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Dead Tone
Dead Tone
Dead Tone
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Dead Tone
Directed byDeon Taylor
Brian Hooks
Written byBrian Hooks
Deon Taylor
Vashon Nutt
Produced byBrian Hooks
Deon Taylor
Lisa Diane Washington
StarringBrian Hooks
Jud Tylor
Antwon Tanner
Cherie Johnson
Wil Horneff
Jonathan Chase
Aimee Garcia
Germán Legarreta
Gwendoline Yeo
Rutger Hauer
CinematographyPhilip Lee
Edited byLane Baker
Music byVincent Gillioz
Production
companies
Hooks and Taylor Entertainment
Distributed byCodeblack Entertainment
Screen Media Films
Release date
  • May 16, 2007 (2007-05-16)
LanguageEnglish
Budget$3,000,000

Dead Tone[1] (originally released as 7eventy 5ive)[2] is a 2007 American slasher film directed and written by Brian Hooks and Deon Taylor.[3] It stars Hooks, Antwon Tanner, Cherie Johnson, Rutger Hauer, German Legarreta, Gwendoline Yeo and Aimee Garcia.

Plot

[edit]

The film begins with a sleepover of children. They prank call people while playing the game Seventy Five. Meanwhile, their parents are in the other room having drinks. The rules of the game are that you must keep a random person on the line for 75 seconds, and they must believe what you’re saying. As the night goes on, the kids go to bed, and a man whom the kids recently called calls back, before jumping from a closet and attempting to kill one of the kids before a parent jumped in front of him. The killer goes on to killing the parents in the house with an axe. As the children hide in the bedroom, the killer opens a closet to discover some of the kids and attempts to murder them. Before he can, one of the kid’s mothers jumps on him and is then choked to death by the killer. He then hears police sirens and flees. He is never caught.

Ten years later, Chuck (Josh Hammond) is murdered in his house by an unknown figure. Two detectives, Detective Anne Hastings (Gwendoline Yeo) and Detective John Criton (Rutger Hauer) discover Chuck was one of the children involved in the Waley murders 10 years previously. They begin an investigation and find more of the survivors have been murdered. Meanwhile, Brandon (Jonathan Chase) is throwing a party at his fathers secluded mansion. Brandon invites his ex-girlfriend, Karina (Judy Taylor), so he can try to get back together with her, but she insists that her group of friends also come, including Marcus (Brian Hooks), Roxy (Cherie Johnson), Shawn (Germán Legarreta), Kareem (Antwon Tanner), Scott (Wil Horneff) and Jody (Aimee Garcia).

As the group arrive and the party starts, Brandon and his friend Cal (Austin Basis) show everyone around, revealing that the house is filled with cameras which can be monitored on screens in the monitoring room, due to the house previously being used as a reality show set. While the party is happening, Criton and Hastings are looking for the children from the Waley murders. They locate Melissa to find that she has been killed and later find out that a male has also been killed in a different scene. After a few hours of partying, Marcus suggests a game of Seventy Five. Various people take part, until one caller murders someone for the group to hear. They all decide to not answer the phone and continue with their night. As the party finishes and most people leave, Karina and Brandon reconcile. Becky (Ellen Woglom) and Julie (Soraya Kelley) stay up partying with two boys. However, the killer soon arrives at the house and decapitates Becky, before killing the boys and Julie. The killer proceeds to decapitate a boy in the hot tub before drowning his girlfriend. Kareem sees the bodies in the pool and rounds up Roxy, Marcus and Anna (Denyce Lawton) to leave. The group split up to warn the others. Marcus and Anna find Jody and Cal, however they are soon attacked by the killer who murders Anna, while the others flee into Brandon and Karina's room. After Kareem and Roxy arrive with an unconscious Scott, who Kareem accidentally knocked out, the group lock themselves in the room. Brandon blames Marcus for the murders, causing a fight to break out.

After a while of waiting, Brandon and Karina leave to retrieve keys for Brandon's car, while Marcus and Kareem search for Shawn. The killer soon attacks Brandon and Karina, and Brandon is eventually axed in the back, killing him. The killer then throws Karina off the balcony, however she survives and runs into the monitor room to hide. Marcus and Kareem hear someone calling for help and return to the room only to find Scott with a dead Roxy. Meanwhile, Cal goes outside to try and hot wire a car. As he succeeds, the killer appears and beats him to death, although he does manage to summon help to the house. Marcus and Kareem manage to overpower the killer and pin him to the ground. As Kareem urges Scott to kill him, he instead murders Kareem. After confronting Scott and then being attacked by Scott, Marcus hides in the monitor room with Karina, watching in horror as Jody and then Shawn are murdered.

Scott soon comes to the monitoring room, with his accomplice (Kyle Turley), who is revealed to be an inmate from the mental hospital they both recently escaped from. He goes on to reveal that he is, in fact, Scott's twin brother, William, and that he murdered Scott before they left for the party. William tells Marcus he blames him for the deaths of his parents all those years ago as he was the one that wanted to play Seventy Five. William then turns on his accomplice, stabbing him, before a fight breaks out between him, Karina and Marcus. Eventually, William stabs Karina to death. While Marcus swings the axe to kill William, Detectives Anne and John arrive and shoot Marcus, believing he is the killer. As Anne and John comfort William, the accomplice rises with an axe and swings it towards the detectives.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

The film was produced by Magic Johnson's production company. Producers, Lisa Diane Washington. Associate Producers, Anita M. Cal and Tony Moore.

Soundtrack

[edit]

The soundtrack was composed by Vincent Gillioz and featured songs from Wyclef Jean and Unset.[4]

Release

[edit]

The film was shot in May 2005 but remained unreleased for nearly two years.[5] It had its world premiere on 16 May 2007 as part of the Cannes Film Market and its US debut was on July 23, 2007 at the Sacramento Film Festival.[6] The DVD was released on February 9, 2010 from Screen Media.[7]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Dead Tone

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Dead Tone is a American slasher co-directed by and , and co-written by , , and Vashon Nutt. Originally released under the title 7eventy 5ive, it centers on a group of college students who engage in a prank phone call game that inadvertently targets a , turning their weekend party into a fight for survival. The film stars as Marcus, alongside , , and veteran actor as Detective John Criton. The story unfolds with "The Crew," a tight-knit group of university friends, gathering at a luxurious Colorado mansion owned by one of their wealthy classmates. To pass the time, they play "Seventy-Five," a game involving elaborate prank calls, but one call connects them to a dangerous psychopath who begins systematically hunting them down with brutal efficiency. As the night progresses, the survivors must evade the killer while grappling with paranoia and betrayal within the group, culminating in a tense confrontation. Produced on a modest budget with , Dead Tone premiered on August 24, 2007, and later received a DVD release in 2010. It received mixed to negative reviews from critics, praised for its gore effects and unexpected twists but criticized for derivative plotting and uneven acting, earning an rating of 4.6 out of 10. Despite its flaws, the film's high-concept premise—drawing from urban legends about deadly wrong-number calls—has garnered a among slasher enthusiasts for its inventive kill scenes and Hauer's commanding presence.

Plot

Synopsis

The film opens with a group of children at a engaging in the prank call game "Seventy Five," where players dial random numbers and attempt to keep the recipient on the line for 75 seconds by fabricating convincing stories. During one such call, they anger a disturbed man who arrives at the house and murders the parents with an axe while the children hide in terror. Ten years later, the now-college-aged survivors, along with new friends, gather for a party at a secluded in owned by one of the group. As the night progresses, they revive the "Seventy Five" game, which alerts a psychopath connected to their past, who begins targeting the partygoers. The killer systematically eliminates the group in brutal fashion: one victim is impaled on a staircase railing after a chase, while another is drowned in the mansion's pool during a desperate escape attempt. Other deaths include stabbings and decapitations as panic spreads and the survivors barricade themselves inside. In a shocking twist, the killer is revealed to be , who has murdered and impersonated his twin brother Scott to infiltrate the group as one of the survivors from the original incident. , an escaped mental patient, seeks against Marcus for events stemming from the childhood , fueling years of pent-up rage. The climax unfolds in a tense confrontation within the mansion, where the remaining survivors, aided by investigating , attempt to subdue and his accomplice. However, misidentifications lead to further , with the shooting Marcus; 's accomplice kills one detective, allowing to ultimately escape and leaving the cycle of vengeance unresolved.

Cast and characters

Main cast

Wil Horneff plays the dual role of twin brothers Scott and , central antagonists whose vengeful motivations stem from past traumas linked to the group's actions, driving much of the film's tension through their deceptive and murderous pursuit. portrays Karina, the resilient protagonist who must navigate the escalating dangers at the mansion party while attempting to protect her friends and uncover the threat. Antwon Tanner stars as Kareem, a key member of the college crew who helps lead the group's ill-fated prank-calling game, "Seventy Five," setting the horror in motion among the revelers. Cherie Johnson appears as Roxy, offering moments of levity and camaraderie within the group through her witty banter before facing the killer's wrath. Rutger Hauer delivers a commanding as Detective John Criton, the seasoned investigator probing the murders with subtle ties to the underlying mystery of the case. Brian Hooks, who also co-directed the film, plays Marcus, another core member of the crew whose personal history becomes pivotal to the unfolding conflict. Denyce Lawton plays Anna, a member of the friend group caught up in the night's terror. Aimee Garcia portrays Jody Walters, part of the crew attending the mansion gathering. Gwendoline Yeo appears as Detective Anne Hastings, assisting in the investigation of the killings.

Supporting cast

The supporting cast of Dead Tone features a diverse ensemble of actors portraying friends, partygoers, and minor victims who populate the film's chaotic social scenes, enhancing the slasher genre's tension through their collective energy without dominating the central narrative. plays Crazy Cal, an eccentric member of the prank-calling group whose quirky antics provide brief and underscore the carefree vibe of the protagonists' circle. Jonathan Chase portrays Brandon, a secondary friend involved in the initial telephone pranks, contributing to the group's interpersonal dynamics and early buildup of suspense. Samuel Davis as Ryan and Chris Blasman as Jock #1 represent archetypal jocks and peers, their roles amplifying the rowdy atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the encroaching horror. Additional ensemble players include as Sorority Chick Becky and Soraya Kelley as Sorority Chick #2, who appear in the lively fraternity-style gatherings, helping to evoke the trope of youthful exuberance ripe for disruption in slasher films. Uncredited performers such as Batsford (Party Girl), Howie Bryant ( Guy), and Andrew Rogers Clark (Party Guy) fill out these sequences with authentic crowd energy, creating a sense of scale and vulnerability among the revelers. The film opens with bit roles for child pranksters during a scene, played by young actors whose uncredited performances establish key backstory connections to the adult ensemble's fates, linking past innocence to present peril in a single, pivotal flashback.

Production

Development

The film, originally titled 7eventy 5ive, was conceived as a horror thriller centered on a game known as "75," in which participants dial random numbers and attempt to keep the recipient on the line for 75 seconds without detection. This concept drew from urban legends depicting escalating into deadly encounters, transforming a youthful diversion into a survival nightmare. The title was later changed to Dead Tone. Brian Hooks and Deon Taylor co-wrote and co-directed the project, marking Taylor's feature directorial debut. Production fell under Earvin "Magic" Johnson Presents, with Hooks, Taylor, and Lisa Diane Washington serving as key producers to guide the creative and logistical aspects. The film was financed through independent channels, securing a $3 million budget that supported its modest scale while allowing for practical effects and a diverse cast. Casting emphasized a mix of emerging talents and established performers to balance accessibility with credibility; Hooks took the lead role of Marcus, while Taylor appeared in a supporting capacity. A pivotal decision was securing for the role of the grizzled John Criton, whose veteran status from films like added significant gravitas to the detective's investigation. This strategic inclusion helped elevate the production's profile amid its independent origins.

Filming

Principal photography for Dead Tone took place primarily in , utilizing locations in El Dorado Hills, Hood, and Sacramento to depict the secluded mountains and mansion setting central to the plot. Filming occurred in 2005, enabling a swift timeline suited to the film's independent nature. Co-directors and faced logistical hurdles in capturing the slasher elements on a constrained budget, as the project was self-financed following repeated Hollywood rejections, which necessitated resourceful, on-location techniques for chase sequences and tension-building night exteriors. The gore-heavy kill scenes relied on practical , including makeup for wounds and blood squibs, to heighten the horror amid the prankster humor.

Music

The original score for Dead Tone was composed by Vincent Gillioz, who also served as conductor and music producer. The soundtrack features several hip-hop tracks that contribute to the 's urban atmosphere, including "Drowning Summer" and "The Wait Is Over" by Unset, as well as "How We Do (feat. )" by The Game, "Transfer" by Invitro, "Paddle On" by Hairbrain Scheme, and "Luv 2 Luv Ya" by C Note. These songs appear during party sequences, enhancing the youthful, energetic vibe of the college setting. No commercial soundtrack album was released for the film. The score and songs were integrated in post-production to build tension subtly, supporting the horror elements without dominating the dialogue.

Release

Premiere and distribution

Dead Tone had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Market on May 16, 2007. Its U.S. debut screening occurred at the Sacramento Film Festival in 2007. The film received a limited theatrical release in the United States starting September 3, 2009, in select cities, handled by Screen Media Films in partnership with Deon Taylor Enterprises/Vista Taylor. This rollout targeted urban and horror film audiences. Marketing emphasized the film's premise as a prank-call slasher, with promotions highlighting its alternative title 7eventy 5ive to underscore the central "75 seconds" game mechanic. Produced on a $3 million budget, the distribution scale remained modest, aligning with its independent horror positioning. No wide box office tracking was available for the , consistent with its limited theatrical run in select cities and subsequent emphasis.

Home media

The film was released on DVD in the United States on February 9, 2010, by Screen Media Films, under the title Dead Tone. The single-disc edition features a as its primary bonus material, with no or additional extras listed. Internationally, Dead Tone—often distributed under its original 7eventy 5ive—received earlier releases, including a DVD in the on October 31, 2007, and in on December 20, 2007. A Region B Blu-ray edition was later issued in , marking the film's only known high-definition physical release to date, while it remains DVD-only for physical media in the United States. As of 2025, Dead Tone has become available for streaming on various platforms, including free ad-supported services like and , as well as subscription options such as . It is also accessible for rent or purchase on digital storefronts like Amazon Video and , though not included in the core library for U.S. viewers. No specific home video sales figures have been publicly reported, but the film's availability on budget streaming sites reflects its niche appeal within the horror genre.

Reception

Critical response

Dead Tone received mixed reviews from critics, who appreciated certain elements of its execution while criticizing its reliance on familiar horror conventions. The film holds an average user rating of 4.6 out of 10 on , based on over 3,000 votes, reflecting a generally lukewarm reception among audiences and highlighting its polarizing nature as a low-budget slasher. It also holds a 28% approval rating on , based on limited reviews. Critics frequently pointed to the film's clichéd slasher tropes and weak scripting as major shortcomings, arguing that it failed to elevate beyond derivative storytelling. Reviews described the characters as stereotypical and unlikable—ranging from the sassy to the inevitable —while the plot's illogical turns, such as characters ignoring nearby screams, undermined tension and coherence. The prank call concept, while novel in its setup inspired by real events and evoking the thrill of , was seen as underexplored, with the film prioritizing jump scares over deeper thematic examination of youthful recklessness and its repercussions. Rutger Hauer's role as the detective is limited to a few scenes. Due to its limited theatrical release, Dead Tone garnered scant attention from major outlets, with coverage largely confined to genre-specific sites and DVD retrospectives. Festival reviews, where available, emphasized its potential as an independent horror entry, suggesting it could appeal to fans of unpretentious slashers but lacked the polish to break into broader acclaim. Overall, the consensus positioned it as a competent but forgettable addition to the post-Scream era of teen horror, best suited for casual viewing rather than critical reverence.

Legacy

Dead Tone has developed a among horror fans for its creative and gory kill sequences, as well as its unexpected twist ending that has prompted multiple rewatches in online discussions as recent as . A review described the film's gore as "decent" and highlighted "a few awesome kills," positioning it as an underrated aspect of the low-budget slasher that merits reevaluation amid niche streaming revivals. The movie contributed to the prank-call horror subgenre by centering its plot on a deadly game of phone pranks gone wrong, offering an urban, multicultural twist on the terror popularized in films like Scream. No sequels or official remakes have been produced, though the film's original title, 7eventy 5ive, continues to appear in fan-created edits and discussions. Availability on free streaming platforms has fueled renewed interest, allowing new audiences to discover its blend of suspense and splatter effects. Despite a baseline critical score of 4.6/10 on , this modest reception has paradoxically bolstered its appeal as a hidden gem in horror.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462160/
  2. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/15476-dead-tone?language=en-US
  3. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462160/plotsummary/
  4. https://unobtainium13.com/2025/10/30/brad-reviews-dead-tone-2007-starring-rutger-hauer/
  5. https://letterboxd.com/film/dead-tone/
  6. https://www.cineamo.com/en/movies/dead-tone
  7. https://horrornews.net/26717/film-review-dead-tone-aka-%25E2%2580%259C7venty-5ive-2007/
  8. http://www.bloodygoodhorror.com/bgh/reviews/dead-tone
  9. https://horrornews.net/26717/film-review-dead-tone-aka-%E2%80%9C7venty-5ive-2007/
  10. http://horror-movie-a-day.blogspot.com/2010/07/dead-tone.html
  11. https://www.nokomisbookstore.com/product/dead-tone-dvd/
  12. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462160/fullcredits/
  13. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/15476-dead-tone/cast
  14. https://www.tvguide.com/movies/dead-tone/cast/2000008123/
  15. https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/11973/play-7eventy-5ive-with-rutger-hauer/
  16. https://www.screendaily.com/screen-media-pacts-for-deon-taylors-dead-tone/5004047.article
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462160/locations/
  18. https://pro.imdb.com/title/tt0462160/
  19. https://www.moviemaker.com/hollywood-told-me-no-so-i-told-myself-yes-by-deon-taylor/
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462160/soundtrack/
  21. https://www.what-song.com/Movies/Soundtrack/103205/Dead-Tone
  22. https://www.salon.com/2010/02/15/flavor_flav/
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462160/companycredits/
  24. https://www.moviefone.com/movie/dead-tone/30718/main/
  25. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462160/releaseinfo/
  26. https://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/Dead-Tone-DVD/1551/
  27. https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Tone-Chris-Blasman/dp/B002UJIY20
  28. https://southeastlibrary.ca/index.php/sm/search/item/2628455
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  30. https://www.amazon.com/7eventy-5ive-Dead-Seventy-Blu-Ray/dp/B004BHYYP0
  31. https://tubitv.com/movies/531728/dead-tone
  32. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/7eventy-5ive
  33. https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Tone/dp/B0039USJMO
  34. https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Dead_Tone?id=QcRyLde49y8&hl=en_US
  35. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/7eventy-5ive
  36. https://www.dreadcentral.com/reviews/15773/dead-tone-dvd/
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