Actuakers One of my all time favorites.

Listonixio Fresh and Exciting

Afouotos Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

Zlatica One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Kiri_Jolith98 While this isn't the best horror/slasher movie in history, it is a very pleasant surprise. The "Evil" in this movie is more than just some demented freak in a junk yard, it's the evil that we do to each other to make ourselves feel better. The underlying themes of bullying and kids struggling just to make it through high school are pretty effectively presented and you find yourself understanding where the frustration and anger comes from, even if you don't agree with their extreme methods. In addition, the film even tackles complex ideas like redemption and equality, not something you routinely see in a slasher flick.I was very pleasantly surprised, the movie had a creepy villain and some characters you can root for in earnest. Not the best movie out there, but there are way worse movies to watch on something like Amazon instant video or netflix.

lsethbarnett This movie is a great tribute to some of the best classic horror films with a new and surprising spin. It is not just a violent movie but one that has a solid core that causes reflection on its content. For fans of classic horror or Rob Zombie films, this is for you. I am amazed what this group could do with a low budget. There are dark moments and some terrifying sequences wrapped up in pure frustration by the characters. I would highly recommend this movie to any true fan of the genre. It is hard to stop watching this heart pounding ride through a labyrinth of fear and excitement. It has a similar feel to House of 1000 Corpses with a modern twist with plausible realities. It is almost two great horror films in one taken the viewer to a new level of thrill.

dgos17 This movie is really two stories in one. It has the cool, slasher side, which can be brutal at times and the even more prevalent story of bullying in high school. I feel it very realistically shows how even seemingly tough kids can't handle bullying. As a parent, I feel all kids need to be taught how to treat each other. I felt for these kids and could understand why they wanted to do what they did. The acting was amazing. Even though the majority of the cast is younger actors, their range is wonderful! This movie hits you in all the right spots getting it's point across. It makes you think back to your high school days...did you witness anyone being treated this way, did you treat anyone this way, or were you the one being bullied. I love that it took a horror film to so brutally show us how painful bullying can be. It's gritty, gross, tense, and disturbing...everything you want in a horror/thriller!

joedream An American Terror a throwback to the great films of my youth but it is a plausible story tangled and weaved intricately amongst a tangible, clever message; one that does not get lost. Nor does the entertainment value ever diminish because it is trying to do something with the subject matter. Graham Emmons , Louis MacDonald, Taylor Hulett, and Joe Abplanalp do incredible jobs as each of their characters gets their moments to show off what they can do. I am especially fond of Abplanalp's performance in this. He really has a nice balance in this movie, knowing when to do all that his character needs to do, and how to use subtle movements and small noticeable expressions to give you the senses you need at critical moments. He has an interesting quirk within his eyes but he never really uses that as a crutch, something that could have easily happened. You see the type of character he plays all the time go way over the top and I like that he was able to stay within the framework but also that he took advantage of his moments.Of course he is under the guise of a very talented Writer/Director in Haylar Garcia. Haylar is careful and detailed but he really sets a pace to the film that gives you opportunities to absorb when you need to absorb, get anxious when you need to get anxious, and frustrate you to no end. These are the 3 essential elements in my mind that create a successful horror film. Haylar accomplishes the rarity that you find these days in any film, not just horror, he really edits himself well. I am sure there were times where staying in one direction and not getting excited about going the other direction had make him crazy but he really stayed on point throughout. He also has some incredibly bright moments with dialogue. Moments that will catch on as more people see this movie.Graham Emmons is a great caretaker and leader of that conduit that is Haylar's vision. He knows at some point the audience is going to turn to him and he does all he is supposed with that. In fact the entire cast has incredible chemistry and they all give you the sense that they know they are in something special so they are careful, calculating, and perfect for the screen.Another great element that adds to this movie's success is the incredible production design. It uses the full potential of live locations and gives it that little bit of special feeling you need when you figure out where everyone is and what is going on. The details are very well covered here. Another common theme you will find with the movies that make my list this year is how the sets and designs are as much a character in the movie as the actors are. An American Terror probably has 2 of my favorite examples of that this year, cop cars and junkyards.Anton Fresco cinematography moves flawlessly throughout the engaging moments and settles you into the rare moments that Haylar allows you to catch your breath. Along with that, there are some great cutaways and overall aesthetic shots that just keep you right there and in the moment.As I said earlier this movie actually marries 2 nice genre ideas together and while it is such an awesome homage and throwback to horror genre of my youth, Haylar is good to throw in some of the more recent ideals that have worked from some of the better movies of the last 5 years. I think keeping it current really plays well in this instance but the nostalgia homage makes it unique.I think having the message this movie does also lends itself to standing out and being different. Make no mistake for me I liked the outright horror elements the best but you can't help but get absorbed to think about what is trying to be said here.That's what makes this movie a best of year candidate and one of my favorites of 2013. I am happy to hear that after a year and a few months of traveling the world in festival after festival, winning award after award that it is going mainstream for the masses to be able to see.If you are a fan of Halloween, Friday the 13th, and even something like Cabin in the Woods or Saw you have to see An American Terror.