Flatliners

Starring: Kiefer Sutherland, Julia Roberts, Kevin Bacon, William Baldwin, Oliver Platt
Directed by: Joel Schumacher
Rating: R
Genre: Horror
Box Office: $61,489,265
1990

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: A group of medical students begin an experiment with death when they temporarily stop their hearts- flatline- to get a brief glimpse of what may lie beyond. However, with each subsequent trip they flatline for longer and longer periods of time and soon discover that when they are brought back to life, they have not come back alone.

Review:
Tim: It is so interesting to watch a movie about five brilliant medical students experimenting with death, looking for the answers to the questions we all ask at some point or other- "Is there life after death?" and "What happens when you die?"

Flatliners is undeniably a horror film, but quite unlike your normal slasher flick. The biggest shocks come not from some killer in a mask, but in how these people are so willing to gamble their lives away for answers in their "experiment." Mind you, there are plenty of scary scenes later on that border on more conventional horror flicks. This is different, however, because it is intelligent horror.

Schumacher puts together a very creepy film. There is something scary but so fascinating about watching people do something so reckless. You are scared for them, but you want them to go under for longer and longer periods of time regardless of the consequences to see what's beyond death. You easily identify with their experiment.

Flatliners is part wonder, part terrifying spectacle. It isn't without its flaws- much of the film is implausible and there are some scenes that are unbelievably slow. However, its worth watching. It should be mentioned, however, that the film asks many important questions, but ultimately provides very few answers. That can be expected, though.

The cast needs to be mentioned because it is superb. It somehow takes a backseat in importance to the plot and wonder of the film. Kevin Bacon gives the best performances out of the group, although the rest of the cast is excellent as well. This film is definitely worth your time in looking up.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Phone Booth, Batman & Robin, Stir of Echoes, Thirteen Ghosts, The Frighteners, Lake Placid