“Primal Rage” (**1/2 out of four) was a middling horror thriller about a newly reunited couple (Casey Gagliardi, Andrew Joseph Montgomery) whose drive home through the Pacific Northwest turns into a grueling nightmare when their car breaks down and they are besieged by local rednecks and a monstrous local creature who preys on humans. First-half is tense and exciting and often has you on the edge of your seat. Unfortunately, film’s second half becomes pretentious and dull as it deals with the local law enforcement and the creature’s origins. A horrifying climax brings film back on track but what a shame. Jay Lee’s striking cinematography is an undeniable standout through-out.