Listonixio Fresh and Exciting

Tedfoldol everything you have heard about this movie is true.

Stevecorp Don't listen to the negative reviews

Nayan Gough A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Neil Welch Following the death of their daughter, a couple move to a small rural Irish village, where they discover that the locals have a ritual which can bring back the dead for three bonus days. However, the dead person has to have been dead for less than a year, and their daughter misses out by a month or so. Still, no need to own up to that, despite the warning of consequences...This horror film is nicely atmospheric and well acted by a small but respectable cast. In fact, the only thing wrong with it is that it is completely derivative, being ripped off almost entirely from Stephen King's Pet Semetary even to the occupation of the father (vet) and twist ending. Still, throw in a smattering of Wicker Man...

Scott LeBrun This Irish cross between "The Wicker Man" and "Pet Sematary" tells the tale of Patrick (Aidan Gillen) and Louise (Eva Birthistle), a veterinarian and his wife who lose their adorable little girl Alice (Ella Connolly) to one of his patients, a vicious dog. The grieving parents relocate to the small rural community of Wake Wood, where everybody is rather tightly knit together, especially in their practice of pagan rituals. Patrick and Louise learn that their girl can be briefly brought back to life so they can be with her one more time. They agree, although this being a horror film we know things will start to turn South after a while; as it turns out, Patrick won't be completely honest with his new acquaintances...The good thing is that even if people can figure out where this is going, it's still an entertaining enough trip to take. The location filming in rural Ireland is a huge plus, and there is no shortage of atmosphere to be found in "Wake Wood". There's always a true stamp of authenticity when horror films are filmed in very woodsy areas; one can feel a sense of danger and doom all around. It's not surprising to see that this was a Hammer film. It does definitely remind one of the kind of period genre pieces that they always did so well. Gore lovers will be pleased to note the amount of splatter as various human and animal victims get brutalized. Michael Convertino ("The Hidden") supplies the enjoyably spooky music score; David Keating directs from a screenplay he co-wrote with Brendan McCarthy, and proves himself very adept at setting the mood and getting fine performances out of his cast. Gillen and Birthistle are likable and sympathetic as the couple living out what would be a nightmare for any parent; their actions may not always be too sensible, but they are understandable. The excellent veteran Timothy Spall lends his reliable presence to the role of Arthur, while young Connolly is remarkable and mature in the pivotal role, never overplaying things once the shift comes in her character (ex. calmly telling a character that a device won't work when it's brought out). Overall, "Wake Wood" doesn't really offer much that hasn't been done before, but it's more than competently done throughout and is substantially enjoyable. Seven out of 10.

Coventry Even though they will forever remain linked to Peter Cushing, Christoper Lee and a whole variety of immortal Gothic horror movies produced during the sixties and seventies, it's still tremendously great news that Hammer Studios are back in business! The legendary British studios, of which I loved nearly everything they ever accomplished, make an exquisite comeback with the traditionally themed and old-fashioned spooky "Wake Wood". The plot borrows obvious and less obvious elements from a handful of famous genre classics, but it nevertheless stands on its own as a solid and competent horror movie that is occasionally very tense, disturbing and repulsive. Approximately one year after they tragically lost their only daughter in a rabid dog attack, the emotionally wrecked couple Patrick and Louise move to the small farmers' community of Wakewood, where he takes up his profession as a veterinary and she re-opens the local pharmacy. The town's patriarch Arthur informs Patrick and Louise that the entire town of Wakewood participates in a secluded and very secret Pagan ritual. Through the cadaver of a freshly deceased villager, Arthur can bring another dead person back to life for a period of three days, so that his/her family can spend some beautiful last moments together and properly prepare their goodbye. There are a few strict rules, however, including that the resurrected person's passing was less than one year ago and that he or she is forbidden to leave the town's perimeters. Blinded by their desire to be reunited with their daughter, the couple takes the risk of altering a few facts and convinces the town to bring back their beloved Alice. Needless to say horrible events ensue, as Alice doesn't exactly return as the cute and cherubic girl she once was… As said, "Wake Wood" clearly sought inspiration with some genuine classics, like "Pet Sematery" (bringing back a dead child), "The Wicker Man" (the entire town participating in the pagan ritual) and "Don't Look Now" (processing the tragic loss of child). This isn't a negative comment; however, as writer/director David Keating processes the subject matter in a respectable way and adds a modern and personal touch wherever possible. Arguably, the film is somewhat too slow-paced and pretentious in terms of editing (too many collages and brief insignificant flashbacks), but you can't really blame a film crew for trying to be stylish, now can you? The climax is a bit of a letdown, mainly because the events are too hectic, incoherent and also all of a sudden extremely cruel and sadist. There were some violent parts and grisly images throughout the entire film, like the harrowing dog attack at the beginning and the macabre Wakewood ritual, but the last ten minutes are really quite sick. It's a shame to let the movie end in such a negative and illogical way. Terrific acting performances here as well, particularly from the reliable Timothy Spall ("Sweeney Todd" and the "Harry Potter" franchise) as the town patriarch. Very much recommended, can't wait to see what Hammer does next.

atinder Plot: A couple grieving for the death of their nine-year old daughter in the jaws of a psychotic dog travel to the small town of Wake Wood where they find out a pagan ritual will give them three more days with their daughter. The deal is struck with the village leader, but what will the couple do when their daughter has to return to being dead? This was a okay hammer movie, (we have seen this done a few times,(As there a lot of evil kid movies out there!)This movie did remind me a lot Pet Sematary, I didn't find this movie scary however I did have some good creepy scenes.The start of movie was really nasty and gory (I love dogs, seem that scene was really hard to watch, as it dose happen in really life!)The movie did get tad boring for a bit, I was clad it was a short movie and the ending was bit odd but I don't think I understood it!Acting from everyone was really good.5 out of 10 from me.