There were all sorts of factors for this, one I would put out is that it shown at a semi-arthouse cinema (which was the first time I’d ever being to, being that I live on the other side of town) in a trendy part of town, who I’d suggest wouldn’t have the time for a trashy B horror film. I’d suggest it would’ve done better at a suburban multiplex like Highpoint, Chadstone or even the Jam Factory, but maybe that was too expensive.

And it’s a failure considering a similar idea was done for the film Crush in Perth and it made $13,000 on one screen.

A lot of the film was made in studios not far from where I live, I can remember the local paper talking about Hollywood coming to town (Yeah, right… well Don Johnson’s son is in it). The cafe scene was at Truck City which is just down the road from where I live.

Then there’s the fact that it’s director is Oscar D’Roccster. Yeah, that’s a fake name. Initially it was directed by the other George Miller (the one of Neverending Story 2 and Gross Misconduct fame) and apparently he walked during post production. Hmm, don’t know why, but this film is no worse than his recent efforts.

The film itself, well… for the most part it plays up to it’s B-film status but it’s also seems a little forced in doing so. The bimbo aromatherapist has some terrible lines at inconvenient times, which I can’t remember, but they were pretty bad. There’s a token gay man, the American accents are bad although Prey is clearly set in Australia, the ladies breasts are hoisted high and an incredibly forced lesbian angle between the two Natalies (Walker and Bassingthwaighte) colminating in a unnecessary but not unwelcome kiss. And that rumoured girl-girl shower scene doesn’t seem to exist in that form although Miss Bassingthwaighte does have a full clothed shower scene, but anything to sell a film right…

And there is a bizarre cameo from former Ten newreader Jennifer Hansen as a ditzy waitress (just wondering if she’ll get those same complaints from those old people who on a weekly basis would complain about her newsreading) and surly cameo from poker champion Joe Hachem (playing internet poker no less).

If you take it the right way, as in a B-horror film, you’ll get more out of Prey, like I did. Sure it’s pretty sloppy, and gets a little too serious towards the end. But, it’s bad no matter which way you look at it.

Apparently it comes to DVD here in Australia in the next month or two, which is probably where it should’ve premiered. So, if you’re looking for the perfect film to laugh and make ‘witty’ comments at, Prey is that film.