The Crazies (2010) - 8 stars out of 10

The Crazies (2010) - 8 stars out of 10

"The Crazies" delivers as both a horror film and a thriller. Although its title suggests that it might be a B-list horror film, you will quickly realize that its complex plot develops in a mysterious manner that keeps you on edge from start to finish.  The unique aspect of this film is that it throws us directly into the plot so that we progressively discover the mystery as if we are in the film.  Rather than introducing the characters or explaining anything, the film begins at a community event when the first "Crazy" appears, putting us in the same confused state as the members of the community and making it seem that we are making the journey with the main characters.  Its use of common settings will definitely have you thinking twice the next time that you are at a rest stop, community ball field, or especially a car wash.  It does not feature a mega-star but was very well cast with Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell, and Joe Anderson (who delivered a chilling performance). The realistic violence (particularly the pitchfork) and horrific imagery is too much for someone who does not like horror movies, but any critic will find that this movie relies on storyline rather than cheap gory visuals.