematic effects really break the watcher away from caring of the budget. The picture is clear and clean and you get to see the film without it being hard on the eyes or ears. (Unless you can't handle the concept or actions of the film that is) The dialog is great, you get a bunch of awesomely cheesy one liners from Joker, and the dialog compliments the character development in the film as well. The acting is also good, our team of actors and actresses in this film have definitely complimented the stylings of Terrence's shock masterpiece and should be proud to be a part of a new wave of cult history.

Violence and bloodshed, is added in the film with some very brutal death scenes. Again the budget constraints does not allow to have Savinian fx. But the gore in the film is still really good and effective. I've bared witness to several turn from the sight of certain scenes and comment later "even though the gore wasn't all Hollywood, the idea with the imagery OFFENDED me." A true quote from a friends ex who also followed with "why the fuck would you show me that movie?" I simply replied "because".

So far all those I have exposed to this film, have loved it. They all felt it was right on point and is definitely the influence of many modern day Rape/Revenge films or as some say "the poster child" In ways I can't help but feel some rape/revenge films that followed after have adapted some influence in one way or another, and it's not really a bad thing, just as long as it's executed correctly and not a blatant rip off. In my opinion I feel that many current Rape/Revenge films will only live in the shadow of tour de force, not only because it was one of the first I have seen come out in years, but it, in so many words, WENT TOO FAR. In a great way and that is ample proof that Terrence is a man that knows what he's doing.

Overall, as you can tell, I love this film, I loved it before Terrence and Nicole (Producer) Became friends and will continue too. I also can't wait for the already announced sequel, which excites me to know some of the details I will not disclose to anyone. But if you like this one you'll love the sequel once it's done. Need proof? Watch Williams' "Llorona" trilogy, which got better and better with every sequel. But that's a whole other set of reviews. Too me, "The Hood Has Eyez" is the Cannibal Holocaust of modern day rape/revenge films and I know with a bigger budget Terrence will really penetrate the thoughts of his fans further.

5/5