Live Feed (DVD)

A group of twenty-somethings on vacation in Asia decide to partake of the country's forbidden fetishes only to find themselves trapped in a torture chamber that's really a peep show for rich businessmen and malevolent mobsters. There is also a questionable kitchen off to the side, where the catch of the day just might be you.

The evil Asian stereotypes in the film are either dog-eaters, hookers, killers, or criminals. The idiot American stereotypes are either salacious sluts, horny S.O.B.s, or timid tail-tuckers. That's about it for character development.

The movie does have sort of a subplot about an undercover cop  trying to avenge his brother's murder by the mob, and there is a bizarre and totally sick scene involving a snake, but aside from that Live Feed is a one-course meal and an equal opportunity offender — this movie is sure to alienate Asians, women, and puppies everywhere!

Everything from the acting to the score to the cinematography is strictly amateur hour, but at least director Ryan Nicholson has an impressive background in special effects makeup, and it shows. The gore scenes, though overstated, are reasonably effective.

Ordinarily, I'm OK with the outre, but Live Feed is just plain badly executed: It manages to be boring, sleazy and offensive all at once. This one rates an "F" from my health department.

= = =

Reviewed by Staci Layne Wilson