Mayhem (2017) Reviews

• Incredibly Fun Satire For Genre Fans

  gogoschka-12018-02-11

  This is just an incredibly fun satire for genre fans, and I'm a bit surprised it didn't generate larger waves. It uses the old (but not yet tired) trope of an outbreak among people trapped in a building to put a hilariously violent spin on the kind of themes Mike Judge already explored to great comedic effect in 'Office Space' (1999): what happens when a repressed, disillusioned office clerk suddenly has the liberating epiphany that he doesn't give a fû*k anymore and decides he'll stick it to his boss no matter the consequences. Only that in this version, everyone around said clerk - from the lowest employee to the highest executive - throws their (few remaining) moral restraints over board at the same time as he does. Not through their own will, mind, but because everyone in the building is infected with a virus that makes people act out their most aggressive impulses. As you can imagine, the result of that is not peace, love and happiness - but rather... what's the word... Oh yes: bloody MAYHEM. Needless to say, I had a blast. 7 Stars out of 10. In case you're interested in more underrated low-budget films and fun B-movies, here's a list with some of my favorites: imdb.com/list/ls054808375/

• Fantastic Film. Pure enjoyment.

  johnandrewdavis2017-07-31

  Just saw this at the Fantasia film festival last night and loved every second. A humour-filled, ultra-violent movie which skewers corporate office life -often literally. For anyone who has ever worked in a cubicle or hated their boss. Brilliantly funny and gory in equal amounts. So glad I went!

• Brilliant timely and (clearly) unappreciated

  paradux2017-11-12

  Part social satire, part action film, part zombie end-of-the-world story, this wonderful little gem is technically perfect, well acted and scripted, and generally more fun than a barrel of hammers. The fact that viewers don't seem to get it seems more a symptom of how conflicted our society has become than any actual fault in the film. A quarter century ago, Michael Douglas did FALLING DOWN (1993) which explored the same theme and audiences immediately connected. This is a better film and more relevant. if you work for a large firm or simply are alive on the planet and wondering where society is headed. this is for you. Recommended.

• Not extreme enough.

  BA_Harrison2018-10-24

  I'm sure most people working in a busy office environment have, at some point, had that waking dream where they go postal, slaughtering their colleagues in an orgy of uncontrolled violence (or is it just me?). In Mayhem, an entire workforce flips out thanks to the ID-7 virus, which removes inhibitions, allowing basic instincts to rise to the surface. Quarantined in his office building for eight hours while an antidote takes effect, recently fired attorney Derek Cho (Yeun) uses the opportunity to even the score with the company's bosses, knowing that he won't be held accountable for his actions. Together with a disgruntled client, Melanie Cross (Samara Weaving), Derek tries to get to the uppermost floor (where his 'superiors' work) maiming or killing anyone who gets in his way. When a film is titled Mayhem, I expect just that: absolute chaos, with the sex and violence pushed to the limit. Director Joe Lynch's film has its moments, but for the most part I couldn't help but feel that it pulled its punches, never quite achieving the level of outrageousness that such a wild concept requires. There is plenty of 'stylish' violence, but it isn't all that graphic, while the sex scene between Derek and Melanie is completely devoid of nudity (clothes-on movie sex is so lame). Also, Derek and Melanie seem to be in complete control of their faculties when it suits the plot, which further undermines the basic premise. With an excess of graphic gore and gratuitous nudity, this mix of The Belko Experiment, 28 Days Later, and The Raid could have been a classic; as it stands, it's not as good as any of those films. Oh, and Samara Weaving's scream is just bizarre.

• Gem of a B List Film!

  stokesy10120022017-11-13

  This was a breath of fresh air and I loved every minute of it and to be honest this was one for the B list actors as A lister's I feel would have ruined it? Samara Weaving is one to watch out for and will no doubt soon be in big blockbusters!! Great actress who very much looks like Margot Robbie but fitter and has more of a presents on screen. She did great in The Babysitter too. My new Favourite female actress for sure. Any way back to the movie... The special effects was above par for the budget and acting was solid all round! I am sure if an A lister was in this movie it would have made it into the mainstream Cinema's and not just 'Film Festival' 9 out of 10