ericrnolan "The Human Race" (2013) isn't really the under-recognized gem that I was led to believe it was — it's actually mediocre in some ways. The dialogue is downright bad, the acting is mostly below average, and the limited special effects budget definitely shows.It … still held my attention, though, thanks to a devilish story concept and some brutal plot turns. (Eighty diverse strangers are mysteriously transported to an isolated location, where powerful unseen entities force them to eliminate one another in a "race" to the death.) I do realize that there have been a spate of low- budget, "Saw"-inspired movies like this, and that this kind of story device should be familiar to horror movie fans by now.But there is some pathologically wicked story development here — consider, for example, that contenders include an elderly man, a pregnant woman and a veteran who has had a leg amputated. And while several contenders make heroic choices, several others take a sociopathic glee in eliminating their opponents. Writer-director Paul Hough might be terrible at writing dialogue, but he does know how to craft a surreal horror story with some horrific and unexpected turns. (Yeesh.)There is also a standout performance by Trista Robinson as a secondary character. (She is the more tenacious half of a deaf couple who are teleported and forced to compete.) In a film with little admirable acting, she still plays her role with skill and intensity. This is a talented actress.All in all, this is a flawed low-budget film that is still decent fare for a horror fan. I'd rate it a 7 out of 10.

Mark Rivinius I have no idea why so many people rated this movie so poorly. Other reviews are full of it, I have no idea what expectations they had going into the film. For a B movie, it was pretty dang good.Acting was pretty decent, nothing that really stood out as bad or good. The character development was somewhat lacking, but I believe the film makers were using this as a device to keep the audience guessing. I do have to say I got a bit sick of the deaths as it became pretty repetitive, but there were some breaks. There were some unexpected deaths as well, which I was pleased to see as movies are becoming more and more predictable.Don't go into the film expecting 9 or 10. It has a VERY original story, an ending that comes out of left field and me actually wanting to see a sequel. I had actually wanted to give it an 8, but decided against it as I feel they had opportunities for more supporting characters but didn't go for it.

amaze122 Spoiler Alert!!! Spoiler Alert!!!I gave it a seven; honestly people on IMDb have become so cynical lately. True, some movies deserve their ire, but when it is obvious that someone is doing their best with what they have and Still managing to do a good job...?I loved the smooth editing on the action shots and running scenes and I thought that the death scenes were awesome especially the baby! And I think that people just snatched up like this would probably act a lot like these did, especially the dark turn that it all began to take, when some tried to take advantage of the situation.Even the rather open ended way that the film finished was totally believable for the situation..We need more non cookie-cutter movies like these, Hollywood needs to stop regurgitating plots from the past and look for directors with fresh takes on scenarios, like this one...In the past the only way that I could see a movie with some real imagination was with the odd Indie movie or...the Japanese! Japan is famous for making the weirdest, most entertaining movies ("Ichi the Killer", "Three...Extremes", "Suicide Club", "Dumplings", etc.).In closing, see the movie..then make up your own mind...

DianaColorsOfTheWind Been into independent film lately and when I heard of this one I needed to see it right away. I was not disappointed. I can honestly say I loved every second of it. I am not necessarily a sci-fi fan, there are only a couple that I am a huge fan of, but now The Human Race is making that list as well. Great concept, exciting, characters I like, I was thinking about this movie a lot after I had seen it.I won't spoil anything for anyone, but if you like exciting movies with unique concepts and actors that you aren't sick to death of looking at like Tom Cruise, then this movie is for you. I do hope there are more independent movies made like this. Anyone can tell that love and time went into this project. I kind of wish I could bring friends over to my house to see it, but my friends suck so I know they won't. I hope more people spread the word.