FILM: Long Time Dead CERT: 15

By SARAH HARKER

H

OLD on to your seats - you're in for a bumpy ride. Yes, it's true- horror has certainly come home, with this truly terrifying, roller coaster ride to hell and back with plenty of scares and enough gore in just the right places.

What begins, as a seemingly mediocre British teen movie soon becomes a thrilling, heart stopping horror, of the like not seen in recent years, gripping the audience with fear.

Don't be lulled into a false sense of security by the 15 certificate either - if you are of a nervous disposition and can't cope with fright after fright - stay well away - this film isn't for you!

With a cast of capable if relative unknowns, apart from Joe Absolom (Matthew in Eastenders) and Lukas Haas - (the cute kid in Witness) the talented young team adapts well to the script.

Forgive the initial slow pace as we are introduced to the victims enjoying a night of drug-fuelled clubbing, only to be dared into a disused attic warehouse above the club for a spot of dabbling with the other side - courtesy of a home made ouija board.

Predictably the kids get a response from an unsavoury character, a djin (pronounced gin - and believe me you'll need a few to calm your nerves) a fire demon that can only be banished once it has slaughtered the lot.

If you love stalk and slash and aren't looking for any sophistication - this is the film for you. I can't rate this faultless movie highly enough, which was something of a surprise considering that horror genre has pretty much been worn out.

In the often-ridiculed tradition - a group of teenagers dim enough to take a peek where they shouldn't are picked off one by one in a most gruesome fashion - this movie is a winner.

Although the storyline is nothing to get excited about - its fantastic on its own merits, having the ability to get you watching the screen through your fingers, breathless with fear and barely recovered from one shock before the next has you jolting back in your seat.

Stalk and slash is back!

Verdict: 8.5/10

Get me a djin and tonic - my nerves are still raw!