The Lazarus Project (2008)

Should be the title of this film, because nearly all of the plot revolves around concepts the likelihood of which ever happening is extremely remote. Having said that, viewed as a piece of fairly conventional movie-making I think the film does succeed. It has suspense, tension, good cinematography and a decent cast. Paul Walker as the main protagonist, is to be congratulated on maintaining the same grim, clenched-jaw expression throughout most of the story. Let's face it, the point of any movie is to entertain, which this one does and it also keeps you guessing, so to expect every film to be believable is not a reasonable expectation. Even so, in this case we are asked to accept rather too many plot holes than is humanly possible I am afraid. Anyway, it was a pleasant enough affair, not too taxing on the brain and the pace, although slow, served to remind us that we do not always crave a frenetic, adrenalin-fuelled smorgasbord of car-chases, sex and mind-blowing special effects. Not always.

The Lazarus Project is directed by John Patrick Glen, who also co-writes the screenplay with Evan Astrowsky. It stars Paul Walker, Linda Cardellini, Piper Perabo, Bob Gunton, Malcolm Goodwin and Tony Curran. Music is by Brian Tyler and cinematography by Jerzy Zielinski. A reformed criminal out on parole is beset by bad luck and finds himself sentenced to die by lethal injection. Strange then that once the lethal dose is administered, he wakes up working as a grounds-keeper at a psychiatric hospital… John Glen's first directing assignment is very much a mixed bag, but if landing in the DVD/Blu-ray players of the right audience it could well gain some momentum in the wake of Walker's untimely death. It's one of those films that operates at a funereal pace and thrives on other worldly atmosphere. After the introductions to the main character and his psychological make-up is out the way, pic shifts into a realm where we, as well as Walker's character, are never sure what is real or what is going on. Is he in some afterlife place? Is it all in his head? A dream? Drug induced? And etc. One of the smart things about the movie is that it binds the audience to the mystery by asking us to fill in the gaps with our own logic. While crucially the reveal comes at the right time so as to give us viewers the opportunity to re-evaluate the various quandaries that the piece has thrown up. For those who like films like Jacob's Ladder, Shutter Island, The Jacket et al, then this has to be at the very least of interest, to warrant the chance to sell itself to those particular sub-genre fans, besides which, it also shows a string to Walker's acting bow that was rarely tapped into by other directors. And it's beautifully shot by Zielinski too. Contemplative, intriguing and even chilling as regards the various themes it deals with, this Lazarus deserves its own second coming. 7/10

This is one hell of a lousy movie.Some guy mentioned how you could call the pacing slow.Well, for a thriller to be called that, you have to keep the pacing brisk.This film just drags on and on with the same monotonous music score playing in the background.There are some surprises and and moments of suspense but they are dulled by the incredibly dragging pace which deprives them of the trill element.You know the word rambling?? Well, that's a fit description of what this movie really is.To call this movie a gem is ludicrous.Perhaps the Western public are fed up with the extremely fast pace of their own lives and seem to welcome some slowness albeit in movies and think that this is a very commendable proposition.....!

I started to watch this late at night while unable to sleep... expecting to fall asleep half way through and get bored.... well I was wrong (and its not very often I will admit to being wrong) ... the story is extremely interesting and unlike anything I have watched before. Although at the start I thought it was a bit slow...everything in the film needed to be there and that was apparent by half way through. The twists and turned kept me gripped and as a whole the story was just fantastic!! Paul walker was genius in his role. What a fantastic actor that was sadly taken way too soon... may he rest in peace!! I will no longer associate him only with the fast and furious franchise!! Wish I had watched it sooner!!! If you are in any doubt about watching this film, please just give it a try. I find it highly unlikely you will be disappointed!