Open Graves (DVD)

Lame spin-offs or naff sequels that are tenuously tied to an original that was popular way back in the ‘70s or ‘80s, are very rarely worth checking out. Open Graves, however, is worth a look on account of a couple of things – firstly, it’s so dumb that it’s difficult not to kind of like it and secondly, it’s got Eliza Dushku in a bikini. Need I say more?

The film’s ludicrously daft plot kicks off at the height of the Spanish Inquisition, where a woman named Mamba is convicted of witchcraft and brutally executed. Fast forward to today and a group of twentysomethings are getting stuck into a summer of surf, sand and sex when their attention is kidnapped by (would you believe it) a board game. Unfortunately, the toy was fashioned from the skin and bones of Mamba – who was so miffed at her murder that she laid a curse on the thing for anyone dumb enough to play it. That’s right – it’s Jumanji for the Final Destination generation.

So you can pretty much guess the quality of the film from there. It’s entertaining from start to finish but it’s also stupidly predictable tat that relies (quite wisely) on its leading lady. Sadly though, the criminally underrated Ms. Dushku’s talents aren’t quite enough to stop Open Graves from being an entirely forgettable dose of junk food horror. With the disc bare of extras bar a trailer, there’s little on board to make Open Graves stand out in any way.

Overall Verdict: A dumb but mildly entertaining film that offers little surprises but survives being total drivel through some inventive deaths and a scantily-clad lead Eliza Dusku.

Special Features:
Trailer

Reviewer: Jordan Brown