Tamara (2005)

While the plot and action in this movie weren't uniquely fresh (shy teen girl with a weird crappy home life gets bullied at school) I appreciate that this movie isn't as formulaic as most teen horror. I tend to fast forward through most movies these days as I know what's coming next both in the action and dialogue. I didn't FF through any of this movie. We know that Tamara has come back to get revenge but she does it in unexpected ways.There was just enough gore to fit the genre but not so much that it became the kind of kitsch that makes me ponder how many buckets of fake blood went to waste. The acting is well done and some of the dialogue surprised me with its wit. "Its wet," says Tamara as she's seducing her teacher who reacts with plausible discomfort. You'll have to watch it yourself to see what she really meant.I truly love the scene were Mrs. Natolly (the teacher's wife) gets attacked because it is NOT a scene where a helpless female does stupid things that result in her quick and gory death. Mrs. Natolly uses her brain.Although it was predicable who would survive until the end, the final way that Tamara is dealt with wasn't obvious or clichéd.This movie doesn't resort to overdoing the fake blood or gratuitous sex but it still has sexy moments and enough creepiness and suspense to make it real horror; plus, the engaging plot and solid acting made extra gore unnecessary. A film worth watching on a rainy weekend afternoon. Maybe they should make more horror in Manitoba.

Tamara is the kind of ugly girl that only the movies could conjure up. By that I mean it doesn't take much for her to be stunning. Highly flawed and yet somehow it manages to entertain. It's pretty much Carrie all over again, with a few tweaks here and there. Best of all is Jenna Dewan who does look incredible. I don't think she needed witchcraft to make people do what she wanted. There's also some scenes which aren't present in every slasher/horror. Most notably a rather gruesome self-mutilation. There are members of the cast you expect were cast for something other than their acting ability, but you'll also get some cheap thrills.

This film is basically your typical teenage, revenge,supernatural, horror flick.It does put me somewhat in the mind of Carrie.It also reminds me of that Meagan fox movie Jennifer's Body.However, I did like the concept because I wanted to see the whole back from the grave for revenge idea reinvented and done right.I understand this is really a B-movie and I don't have a problem with that but just because it is a B-movie doesn't mean the filmmakers had to treat it like it's a B-movie.The characterization is weak,the plot development is not terrible but could certainly be better and the dialog is not awful but its not great either.However, it was a movie that had potential if only it had better scripting and better acting.Thats why Im giving it a six I think thats fair.So if you find my review in any way helpful here's my opinion if your interested in watching this movie.It's a pretty OK movie to rent but it certainly isn't worth buying.

Tamara is the typical, down-trodden, "ugly" girl at her small-town high school. After publishing a revealing article about steroid use by the jocks (and maybe their girlfriends), Tamara becomes more than just the invisible girl. . . and, instead, the victim of punishment by the jocks (all of whom look to be approaching their mid-life crises). Eventually, the "cool kids" decide to really get her back and arrange a big prank to keep her mouth shut from now on. Unfortunately, the prank goes too far. Only then is Tamara able to unleash her inner, sexy Witchy Woman to take vengeance on those that wronged her.What makes this film so good is its ability to appeal to horror fans and non-fans alike, similar to previous films in the subgenre like 'Scream' and 'I Know What You Did Last Summer.' It has a story man can relate to or, at least, sympathize with. While the characters aren't exactly three-dimensional, there's someone for everyone to relate to, whether it be nerd, jock, or stoner. The script does hit a few clichés, but slashers are like romantic-comedies in that it's very difficult to completely avoid the clichés of the subgenre. The acting, particularly Jenna Dewan as Tamara, was good (or "good enough") and the little-known Jeremy Haft helmed the film well from the director's chair.Overall, 'Tamara' is a well made and extremely entertaining slasher that deserves much more exposure than remakes like 'Prom Night' and 'April Fool's Day' have received.Final Verdict: 6.5/10.-AP3-