Man Vs. |
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Canada • 2015 • 84m •
  • Directed by: Adam Massey. • Starring: Chris Diamantopoulos, Chloe Bradt, Michael Cram, Kelly Fanson, Sam Kalilieh, Alex Karzis, Constantine Meglis, Drew Nelson, Kate Ziegler. • Music by: John Rowley.    As host of his own hit TV series, 'MAN VS', Doug Woods is forced to fend for himself for five days in remote locations with no crew, food, or water, only the cameras he carries on his back to film his experiences. Doug's in the remote woods for a routine episode, until he's awoken by an earth-shaking crash. Things get weirder as it becomes clear Doug isn't alone. Someone or something is watching him.
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Review:
Man Vs. echoes the likes of Exists, Blackfoot Trail, Bigfoot County (2012) Bigfoot: The Lost Coast Tapes (2012) Willow Creek (2013), The Hunted (2013) while not a found footage film per say, thankfully it's a mix of presenter Doug's camera views, go-pro POVs and a traditionally shot film perspective (similar to REC 3 (2012) and The Pyramid (2014).
In terms of execution Massey's film surpasses genre expectations due to traditional shot segments and well executed practical and 'monster' special effects in the last quarter. It has a very small cast ensemble. Thanks to a great performance from Chris Diamantopoulos as Doug, channelling Grylls, he single handily keeps Man Vs. interesting while he does his TV show bits for the majority of the film and believes he's being hunted by a bear, wolf or even a crazy fan of his show.
The Canadian natural forest setting framed by Miroslaw Baszak sells Massey's story. Writer Thomas Michael leaves enough clues - skinned bodies, chess boards, black goo, dead fish to keep you guessing what Doug is up against but if you've seen 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) you'll see the twist coming. That said, Michael and Massey successfully create a small scale paranoia tale on the backdrop peripheral of something larger going on. John Rowley's score is effective throughout, but especially in the closing where realisation hits Doug and rescue by his team and acquaintance are skewed.
While the genre is worn, if you like the aforementioned movies you'll get a kick out of Massey's addition to the genre.
Review by amesmonde from the Internet Movie Database.
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