Paco Plaza returns to direct the third installment to his pseudo zombie [rec] series. This time around Plaza with cinematographer Pablo Rosso shake up the recipe proving that they’re not one trick ponies!

It’s Clara and Koldo’s wedding day. Unbeknownst to them, the world is falling apart and a supernatural infection is spreading. During their reception, an infected guest spreads the chaos and in the madness, they get separated. It’s now up to Clara and Koldo to fight for survival, find each other, and help any survivors along the way.

The [rec] series of films has often been mistakenly classified as zombie fodder. By the end of the first film it’s clearly proven otherwise, and although the overall structure is there, the endgame proves differently. If you’re familiar with Paco Plaza’s previous films, you know that the [rec] series is based firmly in the occult and demonic possession. It’s actually a cool twist to what is a tired genre, and yes, much to the chagrin of my fellow undead enthusiasts, I do classify the [rec] films as zombie flics. Zombie films are classified by the dead brought to life through infection caused by a bite or scratch. Not all zombie flics have the exact same formula, but that seems to be the common key ingredient. In the [rec] films, when someone is attacked, they die, and through infection, they are brought back to life. They’re sole purpose is to attack the living, and in most cases they are shown eating human flesh. There is nothing that speculates as to what causes the dead to rise in the zombie genre other than infection. So although the zombies in the [rec] series are based on demonic possession, the characteristics displayed are identical to that of any zombie flic out there… am I wrong?

With Genesis, Plaza takes a big step in the series, and for the better in my opinion. The [rec] series has established itself as being one of the better “hand held” films out there. That being said, Plaza seems to be paying attention to over saturation of this style and has “grown up” for lack of better words. The film starts in its trademark style, shot by hand helds by characters filming the wedding. Minutes after the madness starts though, the camera pulls back in its full glory and Pablo Rosso shows off with some incredible cinematography… I was not expecting that at all! Plaza returns to the hand held a couple of times through the remainder of the film, but for the most part, we are treated to some excellent camera work that takes the film to a new level. Hopefully this is in preparation for [rec]4 Apocalypse, the fourth installment and Plaza’s finale.

[rec]3 Genesis has come a long way from it’s origins. Almost everything is trumped in this installment. Performances are top notch with Leticia Dolera (Clara) and Diego Martin (Koldo) leading the cast. I think I fell in love watching Dolera kicking ass and cutting bodies in half, while running through the sewers in her torn wedding dress. The blood, the wedding dress, the chainsaw…. OK I’m a sick puppy, but I loved it! I actually wish they did more with Martin’s character when he picked up the sword… seemed like a wasted opportunity. Overall though, the gore is plentiful, and the set designs/locations are fantastic! The only thing I found it lacking was the actual scares. I did however really love what they did with the reflections (you’ll have to see it), which really solidified the overall theme of the films. If you know the series, you know what to expect, so the lack of actual scares won’t be too much of a surprise.

In the end, these films are not meant to be scrutinized by zombie purists, they’re love letters to a genre and should be appreciated as such. Ridiculous, over the top, and fun as hell! If you enjoyed the previous 2 installments, [rec]3 may not hold the same suspenseful charm, but its just as fun. Genesis leaves me waiting on baited breath for the series finale, and its eventual Blu Ray release!

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