Search - Bad Reputation on DVD

Meg B. (Megatron)
Reviewed on 12/29/2009...

Low budget horror film about a "smart" unpopular girl that goes to a party being thrown by popular football players, becomes a victim, and exacts revenge. I knew this was going to be bad right away when one of the football players walk up to her, ask her questions about the Henry Miller book she is reading, and tells her she is like the girl out of a Freddy Prince Jr. movie... Nothing really happens in the first 49 minutes and 32 seconds that they couldn‘t have tightened into ten minutes. Shrill unpleasant acting abounds as do hollow characters that are nothing more than walking stereotypes. Then when the revenge scenes finally come the audio doesn't match what's happening, the deaths are uncreative and stagnant, and there is absolutely no resolution or reason to sympathize with anyone. If you want a great movie with a similar theme watch the film 'Teeth'; it’s the film this piece of tripe was trying to emulate. No Stars!

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Fatally-Yours.com Review

Sarah E. Jahier | Costa Mesa | 07/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bad Reputation is a strong and powerful first feature film by director and writer Jim Hemphill. While it follows a basic rape-revenge plot, it still feels fresh. As it begins, it feels like a teen romantic comedy, much like She's All That (which is cleverly referenced by Aaron in the beginning of the film), but it progresses to become something much deeper and more terrifying than your average teen romp. The mood changes when Aaron and crew drug Michelle. From here on out, it's a horrifying, painful and downright satisfying film to watch.

The strong points in the film are the writing, acting and directing. The dialogue is realistic and intelligent, never insulting the viewers' intelligence. I love how clever references are featured, including an obvious nod to Jason of the Friday the 13th series in Michelle's revenge scenes. The characters are also developed quite well, and they never fall into the trap of becoming caricatures of high school students. You can actually make an emotional connection with each of them, which really affects how you view the film. You care about Michelle and want to see her get her revenge on all who have wronged her as much as you want to see those in the clique suffer. The direction ensured that the subject matter was not cheapened. This film has elements of Carrie, I Spit on Your Grave and May. Yet, Bad Reputation never rips these films off.

A stunning entry into the world of horror, Bad Reputation is one of the best independent films I've seen in a long time and proves that revenge is definitely sweet.

[...]"

Bad reputation, great movie

HotAngel | UK | 08/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For once, a indie horror has been made with a solid srcipt,cast and direction.It being a "one by one" revenge horror may sound old and tired but this one really pulls it off with style and wit.A horror with characters you identify with/feel for, what could be better than that?"

Starts out well, goes downhill

Stephen Minton | Westborough, MA USA | 11/13/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"There's a lot of promise in this movie. It starts out with an interesting storyline, good characters and some excellent acting. There's a genuine sense of realism which generates some level of empathy and engagement. The second half of the movie goes quickly downhill, however, into a series of exaggerated cliches, bizarre plot-turns and character development which pushes the limits of credibility. The end result is a movie which doesn't know what it's trying to be. One half is an interesting exploration of teen issues and personal inter-relationships, the other half is an overcooked horror movie which becomes almost farcical in the final scenes. Bit of a shame, really."