Incorporating video games into movies is nothing new. It's been done, again, and again, and again. Just when you think you've seen enough, it happens... yet again. This time in the guise of a film called St. John's Wort, a Chinese import that tries to put a new spin on things. I think it's safe to say that they are on the mark, just as often as they're off.

The story is very simple. A talented young game designer and his ex-girlfriend Nami, visit a family mansion that Nami has just inherited. Their objective is to map out the mansion for a new game they are developing, so basically they are there for research. Things get bizarre when they learn of a twin sister that Nami never knew she had. That's not all though, they run into their share of mysterious strangers, secret passages, and creepy paintings. Did I mention the disturbing dolls?

Let me just say that there is a lot to like in St. John's Wort as much as there is to dislike. The film was shot on digital video, and there are a lot of interesting effects involving color shifts. It's almost as if they want the movie to play off like a video game itself, and at times it does. The mansion looks straight out of Resident Evil, and there is plenty of Blair Witch (first person) style roaming around, perhaps too much. At a total running time of 85 minutes, the film still feels long. While not wholly original, the film is still effectively creepy and has its moments. Despite its lack of film elements, it still manages to never come across as cheap.

St. John's Wort is presented in a matted widescreen presentation. The video quality is hit or miss, as it was recorded in a digital medium as well as being presented on one. There are some instances of artifacting, but it's hard to tell where it stems from, the source material or the encoding. At any rate, it's never really a distraction. Sound is presented in Chinese in either 5.1 or DTS. Both tracks are comparable, with the DTS giving a bit more "punch". The soundtrack is effectively creepy and helps to move things along. Nice readable and removable (if not poorly translated) English subs are a nice addition as well. Extras are non-existent. Not even so much as a trailer is present, Bah.

Overall, you could do a lot worse than experiencing St. John's Wort, but you could also do a lot better. It's a minor investment at the 12.99 price tag at Poker Industries, so it won't break the bank (for the curious). Split it with your friends and have a few drinks, when you're done, pop in Battle Royale, and it'll be all better.

Note: St John's Wort is a Region 3 DVD. You will need a multi region player in order to appreciate this film, otherwise, it simply will not work.