I definately agree that it's a welcome change of pace that SPLICE is an SF/Horror film about SOMEthing, rather than just mindless action or slasher gore. Still, the film is only half-successful. There are far too many "you gotta be kidding!" moments in the script, I didn't buy that the experiment could have gone on so long without being detected (unlike the aforementioned FLY and BROOD which made a point about ISOLATING the protagonists), and the main characters seem to do things in accordance to the story's needs rather than organically.
Still, I would hate it if the fact that the film bombed at the box office is taken by Hollywood as a sign that audiences don't want genre films of substance. Rather, they should conclude that SPLICE was mediocre, and that's why it flopped.
MEATFETISH wrote:
"Splice" is a fine film. Not great, but decent. If you like early Cronenberg films, then you might like this one. It's not really a horror film like it's being marketed though. I know there's a strong current of people who would prefer a fast-paced schlockfest like Jason X (sorry Tim. Actually I like that film too) than a slower paced, adult SF/horror like this so it's really not going to be for everyone.
I think the bottom line is that if you like films like The Fly (which this comes closest to in pacing) and The Brood, then you might like this film. If you don't like those types of films then you won't like Splice at all. But even if you hate it, I hope you won't discourage people from seeing it. An original, independent SF, horror film like this needs all the financial support it can get. The horror community complains endlessly about the horrible remakes and sequels that keep coming out, but then they don't show up and support what few original movies do get theatrical releases. So even if you don't want to see it, or hated it, I hope the next movie you see you'll pay for Splice and just walk into Shrek 4 or whatever...support the little guys!