Movie review: Cabin Fever: Patient Zero

Heading to a deserted island to have a bachelor party, a group of friends is infected by a deadly flesh-eating virus. They also find the deserted island is not quite as deserted as they thought, housing a secret research facility.

Sean Astin (Porter), Currie Graham (Dr. Edwards), Ryan Donowho (Dobbs), Brando Eaton (Josh), Jillian Murray (Penny), Mitch Ryan (Marcus), Solly Duran (Camila), Lydia Hearst (Bridgett), Claudette Lali (Katia).

Cabin Fever: Patient Zero begins with some character introductions, plot setup, and looks a lot like a teen horror flick. The simple plot, deserted island and a flesh-eating virus, proves to be little more than a vehicle for the horror which is also pretty simple. As things evolve the small bits of humor disappear, leaving us with a simple horror flick and some poorly done drama. A slight twist toward the end does little to make up for the lack of energy or quality.

Acting was somewhat absent in this one. Astin, probably the most experienced actor in the film, felt insincere and misplaced. Murray was mediocre, as was Duran and Hearst. Eaton started off well but fell apart when the horror hit, while Ryan felt seriously inexperienced and out of place.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were actually decent in this one. Natural scenery was nice and action scenes were captured fairly well. Action was reasonably well done. Dialogue was campy, thin, and at times just plain stupid. Sound and soundtrack were good.

Overall Cabin Fever: Patient Zero is a half-step from being a B-movie. As an intro-level horror or teen slasher flick the film is decent. Just don't expect a well developed plot, acting, or technical work.

With plenty of violence, gore, some foul language, nudity, and sexuality save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2014
Reviewed: 1.24.15
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: B-Horror Movies, Horror Movies

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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