The Last Broadcast (1998) Movie Review
Written By: JEH
Edited By: Grave Reviews Staff
Film Information
Director: Stefan Avalos, Lance Weiler
Producers: Stefan Avalos, Lance Weiler
Writers: Stefan Avalos, Lance Weiler
Date Released: October 23, 1998
Cast:
David Beard as David Leigh
James Seward as James “Jim” L. Suerd
Stefan Avalos as Steven “Johnny” Avkast
Lance Weiler as Locus Wheeler
Rein Clabbers as Rein Clackin
Michele Pulaski as Michelle “Shelly” Monarch
A.D. Roso as Detective Anthony Rosi
Rating = 2/5 Graves
***May contain some spoilers***
Synopsis
Fact or Fiction hosts – Steven Avkast (Stefan Avalos) and Locus Wheeler (Lance Weiler) – are desperate to create buzz for their dying show. When an anonymous fan suggests for the duo to find the mythic Jersey Devil, Steven and Locus hires two additional team members, Jim the psychic and Rein the paranormal sound recorder. However, things take a dark turn when Locus, Steven, and Rein end up missing no where to be found. The only survivor, Jim, becomes the suspect when the bodies of Locus and Rein are found. But did Jim really commit the horrific murders?
Gore Factor
There isn’t much gore featured in The Last Broadcast (1998). However, expect to see bloody snow and plastic suffocation. If you’re a horror fan, these scenes won’t faze you. But if you’re sensitive to the slightest sight of violence, consider yourself warned.
The Grave Review
The Last Broadcast (1998) makes use of both the mockumentary and found footage technique. So, some may argue that this movie inspired other films that followed, including The Blair Witch Project (1999), Lake Mungo (2008), Grave Encounters (2011), and Hell House LLC (2015). Unfortunately, this 1998 film fails to impress like its successors.
Despite its intriguing setting, the film feels lacking and dragging halfway. For example, the missing Fact or Fiction team storyline was interesting at first. But when the footage and dialogues started to repeat, the film almost becomes unbearable to watch. We get it, the crew is dead and maybe Jim did it. No need to repeat what has already been established more than twice.
However, the dragging pace of the story is not what made The Last Broadcast (1998) so frustrating to watch: it’s the big plot twist. The reveal feels like it comes out of nowhere. It’s so out of place that first-time viewers might even miss the message of the twist. Not to mention the sudden drop in the quality of acting during the climax.
Aside from the pacing, narration, and messy plotline, the film also looks very low budget. While it’s true that the film does have a low budget, it feels like it added to the undeniable charm of the movie. So despite its flaws, the movie has a few redeeming qualities, including aesthetics and an engaging introduction. Unfortunately, the movie fails to maintain what makes it good, and the unsatisfactory ending ensured its doom.
So, should you see The Last Broadcast (1998)? If you’re a big found footage and mockumentary fan, you can give it a try. However, you’re not missing much if you haven’t seen this movie yet.
Because of the foregoing reasons, Grave Reviews gives The Last Broadcast (1998) two graves out of five graves.
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