'F' + Happy Face reviews

Review by CFF Student Critics on 23 Sep 2010 When sixth form school teacher (David Schofield) is injured by one of his own pupils, he develops paranoia towards his students. He becomes obsessed with reports of teachers across the country being harmed by pupils. What starts out as a turbulent night time detention, with his estranged daughter, takes a turn for the worse (not just for them but also for the night crew) when a group of mysterious hooded figures go on a rampage of blood and revenge at the school.

A story that is easy to follow makes way for gore, extreme violence and parenting issues. The setting is complimented well by cinematography that immerses the audience into the horror the characters face. Each of their movements are tense and stretched out, making you wonder that “if they turn that corner, will it be the last thing they do”? Chilling sound effects and visceral visuals makes this a horror that won’t be easy to forget for many. Comic relief breaks up the violence in the form of a useless security guard and a great line from a textiles tutor; which I think every teacher wishes they could shout at times.

This is a film full of things that will make you jump and turn your head, which ultimately is what a horror film is about. This is a good old fashioned gore movie with a British twist from Director and Writer Johannes Roberts.

Turner Hodsoll

Review by CFF Student Critics on 23 Sep 2010 This short feature by Johannes Roberts reveals a dark and disturbing side of today's British youth. The film focuses on teacher, Mr Roy Anderson (David Schofield) who has returned to teaching after an attack by a former student 11 months earlier. One evening when he is holding his daughter, Kate Anderson (Eliza Bennett), in detention the school is attacked by 'faceless Hoodies'. He is forced to fight for his and his daughter’s life as the mob of youths crawl across the school killing anyone in their path. The feature was filmed in Cambridge at the Cambridge Regional College and Cambridge should be proud to be involved with such a film which, in my opinion redefines the word 'Horror'. Even though the film seems to be based on the classical American style of 'slasher' horror it has many British style twists and turns throughout, which will keep you on the edge of your seat and your eyes glued to the screen until the very shocking end. The tension is built up from the first scene, and when mixed with the dramatic music and snappy cinematography it’s bound to cause a large gasp from the audience when one of the many characters meets their gruesome and disturbing end. This film is a must see for all lovers of gritty psychological horrors, experience the hair on the back of your neck practically dance when you see this 75 minute scarefest of a film.

Mark Casey

Review by robin on 22 Sep 2010 happy face was fun and campy! loved it and look forward to seeing more of franklin laviola's films...5 stars isn't enough;should be 10!

Review by Festival Daily on 18 Sep 2010 The classic horror movie formula is to start with a plausible set of characters and situation and gradually subvert the story into a fantastical nightmare. This is certainly the case with Johannes Roberts' latest tale which is set in the familiar location of a school.

Paul Schofield (of AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON and PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN fame) puts in a great lead performance as Robert Anderson; a burnt-out teacher who is suffering due to a recent assault by a pupil. To add to his work and family woes Anderson's life becomes a struggle for survival one evening when a group of faceless, freerunning hoodies go on a homicidal rampage in his place of work.

For a film with virtually no-budget this is an accomplished work. Also of note are the film score, cinematography, and colour-drained visuals which add much to the atmosphere of the movie. When viewed on the big screen the actors' close-up work is of particular note and Roberts explained that he had concentrated his directorial efforts especially towards the performances.

As well as directing 'F', Roberts also wrote the script, openly admitting that the film is a "love song to John Carpenter". Any fan of the genre will enjoy the many and varied homages and cliches - some extending beyond the horror genre. Despite this the work is not merely referential, the story leads the audience into believing a particular twist will occur only to pose a more subtle and intelligent conundrum at the end.

Graham Hughes

Review by Mike, St Ives on 18 Sep 2010 Locally shot horror 'F' is well made but still, in the end, just a series of strung together set pieces.