Donkey Punch

Stars: Robert Boulter, Sian Breckin, Jaime Winstone, Nichola Burley, Tom Burke, Julian Morris, Jay Taylor

Director: Olly Blackburn

Well, it might more accurately have been called Terror Aboard, but the makers decided on a more inflammatory title - and the eponymous punch certainly provides the film's pivotal moment.

Three Yorkshire girls on holiday in Majorca team up with three English lads who take them on board a plush yacht, where they're joined by the brother of one, who seems to be the sort-of-engineer looking after the boat while its owners are away.

Group sex ensues and the punch of the title - intended to improve intercourse - is duly delivered. But, instead of adding to pleasure, it breaks the girl's neck.

The guys decide, to the girls' initial horror, to dump the body overboard - and mayhem follows, as violence escalates to the point where everyone is killing one of the others. The staging is OK, but the acting is not too hot, the direction dodgy and much of the dialogue ripely over the top. It'll do, though, for a late-night gasp-and-giggle.

David Quinlan

UK/South Africa 2007. UK Distributor: Optimum. Colour.
95 minutes. Not widescreen. UK certificate: 18.

Guidance ratings (out of 3): Sex/nudity 2, Violence/Horror 2, Drugs 2, Swearing 2.

Review date: 17 Jul 2008