A few years back, when my primary focus on the site was reviewing any independent film that came my way, I came across a little film called Machined. After being burdened by many backyard horror flicks and poorly made low budget-ones, Machined was like a breath of fresh air and stood out among all the crap that was coming my way. In fact, I was quoted on the box cover of the film when Lion Gates picked it up, saying that it was a great and scary masterpiece. Maybe I jumped the gun a bit there, but at the time, compared to all the crap I was watching, it was a gem of a horror film among the piles of direct-to-video horror and independents that littered the horror world, both in video store and on the internet. Now years later, Motorman Dan is back to inflict more violence and pain on more victims turning men and women into killing machines to fulfill his fetish.
A few months ago director Craig McMahon had let me in on the scoop that Lion Gates and he were trying to come to terms on a new title for the film. Originally, the movie was supposed to be titled Machined Reborn. The new title is simply Reborn.
If you have not seen the first film, there is really no need to see it unless you want the back-story on Motor Man Dan and his human machines. This sequel is nothing at all compared to the first film. The first film, at least, had some substance and a story that, although basic, was well well-formed with likeable characters. Reborn seems like a rushed sequel. The story is repetitive and it seems that every ten minutes or so, a new character is introduced, throwing any kind of character development out the door. Some of the characters are from the original film, so we know who they are, but it seems as if they never existed in the first film because there is no significant lead character other than the villain, Motor Man Dan, who is just sitting behind a video monitor the whole time. Really, the only way I can describe the plot is like this: A newlywed couple who seem to not really care much about each other decide to buy the old junkyard that is now in foreclosure. They go there to check out the place, Motor Man Dan still lives there. Motor Man Dan then takes the woman hostage and puts her into a SAW-like device and turns her husband into his next machined killer. From there on, all these different people show up at the place. Some are killed off, others are turned into machines. There is a big messy blood bath full of torture and terror.
The film’s production values are better than the first. It’s a SAW-like atmosphere with mechanical torture devices and freaky sets that really work well in establishing the film’s atmosphere. The make-up effects are great, as are the visuals. Director Craig MaMahon’s use of shots and editing are basic, but they get the job done. The films acting is adequate. There are some great performances, especially by David C. Hayes who fits right into the part of Motor Man Dan. The rest of the cast was passable, but some of the performers in certain scenes fumbled their lines as if they never had read the script before. So in turn the film, has its ups and downs. It is unfortunate that the story was nothing special.
The DVD has a few features which include a behind the scenes featurette and a trailer gallery. The film is presented Widescreen with a 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio with English and Spanish subtitles.
Craig MaMahon is a great person as a director and a person. He is a very genuine guy and has always kept in touch. I am really eager to see his film, Sportskill, which I’ve heard is so brutal that it’s having trouble getting the R rating. However, and it’s unfortunate that I cannot throw my full support around Reborn. It just seems like a rushed sequel that does not do the original film any justice.
– Horror Bob
- Interview with J.R. Bookwalter - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Andrew J. Rausch - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Rick Popko and Dan West - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Director Stevan Mena (Malevolence) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Screenwriter Jeffery Reddick (Day of the Dead 2007) - January 22, 2015
- Teleconference interview with Mick Garris (Masters of Horror) - January 22, 2015
- A Day at the Morgue with Corri English (Unrest) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Writer/Director Nacho Cerda (The Abandoned, Aftermath) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actress Thora Birch (Dark Corners, The Hole, American Beauty) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actor Jason Behr, Plus Skinwalkers Press Coverage - January 22, 2015
