Viewed – 05 September 2012  Blu-ray

The first two movies in this Spanish horror franchise were full on knuckle gnawing horror fests of the highest calibre.  So the prospect of another, albeit prequel was considerably tantalising.  Telling the story of a newly married couple as they celebrate their wedding day … this soon falls prey to demonic possession, and before long our love struck heroes are separated and battling possessed family members in order to find one another again.

Shot initially like a wedding video, this seemed like familiar ground.  Yet it soon transformed into a glossy popcorn horror, and quickly I realised this was no quick, rushed out sequel.  The tone is radically different, and this time there is a tongue-in-cheek sense of humour to proceedings highlighted by the somewhat absurdity of setting it all at a wedding reception complete with ravenous guests and a chainsaw wielding bride!  Sadly, for a prequel it surprisingly offers up no answers and actually only takes place a short while before the events in REC 1.  So yes, what ‘genesis’ is relating to is anyone’s guess.

Thankfully, this is stylishly and effectively directed by Paco Plaza (directing partner Jaume Balaguero is busy at work on the fourth instalment), and although feeling very much a deviation from the franchise, retains an infectious personality, and along with some cheer-at-the-screen gory deaths and solid performances from the cast (especially Laeticia Dolera & Diego Martin as the bride and groom) … there is a great deal to enjoy.  If compared to its illustrious predecessors, it can’t help but be a step backwards, but taken as a stand alone movie – [REC] 3 still manged to kick ass.

Roll on [REC] Apocalypse!

Verdict:  3.5 /5