BreadCrumbs

A cabin in the woods where sexual immorality equals death at the hands of Hansel & Gretel

RELEASED IN 2011 and directed by Mike Nichols (not the famous director), "Bread Crumbs" is a slasher taking place on remote Long Island where a 9-person crew travel to shoot a porn flick at a rented house in the woods. Unfortunately for them, two weird teens and perhaps a woodsman are lurking in the area and the crew starts getting violently assaulted one-by-one.

The reason I watched this movie is because it was included in a DVD multi-pack of slashers where the five other films were no-budget independent flicks. What's strange is that "Bread Crumbs" doesn't fit that category because this is a slasher that smacks of professionalism. Now, people may not like it, but it IS a professionally-made movie. But, is it any good? I think so, here's why...

While the topic of a porn crew is distasteful (to me, at least) it's a perfect set-up for the slasher tradition that sexual immorality equals death. Although a couple of the crew are unlikable, most of them are more-or-less genial with past-her-prime Angie particularly winning the viewer's sympathy (Marianne Hagan). Two of 'em are the requisite sexpots, a typical vapid blond (Alana Curry) and a voluptuous equally-vapid brunette (Zoe Sloane).

The "Hansel and Gretel" characters look to be around 17 (Henry) and 16 (Patti). The former is played by Dan Shaked while the latter by Amy Crowdis. Patti is a somewhat interesting character and Amy possesses a unique beauty.

The tone is austere with maybe a little realistic humor thrown-in, but the air quickly turns dead serious by the second act with suspense effectively building. Meanwhile you wonder the purpose behind the attacks and who's going to live, if any. The cinematography features some awesome visuals, particularly in the last act, and the score & soundtrack are fitting.

THE MOVIE RUNS 88 minutes and was shot in far eastern Long Island, New York (Sag Harbor & Southhampton).

GRADE: B

ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY SPOILER ALERT (Don't read further if you haven't seen the movie).

An armchair critic argued that the crew could easily overpower the two teens & the woodsman, but (1.) it was night, (2.) they didn't know the area, and (3.) they didn't have any weapons. By contrast, the antagonists (1.) lived there, (2.) knew the area well, and (3.) had several weapons, including bow & arrows, knives, axes and hidden traps. Besides, Henry wasn't a kid and could have easily been around 20 years-old, same thing with Patti. Then there's the woodsman who was a formidable full-fledged adult.

Lastly, the crew wasn't sure how many people were behind the attacks. Some of their colleagues were either seriously wounded or dead and they were understandably freaking out and simply seeking a way to survive the night and following day.