Plot: What’s it about?
Even though I review for this very site, I still browse quite a few regularly. I bring this up because I came across a review of Shattered that was surprisingly not awful. That compelled me to seek out a rental copy. This is a trusted site whose reviewer I agree with more often than not, so I figured I’d give it a go. While I don’t feel as if I wasted my time, it isn’t essential viewing, but indeed makes for an interesting diversion. Sidenote: check out the cover art and see if you’re convinced like I was that it’s Matt Damon on the far left. Of course, that would be Cameron Monaghan, but it could’ve fooled me. Let’s move along, shall we?
Chris Decker (Cameron Monaghan) is recently divorced and one night he meets a sexy and mysterious woman named Sky (Lilly Krug). The two seem to click right away and the relationship builds. Chris is attacked one night when he sees a car thief trying to break into his vehicle. He confronts the man, who leaves Chris with an injured leg. Left with a big cast, Sky agrees to nurse Chris back to health. We learn that Chris was in the tech world and was able to sell his business and make millions. We learn some things about Sky as well and let’s just say that not all is as it seems. When we learn just what Sky is up to, the film does become more conventional. Frank Grillo shows up in the last half of the film and things become quite bloody and violent. John Malkovich also stars here in a supporting role as a motel owner who isn’t the most ethical.
I was invested in the film even if it did become predictable and even at a scant 90 some minutes, it got a bit much in the later half. If they had toned down some of the graphic imagery I might’ve not minded as much. Don’t mistake this for a torture porn style flick as it’s not, but I would’ve liked a less-is-more approach. Still, it makes for a decent enough rental.
Video: How’s it look?
With a 2.39:1 transfer, this showcases the nice background shots. Out lead character has a nice house with lots of snow in the background. There is occasional softness, but the casual viewer should have little issue.
Audio: How’s it sound?
A basic DTS HD Master Audio track accompanies the film. I found the vocals a bit more robust than usual, and the film does kick into high gear sporadically. Like the transfer, this suits the film perfectly fine. It has the clarity I have come to expect.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Mischief in the Mountains – A decent feature that has the usual interviews with the cast and crew. It runs for just under ten minutes.
- Theatrical Trailer
The Bottom Line
Shattered provided enough intrigue to keep me with it. This is a perfect rental title. I have seen better and worse films of this sort. This falls somewhere in the middle. Rent it.
