Duress (2009)

For most of its running time, "Duress" seems like a low-budget, flatly-photographed, dime-a-dozen serial killer thriller, with the only novelty being the stunt casting of Greek pop idol Sakis Rouvas as the nasty killer. Rouvas is more than acceptable in the role, after you get used to him, but what really distinguishes this film from most of the others of its ilk is its thoroughly twisted, amoral, and sick twist ending. I don't want to spoil anything here, but if you prefer movies where good triumphs over evil, or at least some characters are redeemed at the end, you might want to try something else. I was shocked on at least two separate occasions, and I was reminded of a Pauline Kael quote (about the Richard Gere thriller "Internal Affairs", but it applies here as well): "you may find yourself breaking into a grin when you recommend it to friends". You have been warned. **1/2 out of 4.

Another loser is the 2009 film, "Duress" directed by Jordan Barker. It was written by Jim Kehoe and Dipo Oseni and is considered a thriller. However, it is not too thrilling of a picture. The actors include Martin Donovan, Sakis Rouvas, Joey Adams, Megan Ashley, Jacob Bertrand, Tommy Burwell, Desiree Cooper, Catherine Dent, Deon Derrico, Cristina Dohmen, Gina Gallego, Lisa Gady, Deege Harding, Chris Holz, George Ketsios, Cole S. McKay, Kathleen McNearmey, Alexis Raich, Chelsea Smith, Ariel Winter, Billy Wirth and Susan Spano. The story is that of a middle aged businessman who has a young daughter and who is blackmailed into a life of crime by a murderer who threatens the little girl's life if the father does not follow commands. It is a slow moving film and I found it hard pressed to give it only 2 stars. Dale Haufrect

I admit the main reason I watched this is because I am a giant nerd and was a fan of Ariel Winter because of Final Fantasy 13-2. I have seen Martin Donovon in many different things and he usually brought a little something to the table.I originally had this as a 4 because it seemed very straight forward as home terror movies have seemed to go as of late. I initially compared it to things like The Strangers, and You're Next. After the initial excitement it quickly winds down for me and it becomes what appears to be a very boring movie. I think they worked a little to hard at covering up the things they were trying to conceal, because the middle part of the movie did seem very slow.Without revealing to much there are a few twists in the end, one of which I think anyone can see miles away, and then something else happens which in the opinion of this writer, truly made the movie in a higher quality.All in all I think it is worth a watch, just drudge through the middle, and you will be rewarded!rlyonsii.net

The movie starts and fills you with expectations for the continue.For us Greeks it is bizarre to see sakis rouvas a pop singer playing a serial killer although he manages pretty good .Unfortunately the continue is boring with no action and when you begin yawning it comes an unexpected ending to make you see this movie with more sympathy.The result is not that bad if you take under consideration that it is a low budget movie.It is worth to see it if you do not have anything special to do. Looking forward seeing more Greek presences in the future in Hollywood.If you are curious to see Greek horror movies i suggest you "to kako(evil)" and "to kako 2 in the time of heroes" Hasta la vista