Pulse Series Review: Is It Rotten On Rotten Tomatoes?

Hey guys! Let's dive into the Pulse series and see what the critics over at Rotten Tomatoes have to say. Is it a fresh hit or a rotten miss? We're going to break down the series, look at its critical reception, and give you the lowdown on whether it’s worth your time. So, grab your popcorn and let’s get started!

What is the Pulse Series?

Before we jump into the reviews, let's get everyone on the same page. When we talk about the Pulse series, we generally refer to a few different things. It could be the original Japanese horror film Kairo (2001), the American remake Pulse (2006), or even the broader series of films that followed. For this review, we'll primarily focus on the American remake and its sequels, as they tend to be what most English-speaking audiences think of when they hear “Pulse.”

The original Pulse (2006) revolves around a group of college students who discover that the recent suicide of one of their friends has unleashed a terrifying supernatural force. This force spreads through computers and wireless networks, bringing malevolent spirits into the real world. The students must then race against time to find a way to stop the digital demons before they are completely overwhelmed. Starring Kristen Bell, Ian Somerhalder, and Christina Milian, the film aimed to bring a tech-savvy twist to the classic ghost story.

The sequels, Pulse 2: Afterlife (2008) and Pulse 3 (2008), continue the story, exploring the aftermath of the initial outbreak and introducing new characters struggling to survive in a world overrun by these digital ghosts. These films attempt to expand the lore and delve deeper into the mechanics of the haunting, but often fall short of the suspense and intrigue of the original – or even the remake, for that matter.

The concept behind Pulse taps into a modern fear: our reliance on technology and the potential for it to be corrupted or used against us. In a world increasingly connected, the idea that something sinister could spread through our devices is genuinely unsettling. However, the execution of this concept in the Pulse series has been a point of contention, leading to varied and often negative reviews.

Pulse Series on Rotten Tomatoes: A Critical Overview

Alright, let’s get to the heart of the matter: how does the Pulse series fare on Rotten Tomatoes? Well, brace yourselves; it’s not a pretty picture. Rotten Tomatoes aggregates reviews from a wide range of critics, providing a score based on the percentage of positive reviews. A score of 60% or higher is considered “fresh,” while anything below that is deemed “rotten.”

Pulse (2006) - The Remake

The 2006 Pulse remake currently holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of just 9%. This score is based on 112 reviews, with an average rating of 3.3/10. Ouch! The critical consensus reads, “Dull and derivative, Pulse is a forgettable remake that offers little in the way of scares or originality.” Critics frequently cited the film's lack of suspense, incoherent plot, and reliance on jump scares rather than genuine horror.

Many reviewers pointed out that the film failed to capture the atmospheric dread and psychological depth of the original Japanese film, Kairo. Instead, it opted for a more generic and predictable horror formula, which left audiences and critics alike feeling underwhelmed. The performances, while featuring recognizable faces, were also criticized for being flat and uninspired. Overall, the remake was seen as a missed opportunity to translate a compelling concept into a truly terrifying film.

Pulse 2: Afterlife (2008) and Pulse 3 (2008)

As you might expect, the sequels didn’t fare much better. Pulse 2: Afterlife doesn't even have enough reviews to register a score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a severe lack of interest from critics. Pulse 3 also suffers a similar fate, with very few reviews and no official score. This usually means the films were either direct-to-video releases or received such limited theatrical distribution that they didn’t attract enough critical attention.

The few reviews available for these sequels generally echo the sentiments of the first film: lacking in originality, scares, and overall quality. They are often described as unnecessary additions to a franchise that failed to deliver on its initial promise. If the first film was a disappointment, the sequels only compounded the problem, offering little to entice viewers back into the digital ghost world.

Why the Pulse Series Didn't Click with Critics

So, what went wrong? Why did the Pulse series fail to resonate with critics and audiences? Several factors contributed to its poor reception:

1. Lack of Originality: The biggest criticism leveled against the remake and its sequels is their lack of originality. The films borrow heavily from the original Kairo but fail to add anything new or interesting to the concept. Instead, they often simplify the story and rely on tired horror tropes.
2. Poor Execution: A great concept can be ruined by poor execution, and that’s precisely what happened with Pulse. The films suffer from incoherent plots, weak character development, and a general lack of suspense. The scares are often predictable and rely on jump scares rather than building a sense of dread.
3. Missed Potential: The idea of technology turning against us is inherently scary, but the Pulse series never fully explores this potential. The films touch on themes of isolation and the dangers of over-reliance on technology, but they don’t delve deep enough to make a lasting impact.
4. Weak Performances: While the cast includes recognizable actors, the performances are generally uninspired. The characters are often one-dimensional and lack the depth needed to engage the audience. This makes it difficult to care about their fate, which further diminishes the impact of the scares.
5. Comparisons to the Original: The original Japanese film, Kairo, is widely regarded as a classic of the J-horror genre. The American remake inevitably faced comparisons to the original, and it simply couldn’t measure up. Kairo is praised for its atmospheric dread, psychological depth, and thought-provoking themes, all of which are largely absent in the remake.

Is There Anything Good About the Pulse Series?

Okay, so it sounds like I'm totally bashing the Pulse series. But is there anything redeemable about it? Well, it's tough to say. Some viewers might find the initial concept intriguing, and there are a few moments of genuine suspense scattered throughout the films. The visuals, while dated by today's standards, can be somewhat eerie at times. Also, the cast has some well-known actors.

However, these fleeting moments of potential are overshadowed by the films' numerous flaws. The incoherent plots, weak characters, and lack of originality make it difficult to recommend the Pulse series to anyone looking for a genuinely scary or thought-provoking horror experience.

Alternatives to the Pulse Series

If you're looking for a good tech-horror film, there are much better options out there. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Kairo (2001): The original Japanese film that started it all. Kairo is a masterpiece of J-horror, praised for its atmospheric dread, psychological depth, and thought-provoking themes.
2. The Ring (2002): Another American remake of a Japanese horror film, The Ring is far more successful than Pulse. It offers a genuinely creepy and suspenseful experience, with strong performances and a well-developed plot.
3. Unfriended (2014): A modern horror film that takes place entirely on a computer screen. Unfriended is a creative and suspenseful take on the tech-horror genre, exploring the dangers of online bullying and social media.
4. Black Mirror: While not a film, the Black Mirror TV series is a must-watch for anyone interested in the dark side of technology. Each episode explores a different theme, offering a chilling glimpse into the potential consequences of our reliance on tech.

Final Verdict: Should You Watch the Pulse Series?

So, should you watch the Pulse series? Based on the critical reception and the numerous flaws, it’s hard to recommend. The films offer little in the way of scares, originality, or compelling storytelling. While the initial concept is intriguing, the execution falls short of its potential.

If you're a die-hard horror fan or curious about the early 2000s tech-horror trend, you might find some mild entertainment value in the Pulse series. However, there are far better options out there that offer a more satisfying and terrifying experience. Save yourself the disappointment and check out one of the alternatives mentioned above.

In conclusion, the Pulse series is generally considered rotten by critics and audiences alike. Its low scores on Rotten Tomatoes reflect its numerous flaws and missed potential. If you’re looking for a genuinely scary or thought-provoking tech-horror film, there are much better options to explore. Thanks for tuning in, and happy watching!