"After.Life" Movie Trailer Review

3/21/2010 Posted by Admin

Movie Trailer Review

"After.Life"

By our guest blogger, Joel Crabtree

What does it take to play a funeral home director (or mortician) in Hollywood? You have to be tall, intimidating and have very serious features. It was only a matter of time before Liam Neeson was cast in such a role. Granted, he's no Angus Scrimm from "Phantasm," but he fits the part pretty well.

In "After.Life," Neeson plays Eliot Deacon, a funeral home director whose powerful presence will leave you cold. He also claims to have the otherworldly ability to communicate with the dead. Deacon controls the fate of Anna Taylor (Christina Ricci), who is stuck between life and death after a car accident.

Taylor, who is confined to Deacon's house, has only one connection to the world of the living other than Deacon--her boyfriend, Paul (Justin Long). Paul becomes suspicious of Deacon when Taylor tries to call him unsuccessfully. Nevertheless, it sends Paul on an investigation into the mysterious funeral home director and to discover the truth about Taylor before she's six feet under.

The premise feels more appropriate for a short story than a feature-length film. With that said, "After.Life" looks as if it should provide a fast-paced horror movie with touches of classic tension. The cinematography and set design--both an ode to European horror--create a brooding atmosphere that will most likely complement the story.

"After.Life" marks the feature debut of director Angieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo. Judging by the trailer, she seems to have an impressive eye for dark, gothic imagery. If "After.Life" is successful, expect to see a lot more from Wojtowicz-Vosloo.

The best part of the trailer, however, is when 5-foot-9 Justin Long shoves 6-foot-4 Liam Neeson. That's one point for the slightly shorter than average guys. Way to go, Justin.

For a horror movie featuring such trustworthy stars, it's going to be hard to pass up on "After.Life." The film hits theaters April 9.

View the trailer for "After.Life" below. What are your thoughts?