![[REC] 4: Apocalypse](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/sash/4FyxwxECzL-U1J8.png)
One main thing that I was glad about after watching REC 4 is that at least it was better than the 3rd installment, and it actually follows on more from the first two films than what the third one did. We see the return of Manuela Velasco, who plays reporter Ángela Vidal, and we also see events from films 1 & 2 and how they played out.
The story here isn't too bad, and of course it helps that it's the same writer/director and is a continuation from REC 1 & 2, but even with that this didn't "feel" like a REC film. It played out & felt more like just another relentless zombie movie. The whole feel was just different with a massive amount atmosphere being left out...something films 1 & 2 had an abundance of. What added to that lack - for me anyway - was the fact that this wasn't shot from a person's POV the way 1 & 2 were...those WERE lost footage found films, and apart from some scenes being viewed through CCTV cameras, this isn't. That may have pleased people who don't enjoy "shaky camera-work" or footage found films, but I found it to be a disappointing aspect and it felt more like a Spanish version of Resident Evil.
As I said, the story isn't too bad, and to take the continuation onto a ship may seen a bit strange, but it makes sense really...there's a MUCH smaller chance of the disease infecting the general population than what there would be if it were in a lab on land. Being on a ship also brings in the "nowhere to run" & claustrophobic elements of the story which added to the tension & atmosphere (but not by much unfortunately).
What kept this version going for me is was the action and the tie-in's to the first two films. If it wasn't really for that, I think this would have been just as bad as the third. For the makers to take the series away from the original style of 1 & 2 ruined a lot of the overall enjoyment for me, and with rumours of a part 5, I think it best that the series ends here.
The story here isn't too bad, and of course it helps that it's the same writer/director and is a continuation from REC 1 & 2, but even with that this didn't "feel" like a REC film. It played out & felt more like just another relentless zombie movie. The whole feel was just different with a massive amount atmosphere being left out...something films 1 & 2 had an abundance of. What added to that lack - for me anyway - was the fact that this wasn't shot from a person's POV the way 1 & 2 were...those WERE lost footage found films, and apart from some scenes being viewed through CCTV cameras, this isn't. That may have pleased people who don't enjoy "shaky camera-work" or footage found films, but I found it to be a disappointing aspect and it felt more like a Spanish version of Resident Evil.
As I said, the story isn't too bad, and to take the continuation onto a ship may seen a bit strange, but it makes sense really...there's a MUCH smaller chance of the disease infecting the general population than what there would be if it were in a lab on land. Being on a ship also brings in the "nowhere to run" & claustrophobic elements of the story which added to the tension & atmosphere (but not by much unfortunately).
What kept this version going for me is was the action and the tie-in's to the first two films. If it wasn't really for that, I think this would have been just as bad as the third. For the makers to take the series away from the original style of 1 & 2 ruined a lot of the overall enjoyment for me, and with rumours of a part 5, I think it best that the series ends here.