Come Out and Play

The second film adaptation of Juan José Plans' novel Who Can Kill a Child?, the story here revolves around a young couple who travel to a small island paradise, only to discover that all of the adults have been killed (or are being pursued) by children who have suddenly turned into a soulless, ravenous mob. Made by the mono-named, reclusive filmmaker Makinov (who appears in public wearing a mask; he not only produced, scripted, and directed the movie, but also served as the cameraman and editor), the story moves the location from an island off the Spanish coast to the shore of Mexico, and turns the couple into Americans. But while the location is interesting, the film itself is both flaccid and uninvolving, shot in a jerky handheld style and featuring flat performances—not only by the children but also by Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Vinessa Shaw as unlucky vacationers Francis and Beth. Makinov periodically tosses sudden scenes of blood and gore into the endless chases, but they only serve as repugnant interruptions. Ultimately Come Out and Play resembles Rob Zombie's remakes of the Halloween movies—not only unnecessary but also unpleasant and unwelcome. Not recommended. (F. Swietek)