A serial killer has taken up residence in the infamous Death Valley and now after dozens of deaths the authorities begin to close in on this sadist. Beginning in 1978 the local sheriff seems to disable this feeble looking man, but when the Reeker is sent to the gas chamber to face death his body dies and his spirit continues to live in purgatory (Internet).
Now, several years later three thieves escaping a casino robbery not only tangle with the local authorities, but with an unstoppable killer who cannot and will not die. Looking for lost souls the Reeker looks to send his victims to an endless hell while the ditzy waitress, bad boy thug, drunk Indian, over-the-hill cop, and would be hero fight for a second chance at redemption (Internet).
Release Date: October 14, 2008.
Rating: Restricted for bloody violence, gore, and language.
Starring: Michael Robert Brandon, Lew Temple, David Stranbra, Lyne Odums, Lawrence Thomas, Robert Pine, Michael Muhney, Valerice Cruz, and Mircea Monroe.
Director: Dave Payne.
Writer: Dave Payne.
This prequel to campy tongue-in-cheek film “Reeker,” seems to have left the fun and silliness of the original behind in an attempt to produce a back story for the main villain. Starting off with a twist and quickly getting on with the action “No Man’s Land…” leaves the suspense and originality of the first film behind in this poor follow-up to “Reeker.” Adding a couple of B-movie list actors this prequel seems to take itself too seriously with few laughs and actors who seem to think they are auditioning for “Macbeth.” Although, gone are the laughs the myth behind the “Reeker,” is given a full explanation.
Probably one of the more interesting villains in recent horror history the “Reeker,” manages to find some interesting way to extinguish his overly dumb victims. From flame-throwers, to pipe impalements, and even partial beheadings the “Reeker,” definitely has his own killing style. Unfortunately, many of the unsuspecting murderees in the film are cardboard cut-outs or inflatable doll like characters who would probably be better off dead than surviving into the next franchise of this series. Many viewers are sure to be routing for the “Reeker,” rather than the characters in “No Man’s Land…”
Low in production values, light on scares and heavy in annoyance “No Man’s Land: The Rise of the Reeker,” is a poor film that comes across as very boring. Except for a few scenes involving the “Reeker,” sneaking up on a few bumbling characters this film fails to deliver any excitement. “No Man’s Land: The Rise of the Reeker,” is an example of what happens when an original independent horror film receives a great deal of praise and then movie studios expect the writer/director to follow up with a second, equally successful sequel. However, this film is sure to disappoint movie viewers and studios executives alike.
3 skulls out of 10.
Sources:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1090671/
