Four young holidaymakers are forced to confront fear of the unknown in The Reef, the latest home-grown horror offering that suggests that perhaps it would be better to not get back into the water.

Luke (Underbelly’s Damian Walshe-Howling) is joined by his former flame Kate (Zoe Naylor), her brother Matt (Gyton Grantley, also of Underbelly fame) and his girlfriend Sophie (Adrienne Pickering) for a sailing holiday on the Great Barrier Reef. Along with sailor Warren (Kieran Darcy-Smith), who becomes something of a fifth wheel, the group set off in search of some romantic, sun-tinged R&R – but disaster strikes early, when their ship is overturned in the middle of the ocean. The group find themselves with an impossible choice: stay with the ruins of the boat and risk never being found, or make the 12-mile swim to the nearest island. To make matters worse, there’s a deadly Great White Shark in the ocean – and he’s hungry.

Based on true incidents, it’s a terrifying concept, making for a bone-chilling film. Having covered similar ground in his killer crocodile film Black Water, Director Andrew Trauki is obviously very much at home with the idea of Man-vs-Wild, and with the help of Daniel Ardilley’s competent cinematography constantly reminds us that these are but five tiny bodies in a vast ocean. Even more terrifyingly – despite the open spaces – there’s a discernible sense of claustrophobia. The characters are stuck in their predicament and are, quite literally, out of their depth whichever way they turn. The entire film carries a sense of gritty realism, only enhanced further by the use of real shark footage instead of an animatronic fake. The performances are good and for the most part, very convincing.

Admittedly, there are some strained dialogue moments early on, and the relationships between the travellers are never really explored. Perhaps owing to an effort not to stray from the facts, the characters seem quite two-dimensional, but the film is so suspenseful at times that this is easily forgotten. All in all, it’s a solid Aussie horror flick guaranteed to get your heart racing. Just be warned: you may not want to go to the beach again in a hurry! Lucky summer’s over.

The Reef is in cinemas now.

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In a court release filed by his lawyer, Joseph Mannis, it outlined that the 73 year old had reached a new low in his health and would be unable to be questioned in regards to his recent divorce.

In January this year Hopper split from his wife, Victoria Hopper, and it has since opened a whole new saga for the sick star.

It is widely believed that Hopper filed for divorce so he wouldn’t have to share his assets with his wife when he passes away.

It is unknown how accurate the court documents are, and if it is just another tactic to delay the divorce case.

They state that being questioned by his wife’s lawyers “could actually threaten his (Hopper’s) ability to survive the current health crisis”.

But, in spite of the recent revelations, Hopper is sill set to make an appearance to Hollywood to receive his star in the Walk of Fame this Friday.

Mannis said the appearance would help take his mind away from the stress of his life and focus on the positives.

Mrs. Hopper, 42, meanwhile, has said the actor threatened her, smoked marijuana around their daughter and that his illness had left him unable to make sound decisions.

The debate over who is right will continue until Hopper pass away, however while he is still alive we should honour the man who has entertained so many in his many films, including Speed and

The film is based on the 2003 novel by Dennis Lehane and so far it has been well received by the movie critics around the world.

Shutter Island is set in the 1950s where two US Marshall’s are sent to a federal institution for the criminally insane to capture a violent female escapee.

Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) takes the role of lead character and is supported by his side kick Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo).

The island has interest many of people for years, which is why when the task was assigned, Daniels was excited by the opportunity.

However, before too long he begins to wonder if he was brought to the island as part of a twisted plot by the hospital doctors.

Upon father research, the marshals discover the radical treatments that are more than unethical, and the possibility of there being an extra patient in the confinements.

The hospital soon catches onto his good investigative skills and refuses him access to records he requires to break the case wide open.

The more time spent on the island, the more insane Daniels becomes and he eventually begins to doubt his memory and even his sanity at times.

Shutter Island has an eventful and interesting plot that will be sure to entertain viewers.

Many movie websites agree, with ratings well above the 8/10 mark.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYVrHkYoY80

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Land of the Dead and Pshyco are just some of the few olden horror films that have been digitally enhanced, re-written and remade into box office hits, much better than the originals.

For some reason, it is horror films that have a higher success ratio when it comes to redoing them.

The Wolman is another example of this trend.

The 1941 classic is the latest horror remake and is directed by Joe Johnston, with a list of A-class actors including Benicio del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving and Geraldine Chaplin.

The basic plot of the film is revolved around Lawrence Talbot (Hopkins), a haunted nobleman who is lured back to his family estate after his brother vanishes.

Reunited with his estranged father, Talbot sets out to find his brother and discovers a horrifying destiny for himself.

He learns that something, or some creature with brute strength and a love for blood has been killing off the villagers.

In an effort to save the town, Scotland Yard inspector Aberline (Weaving) comes to investigate.

But despite their best efforts, the Werewolf (DelToro) proves to be too much of a task to overcome and the film then enters a series of vicious killings full of violence an gore.

The Wolfman is now screening at selected cinemas around Australia.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS02xaTIdRI

7.5/10