Afflicted

Although highly derivative in both substance and style, this debut feature from the writing-directing team of Clif Prowse and Derek Lee outclasses most recent horror movies with far larger budgets. The filmmakers also star under their real names as two buddies who decide to go off on a round-the-world trip that documentary filmmaker Clif will also record for an Internet blog called “Ends of the Earth.” The adventure is a dream journey for Derek, who has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain aneurysm and wants to live it up before it's too late. Unfortunately, while in Paris, Derek goes off with a voluptuous woman who also happens to be a vampire and she turns him. At first, this is crazily exhilarating: Derek now boasts super-strength and incredible dexterity (he can climb walls like Spider-Man). But the condition also brings cravings that are increasingly difficult to resist, and soon Derek is trying to track down the one-night stand who afflicted him with an insatiable need for blood, hoping that she can provide a cure. Of course, by then the authorities are also in hot pursuit. Afflicted plays like a more serious version of An American Werewolf in London, told using the hackneyed but apparently still durable “found footage” technique. While there's nothing terribly innovative here, the vivid, gritty approach and realistic acting make this more effective than you might expect. A strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)