21 reviews
Damned by faint praise
The cover of the Blu-ray for this movie proclaimed that Edward Furlong is fun to watch. You'll notice this isn't really praise for the movie itself. There's a reason for that: The movie is pretty damned stupid. Furlong does create a rather unique sort of serial killer character, but there's a reason this hasn't been done before. He's a master of ceremonies who does barely any killing himself, nor does he set up elaborate traps or make contestants kill each other for the most part (which would have made more sense thematically). He has a dumb goon do the killings on his behalf. The goon never really makes any sense in terms of his motivations nor does he tie into the themes of the movie in a discernible way.
Furlong's character is presumably supposed to be a commentary on the exploitative nature of TV production. It isn't very subtle, but this is a slasher film, or at least tries to be, so I won't begrudge them that. The only other characters of any significance are the contestants, who are of course a bunch of whiny idiots who only care about being on TV and all consciously adopt personas based on previously successful reality TV stars.
This sounds clever in theory, but doesn't work in principle. This is partly because the villain mainly sits at a monitor yelling stuff into the intercom, partially because the actors are mostly bad and partially because many of its points that it seems to be trying to make about reality shows get lost in ridiculous set-ups. There are some legit criticism to be made here, but the movie mostly misses the mark. It doesn't help that I wasn't sold on its resolution either because of the writing or the the acting. I'm going to go ahead an give this a three, because the movie did seem to be making some effort to be good, just not enough.
Furlong's character is presumably supposed to be a commentary on the exploitative nature of TV production. It isn't very subtle, but this is a slasher film, or at least tries to be, so I won't begrudge them that. The only other characters of any significance are the contestants, who are of course a bunch of whiny idiots who only care about being on TV and all consciously adopt personas based on previously successful reality TV stars.
This sounds clever in theory, but doesn't work in principle. This is partly because the villain mainly sits at a monitor yelling stuff into the intercom, partially because the actors are mostly bad and partially because many of its points that it seems to be trying to make about reality shows get lost in ridiculous set-ups. There are some legit criticism to be made here, but the movie mostly misses the mark. It doesn't help that I wasn't sold on its resolution either because of the writing or the the acting. I'm going to go ahead an give this a three, because the movie did seem to be making some effort to be good, just not enough.
- Ace_of_Sevens
- Apr 13, 2010
- Permalink
Not worth it...
First off I've watched a LOT of badly made cheap 'horror' films and this is not the worst I've seen. In fact, the plot is interesting, the acting reasonable and the dialogue could be worse. However, there are a number of faults with this movie that would prompt me to dissuade anyone from watching it. My biggest issue comes in the form of characterisation. The group of would be reality show stars starts off as a mixed bag of people with seemingly good representation of various ethnic/cultural groups, but, they are horrendously stereotypical e.g. the Asian contestant is the shy, intelligent one whilst the gay character generally fits in with many other movies' portrayal of the token joke character (whom we later find is also backstabbing and generally less decent than any other male character...figures). Furthermore, the story is often lacking in structure, the so-called tasks that contestants must face are not well thought through and this generally leads to boredom throughout. Overall I'd say this film started relatively well and ended much the same as any other cheap and tacky horror movie, I wouldn't bother with this one again and to be honest wish I hadn't in the first place.
- andrew_hepburn-663-457463
- Jun 17, 2013
- Permalink
Edward Furlong eats the scenery like so many donuts...mmm...donuts...
Two brothers somehow sucker a bunch of young people into believing they're part of a reality game show in which they do whatever challenge the mastermind comes up with. Eventually it becomes apparent that the stakes are life and death, and the contestants start getting killed off, sometimes by each other.
Perhaps the craziest part of this movie is Edward Furlong as the lead, Philip Markham, who overacts at every turn as he screams at the contestants from his control room, where he chain smokes and eats gas station food. His performance is not one of his finest, but given that he appears to be past his prime at this point, he does deliver something that is, at very least, entertaining (not always for the right reasons, though).
As others have pointed out, Markham is a fairly lazy killer. Mostly he just yells a lot. It is often up to his simpleton brother, Claude, to carry out the dirty work for him.
The big question is whether or not the flick is worth seeing. Well, for me, the movie came with four others in a small package that was located at the bottom of a bargain bin. Given what I paid for it, it wasn't too bad.
Perhaps the craziest part of this movie is Edward Furlong as the lead, Philip Markham, who overacts at every turn as he screams at the contestants from his control room, where he chain smokes and eats gas station food. His performance is not one of his finest, but given that he appears to be past his prime at this point, he does deliver something that is, at very least, entertaining (not always for the right reasons, though).
As others have pointed out, Markham is a fairly lazy killer. Mostly he just yells a lot. It is often up to his simpleton brother, Claude, to carry out the dirty work for him.
The big question is whether or not the flick is worth seeing. Well, for me, the movie came with four others in a small package that was located at the bottom of a bargain bin. Given what I paid for it, it wasn't too bad.
Plain awful
Dear movie-goers, How I wish somebody had warned me not to watch this movie... That's why I'm trying to do the same for you. DON'T watch it. It's sooo bad you won't believe, without even being bad enough for you to laugh at it. It's really a movie that insults any possible gray-cell you have. I watched it at a Movie Festival in Portugal, FANTASPORTO, a Festival specialized in horror-sci-fi-alternative movies, therefore you could be expecting almost anything from the selection of movies. But this one is just a plain teenage slashing movie, and just so that you won't think that my appreciation of the movie is due to my general taste in movies, I can tell you that compared to any "I know what you did last Summer", or "Halloween", or such, those movies are works of pure cinematic art compared to "Cruel World". I'm sorry if I'm not being very clear about why I didn't like it, but I wouldn't know where to start: could it be because there is not a drop of originality whatever? No plot? Because the actors suck? Because the director has no idea of the difference between a movie and a cucumber salad? Or maybe the totally misplaced soundtrack? I don't know... Edward Furlong, what happened to you?
He's a long way from Terminator 2
- Leofwine_draca
- Aug 26, 2017
- Permalink
A Movie of Great Weight
Edward Furlong reaches critical mass in this roll, which is buttered with gargantuan heaviness. Though the story is famished for what anyone might term logical structure, Mr. Furlong seems hungry to chew his way through every scene. Some might think he's becoming too big for such movies, squeezing into them like 5-pounds of marbled pork in a two-pound sausage casing. But I think he's a dollop of awesome; a soupçon of superb; and the thick, calorie-laden icing on what might otherwise be a rather slender cinematic cake. It doesn't matter that the director seems to have "written" this while shooting it, nor that the film runs out without any explicable ending. It has the enormous talent of Edward Furlong, who feasts on the meager dramatic opportunities as if they were a banquet.
What the Hell....?
- screwyoufatboy
- Sep 12, 2007
- Permalink
Starring Edward Furlong as the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come
AWESOME b-grade horror
This film is a rare gem! It's b-grade horror exactly how it should be done! The fact that a bunch of celebrity wannabes would do whatever an all-powerful voice told them to do is DEFINITELY believable and the young Jaime Pressly (from My Name is Earl fame) is a sight to behold!
Edward Furlong plays the role of a deranged killer perfectly and as the story unfolds you may even find yourself sympathizing with him just a little bit... (awwwwwwwww) This is not your typical horror flick - you'll have no idea who will and won't survive!
It's no Terminator II but then again there isn't nearly as much money behind it so give the small guys a go and check this one out!
Plenty of gore for the sickos out there and plenty of tense moments for suspense fans and well made film for the budget - horror fans look no further than CRUEL WORLD
Edward Furlong plays the role of a deranged killer perfectly and as the story unfolds you may even find yourself sympathizing with him just a little bit... (awwwwwwwww) This is not your typical horror flick - you'll have no idea who will and won't survive!
It's no Terminator II but then again there isn't nearly as much money behind it so give the small guys a go and check this one out!
Plenty of gore for the sickos out there and plenty of tense moments for suspense fans and well made film for the budget - horror fans look no further than CRUEL WORLD
- charadesale
- Jul 17, 2011
- Permalink
Complete Rubbish
- cyber_dude_135
- Mar 17, 2006
- Permalink
This movie was really bad
- wagsgalore
- Oct 27, 2006
- Permalink
Great, soon-to-be cult film
I saw this at Screamfest where it was playing as the opening night movie. Having not heard anything about it before, I was surprised by how cool it was. Totally unpredictable from start to finish. The crowd went crazy from laughing, to gasping, to yelling at the screen. I told some friends about it who are way into Ed Furlong. He was awesome. Scary fun. A total trip. Let's face it, reality television is totally played out. I recommend it for anyone who loves to hate reality TV! I'm a girl, but have to admit that Jaime Pressly looked hot ;) I'm trying to find out who did the music at the end, because it sounded like someone famous. No spoilers, but the ending made me wonder if they're gonna do part two.
Cruel World ROCKS!
Missed opportunity, becomes just decent
- slayrrr666
- Jul 6, 2009
- Permalink
Cruel World
- Scarecrow-88
- Oct 1, 2009
- Permalink
Entertaining but not very good
The key is at the bottom.
- nogodnomasters
- Mar 12, 2018
- Permalink
Reality TV at its best
If you like terror, blood and sex, then here's a shocker to sink your teeth into. Cruel World kicked ass. I recently purchased this DVD at Best Buy and i loved every minute of it. It had a killer cast to die for. Im a huge fan of Edward Furlong and he was at his menacing best. Picture hot college students including Susan Ward (The In Crowd), Laura Ramsey (Venom and The Covenant) and Sanoe Lake (Blue Crush) and six other gorgeous co-eds, pitted against the diabolical Edward Furlong in one of the most gruesome slasher films today. This movie really rocked! It's like Saw meets Fear Factor. I strongly urge anyone who comes across this film to check it out. Its definitely a party movie and reality TV at its best!
- kyleallen_9
- Feb 15, 2009
- Permalink
Actually, rather good
- boyinflares
- Jul 2, 2006
- Permalink
Eddie does it again in this breakthrough original motion picture
This is what needs to happen on most reality shows.. then they might actually be watchable. Eddie Furlong captured the essence of a lunatic with great passion and enthusiasm. I've seen this movie about a hundred times now, and will probably watch it 100 more; its just one of those movies that never gets old. I don't think they could have hired a more perfect cast to fulfill this original heartwarming film. This movie is full of quotes that will be remembered throughout film history. Quotes such as "You win some, you lose some." and "Im the bad boy your mother warned you about.", and who could forget "I want Jenny.". If it was possible I would rate this movie an 11 out of 10, and would nominate Cruel World for BEST MOVIE EVER MADE.
Excellent film!
I don't get why so many hate this film. It's a very creative premise (a spawned reality tv show contestant creates his own reality tv show and kills off the contestants one by one). Edward Furlong is electric and plays the psychotic killer exceptionally well, and the acting of the supporting cast is superb, exactly how you'd expect to react in the horrific situations they are put in. Laura Ramsey is stunning and plays the final girl very well, and the dynamic between her and Furlong is very interesting. The movie does a good job developing the characters while they think nothing is amiss, and each character then gets a devoted death scene. The challenges were fun to watch and the murder scenes were all unique acted out well. It was a fun watch and I was on the edge of my seat the whole movie.
- tylerdespard
- Apr 23, 2021
- Permalink