IRON DOORS in 3D(2010)

Streaming on Tubi!
Directed by Stephen Manuel.
Written by Peter Arneson.
Starring Axel Wedekind & Rungano Nyoni

This little film surprised me. Though the “in 3D” thing kind of threw me since there’s not a lot of this film that screams three dimensions save for the final scene, but that’s besides the point. Part CUBE, part SAW, part OLDBOY, IRON DOORS follows a man who wakes up sealed in a square room with a cabinet, a blowtorch, a dead rat, and a closed vault door. Confused and thirsty, the man tries to figure out why he’s there and who’s doing this to him.

The fun in this film lies in the mystery, which isn’t really revealed until the last few seconds of the film. Not knowing what type of film this was definitely amped my interest as to what lay behind the vault doors, but actor Axel Wedekind does a good job sustaining interest throughout the entire film. At times, he isn’t able to act to the level the story demands, but for the most part, he gives a believable everyman performance.

There’s an awful lot dedicated in this film to urination and imbibing in disgusting things. Some of it plays out like an episode of FEAR FACTOR as our hero must chomp on maggots and drink urine in order to survive the ordeal. The attention given to these acts of intake is definitely gratuitous, and though it does play as effective the first time, it becomes somewhat tedious after multiple observings.

But I have to give credit to writer Peter Arneson, who fills the story with pretty believable dialog, and director Stephen Manuel who keeps things moving despite the fact that the entire film basically takes place in one square room. The revelation in the end was pretty satisfying (though I won’t reveal it here), and though some might be able to predict it, it still leaves an impact. With a stronger lead, I think this could have been a stellar film. Though the film does suffer from lack of things to do by the third act and the acting is not top notch, IRON DOORS in 3D entertained.

Check out the trailer here!!