Cryptz

Cryptz is a 2002 film that leads viewers into a world of mystery, suspense, terror, and the supernatural. Directed by Danny Draven, this urban horror movie highlights the dynamism of black actors and brings a breath of fresh, chilling air to cinema. It features Choice Skinner, Rick Irvin, Dennis Waller, and Lunden De’Leon, who all deliver compelling performances, adding depth to their characters and driving the plot forward.

Set against the backdrop of a gritty urban jungle, Cryptz revolves around three friends who stumble across the dark side of nightlife. The story uncovers how an encounter with an eccentric 'fortune teller,' who gifts them 'special' glasses, unveils a terrifying world previously unseen to the naked eye. The spectacle comprises a vibrant underbelly of dangerous, blood-curdling activities pervading their locality, involving vampires, werewolves, and a host of other supernatural creatures.

Leading the talented cast, Choice Skinner portrays Tyrone with heart, frustration, and hilarity. This character is a security guard at a retirement home exhibiting a tantalizing balance of astute observation and naive honesty. He is usually overshadowed by his brother Donte, a popular club-goer, and Cleveland, a con-artist—portrayed exceptionally well by Rick Irvin and Dennis Waller, respectively.

Rick Irvin’s charismatic performance as Donte, the seemingly invincible, swaggering, womanizer, immerses the viewers into the narrative. He effortlessly chases nocturnal fantasies, and his part, along with his brother's, sets the stage for the bone-chilling progression of events.

Dennis Waller depicts the street-smart, wise-talking Cleveland, who manages to maintain an interesting balance between being humorous and poignant. Despite his manipulative leanings, Waller's character garners a certain amount of sympathy from the audience, adding an interesting layer to his persona.

Lunden De'Leon, with her hypnotic performance as the mystical LaCinda, adds a compelling twist to the plot. As the alluring fortune teller, she plays a pivotal role in steering the destiny of the three friends. She offers them a glimpse into an eerie parallel universe that seemed ordinary.

As the trio begins to grapple with the reality unveiled by their 'special' glasses, they start out on their perilous quest, combating the unseen, supernatural forces. Do they make it out alive, or do they succumb to the horrors that haunt their everyday existence? Cryptz takes us on a suspenseful journey, where each moment is fraught with danger and uncertainty.

Overall, the movie's narrative beautifully weaves horror, humor, and suspense, taking viewers on an exhilarating roller-coaster ride. The character development is robust, and the actors' phenomenal performances accentuate the plot twists, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The urban setting and the hip-hop culture that subtly permeate the film add a unique flavor to the horror genre.

Cryptz’s cinematography deserves a special mention as it aptly captures the eerie ambience and chilling moments, all the while emphasizing the gritty realism of the urban setting. The director, Danny Draven, extracts remarkable performances from the cast and creates an intricately layered narrative that resonates with the audience. The movie seamlessly blends ordinary life's trials and tribulations with supernatural elements, offering viewers a serving of urban horror cinema they are unlikely to forget.

Packed with spine-tingling suspense, the film is an intriguing exploration of friendship, fear, and the often blurred lines between the seen and the unseen, the real and the fantastic. Cryptz proves to be an absorbing watch that delivers good doses of thrill and chill. It is sure to leave you wondering about the unknown and unseen forces lurking around and about what lies beyond the visible world. In true urban horror style, Cryptz is a must-watch for those who enjoy a sprinkling of supernatural in their cinema.