'High Tension': Long on blood, short on plot
by Bob Longino

Leave it to France to go for the jugular in taking on the American tradition of low-budget, goopy, gory horror films. Like "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" and "Dawn of the Dead," French director Alexandre Aja's "High Tension" is awash in blood and body parts. Limbs get chopped off. There's a chase with a roaring chainsaw plus a grisly beheading or two. All done to a modern soundtrack with thrashing songs performed by the wailing Muse and other bands. Horror fiends shouldn't get too worked up, though. Read the full review

TO SUM UP
In this French horror film (dubbed into English), Marie and Alexia decide to spend a weekend in a secluded farmhouse to study for their college exams. In the dead of night, a knife-wielding stranger knocks on the door and turns the girls' retreat into a night of terror.

FILM FACTS ...
Lion's Gate Films
'High Tension'

Director: Alexandre Aja
Starring: Cecile De France, Maiwenn Le Besco, Philippe Nahon, Franck Khalfoun
Run time: 91 minutes
Release date: June 10, 2005
Rating: R for graphic, bloody killings, terror, sexual content and profanity.
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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: B-
"For the film's American release, not only has the violence been trimmed, but the dialogue has been partially dubbed in English to attract audiences who normally avoid foreign-language films with subtitles. It means a ludicrous makeover for Alex and her French family, who suddenly become American imports who talk about the local 'rednecks.'"


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