The most anticipated sequel to a horror film never made it to the big screen but instead was relegated to the four color world of comics. After the huge success of the film Freddy Vs. Jason there was takes about a sequel, the most talked about being the proposed Freddy Vs. Jason Vs. Ash story that would combine the two kings of the slasher genre with that of the hero of The Evil Dead and Army of Darkness films. This never fully materialized (for various reasons) but the treatment for that proposed film was the outline for this six issue limited series that makes up the graphic novel. Published by Dynamite Entertainment and Wildstorm the story of Freddy Vs. Jason Vs. Ash is one that every fan of any of the series would have loved to have seen as a film.
The story begins after the events in the Freddy Vs. Jason movie where Freddy finds himself trapped in the mind of Jason. Freddy’s only hope of getting out is through the help of the Necronomicon, The Book of the Dead which currently resides in the old Voorhees home (as witnessed in Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday). At this same time S-Mart is opening a new Super S-Mart on the former stomping grounds of Camp Crystal Lake and Ash is on hand to help the store get in shape before the grand opening. Ash, being the hunter of deadites that he is, believes that he is being lured there by the Book of the Dead for some nefarious reasons. It is not long before Ash encounters what’s left of some of Jason’s victims and he believes it is his destiny to rid the world of Jason (whom he thinks is a deadite). It doesn’t take long before Ash realizes that Jason is only the tool of a greater evil, Freddy, who with the Book of the Dead will be able to meld the dream world and the real world together so that he will have total reign. In true Army of Darkness fashion, Ash will blunder and kill anything and everything that gets in his way from destroying the Book of the Dead once and for all.
One of the reasons why this story works so well is the care with the story (Story by Jeff Katz & Script by James A. Kuhoric) and art (by Jason Craig) given to book which references all three film franchises both in terms of story and visuals. For The Evil Dead fans there are a lot of visual nods to The Evil Dead II, which just allow the comedy to flow. Surprisingly, Freddy is wisely not seen as the comic element in the story (although he does have his moments) but instead he is the grand mastermind behind an elaborate plot that’s more complex then anything seen in his films. Jason is given plenty of room to kill…well, just about everybody as this series has more blood flowing then any of the films (thank the heavens). This is definitely a Hard-R rated comic with plenty of surprises by the end.
Having only read a handful of the various comic book series based on these characters now being released by Dynamite Entertainment and Wildstorm it was a relief to know that I didn’t have to have read any of those series to enjoy this story. In fact, you don’t really need to have seen the film Freddy Vs. Jason as the series gives a quick recap of the events of the film for those readers just familiar with the characters.
This is one of the few books I think should have been made into a film but if all I have is this graphic novel then I’m not really going to complain any more.
CITY GARDEN - "The Old Woman & The Park"
On the set of the short film "A Gift"
Friday, April 17, 2009
Graphic Novel Review: ELFQUEST: THE DISCOVERY
The Wendy & Richard Pini creation ElfQuest has been around for over 35 years in one form or another and with ElfQuest: The Discovery the two have crafted a story that’s true to the heart of creation while also bringing it up to date for new readers.
Having read the ElfQuest series sporadically I know all the main characters but didn’t know much about all the newer characters. The Pini’s have crafted a world overwhelmed with characters which are all distinct and three-dimensional whether they appear in one scene or two or more scenes in the story. All the main characters are here in The Discovery from Cutter, the leader of the Wolf Pack of elves, Skywise, Timmain, the last of the High Ones, and the newly found elves the Wavedancers. Since this story is concerned less with the original elves, The Discovery is more about Cutter’s son Sunstream who has fallen in love with Brill, a Wavedancer whose tribe has hidden away from the outside world due to the cruelty placed upon them by humans. Cutter, whose life long journey is to unite all the elf tribes, sees this as a great opportunity to unite one of their brethren regardless of the fears. Brill is put in an awkward position as she and the rest of the Wavedancers are forced into hiding by her tribe’s former leader Surge.
The story may sound complicated at first of the Pini’s do a great job with streamlining the main story about two tribes who must overcome their differences in order to become one. It’s a similar story to the one the Pini’s have been telling for years but it’s also the driving force behind what makes the ElfQuest stories so interesting to read and universal to everyone. Regardless of how many characters are introduced (and believe me there are a lot) newer readers shouldn’t be put off as this is a great story (however brief).
Having read the ElfQuest series sporadically I know all the main characters but didn’t know much about all the newer characters. The Pini’s have crafted a world overwhelmed with characters which are all distinct and three-dimensional whether they appear in one scene or two or more scenes in the story. All the main characters are here in The Discovery from Cutter, the leader of the Wolf Pack of elves, Skywise, Timmain, the last of the High Ones, and the newly found elves the Wavedancers. Since this story is concerned less with the original elves, The Discovery is more about Cutter’s son Sunstream who has fallen in love with Brill, a Wavedancer whose tribe has hidden away from the outside world due to the cruelty placed upon them by humans. Cutter, whose life long journey is to unite all the elf tribes, sees this as a great opportunity to unite one of their brethren regardless of the fears. Brill is put in an awkward position as she and the rest of the Wavedancers are forced into hiding by her tribe’s former leader Surge.
The story may sound complicated at first of the Pini’s do a great job with streamlining the main story about two tribes who must overcome their differences in order to become one. It’s a similar story to the one the Pini’s have been telling for years but it’s also the driving force behind what makes the ElfQuest stories so interesting to read and universal to everyone. Regardless of how many characters are introduced (and believe me there are a lot) newer readers shouldn’t be put off as this is a great story (however brief).
Sunday, April 12, 2009
WATCHMEN - An Epic in the Making!
Before viewing the epic comic book adaptation of Watchmen viewing must be aware of a few things before they can truly enjoy this film. First, is that director Zack Snyder has tried his best to present as faithful an adaptation to the material as he so well did with his last film 300, second - that this film was made for the fans of the graphic novel, three – that there are a lot of parallel stories and themes in the film (thus the almost 3 hour running time), and four – that this film is definitely not for children. If you understand these few things then you’re in for one of the best films of 2009.
Everyone who watches this film will compare it to last year’s mega-blockbuster The Dark Knight, but you must remember that The Dark Knight and the Batman franchise has over 35 years of stories to pull from not to mention all the television series, theatrical serials, and theatrical films, so, there is not a whole lot of originality when it comes to the Batman franchise. Instead, those films rely on the way they are presented and the assurance that all audiences no matter how great and wide know of the character in one form or another, whereas with Watchmen, it’s more of a cult and underground thing that’s been raped and pillaged over the years by other storytellers (just look at The Incredibles which is a watered-down version of this story made for children and families). Watchmen takes place in an alternate universe (i.e. V For Vendetta) that looks as if it is on the brink of World War III (which in the story it is). Needless to say, Watchmen is a film that many audiences just won’t be able to enjoy.
This is perfectly fine as it isn’t made for all audiences. I’m sure Snyder wants as many people to see his movie as possible but lets be honest, most audiences just aren’t going to want to think to enjoy the movie, which this film makes you do. The original 12 issue series by writer Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons was a complex history of an entire alternate world in which the murder of a former super hero sparks what can only be described as the events leading up to a possible World War III. There are multiple characters with multiple stories and flashbacks after flashbacks after flashbacks that left many readers needing to read the series several times just to be able to digest everything that the story had to offer. The film, with its running time of almost 3 hours, had a lot of ground to cover and Snyder does an excellent job of adapting the series to film and like his previous film 300 many of the images are lifted completely from the comic book itself.
I could go into details about the story but suffice it to say that no amount of words here will be able to give the film true justice. The film works on so many levels because of the dedication of not only Snyder but his cast and staff as well who try so hard to be faithful not only to the comic but to the vision of Moore and Gibbons’ creation. More then this alone is one reason why this film is such a vastly different animal then The Dark Knight.
The film has garnered lukewarm reviews but I see this film on par with that of the equally misunderstood sci-fi classic Blade Runner. That film was a box office disaster that could only be truly appreciated upon multiple viewings and I believe that with Watchmen the same thing can be said. Truth be known, I never finished reading the graphic novel and have thus gone back to it after having seen the film and I enjoy both equally well.
Everyone who watches this film will compare it to last year’s mega-blockbuster The Dark Knight, but you must remember that The Dark Knight and the Batman franchise has over 35 years of stories to pull from not to mention all the television series, theatrical serials, and theatrical films, so, there is not a whole lot of originality when it comes to the Batman franchise. Instead, those films rely on the way they are presented and the assurance that all audiences no matter how great and wide know of the character in one form or another, whereas with Watchmen, it’s more of a cult and underground thing that’s been raped and pillaged over the years by other storytellers (just look at The Incredibles which is a watered-down version of this story made for children and families). Watchmen takes place in an alternate universe (i.e. V For Vendetta) that looks as if it is on the brink of World War III (which in the story it is). Needless to say, Watchmen is a film that many audiences just won’t be able to enjoy.
This is perfectly fine as it isn’t made for all audiences. I’m sure Snyder wants as many people to see his movie as possible but lets be honest, most audiences just aren’t going to want to think to enjoy the movie, which this film makes you do. The original 12 issue series by writer Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons was a complex history of an entire alternate world in which the murder of a former super hero sparks what can only be described as the events leading up to a possible World War III. There are multiple characters with multiple stories and flashbacks after flashbacks after flashbacks that left many readers needing to read the series several times just to be able to digest everything that the story had to offer. The film, with its running time of almost 3 hours, had a lot of ground to cover and Snyder does an excellent job of adapting the series to film and like his previous film 300 many of the images are lifted completely from the comic book itself.
I could go into details about the story but suffice it to say that no amount of words here will be able to give the film true justice. The film works on so many levels because of the dedication of not only Snyder but his cast and staff as well who try so hard to be faithful not only to the comic but to the vision of Moore and Gibbons’ creation. More then this alone is one reason why this film is such a vastly different animal then The Dark Knight.
The film has garnered lukewarm reviews but I see this film on par with that of the equally misunderstood sci-fi classic Blade Runner. That film was a box office disaster that could only be truly appreciated upon multiple viewings and I believe that with Watchmen the same thing can be said. Truth be known, I never finished reading the graphic novel and have thus gone back to it after having seen the film and I enjoy both equally well.
Neil Gaiman's Fairytale CORALINE Makes it to the Big Screen!
It’s been eight years since the release of writer & director Henry Selick’s infamous film Monkeybone (2001), but he returns with great grace with the animated adaptation of writer Neil Gaiman’s Coraline. This 3D stop-motion CGI animated film is a wonder in modern day American animation and storytelling from beginning to end.
It’s hard to believe that the film version of the celebrated novel took so long since the film rights were grabbed up as soon as the book was published, but Selick (who got famous with his stop-motion film Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas) has a knack for dark and humorous children’s fables that audiences of all ages tend to enjoy, which makes the pairing of him and Gaiman’s material so natural.
The story is about Coraline (voiced by Dakota Fanning) who moves into a new house with her family who unwittingly finds a doorway into and alternate world that’s just like her own world except that the people who inhabit this world have buttons for eyes. Everything in this alternate world is infinitely better then in her own world but when the inhabitants of this alternate world refuse to let her return to her own world, Coraline must find a way back to her own world as well as find a way to lock the doorway between the worlds forever. Now there is more to the story then described here (infinitely more) but if you haven’t read the novel then its better to just watch the film for yourself for all the details.
Although I was unable to see the 3D version of the film, the 2D version is just as good and doesn’t loose anything in translation as the story is strong enough that it doesn’t have to rely on the 3D gimmick to sale itself. The film has a great voice cast with Teri Hatcher, Keith David, and Ian McShane as some of the standouts (although everyone doesn a fantastic job).This is truly one of the major highlights of 2009 whether animated or live action films.
It’s hard to believe that the film version of the celebrated novel took so long since the film rights were grabbed up as soon as the book was published, but Selick (who got famous with his stop-motion film Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas) has a knack for dark and humorous children’s fables that audiences of all ages tend to enjoy, which makes the pairing of him and Gaiman’s material so natural.
The story is about Coraline (voiced by Dakota Fanning) who moves into a new house with her family who unwittingly finds a doorway into and alternate world that’s just like her own world except that the people who inhabit this world have buttons for eyes. Everything in this alternate world is infinitely better then in her own world but when the inhabitants of this alternate world refuse to let her return to her own world, Coraline must find a way back to her own world as well as find a way to lock the doorway between the worlds forever. Now there is more to the story then described here (infinitely more) but if you haven’t read the novel then its better to just watch the film for yourself for all the details.
Although I was unable to see the 3D version of the film, the 2D version is just as good and doesn’t loose anything in translation as the story is strong enough that it doesn’t have to rely on the 3D gimmick to sale itself. The film has a great voice cast with Teri Hatcher, Keith David, and Ian McShane as some of the standouts (although everyone doesn a fantastic job).This is truly one of the major highlights of 2009 whether animated or live action films.
Film Review: UNDERWORLD: RISE OF THE LYCANS
The Underworld franchise is one of the most popular werewolf v. vampire films to ever grace the movie screens mostly because of their reliance on action over horror and of the star power of Kate Beckinsale but the latest film in the franchise Underworld: Rise of the Lycans does not have a return visit from Beckinsale because this film is a prequel to the previous films. Instead it relies on the returning cast members of Bill Nighy, Michael Sheen, Kevin Grevioux, and Steven Mackintosh, and newcomer Rhona Mitra, to tell the story that started the war between lycans and vampires.
Lucian (Sheen) is chief lycan to Viktor (Nighy) whose reign is being threatened by rogue lycans that lie just outside Viktor’s gates ready to kill anyone who gets in their way. Viktor’s daughter Sona (Mitra) is a warrior at heart but is also having a secret affair with Lucian. This love affair is forbidden as the two are from different species of which Viktor is stop at nothing to prevent the union from happening even if it means killing his own daughter. Now Lucian finds himself having to bring all lycans together as one unified species in order to be free of Viktor’s tyranny and to save the woman he loves. Along for the ride is Tannis (Mackintosh), who returns in this film after being introduced in the previous film Evolution, and Raze (Grevioux), one of the most popular lycans from the first film, whose origins are seen here.
Screenwriter Danny McBride returns for the third go around with assistance from writers Dirk Blackman & Howard McCain and it shows as this third film effortlessly returns audiences to the Underworld universe (and it ends with the events at the beginning of the first film). Nighy, who has been in all three films, is a welcomed assurance that this new film won’t just be a means to squeeze every dime out of the franchise.
The film works on many levels and for those who were missing the lycans from the previous film there is plenty of lycan carnage in this film. Rise of the Lycans is a welcomed continuation of the series and leaves certain things of the story open for another sequel.
Lucian (Sheen) is chief lycan to Viktor (Nighy) whose reign is being threatened by rogue lycans that lie just outside Viktor’s gates ready to kill anyone who gets in their way. Viktor’s daughter Sona (Mitra) is a warrior at heart but is also having a secret affair with Lucian. This love affair is forbidden as the two are from different species of which Viktor is stop at nothing to prevent the union from happening even if it means killing his own daughter. Now Lucian finds himself having to bring all lycans together as one unified species in order to be free of Viktor’s tyranny and to save the woman he loves. Along for the ride is Tannis (Mackintosh), who returns in this film after being introduced in the previous film Evolution, and Raze (Grevioux), one of the most popular lycans from the first film, whose origins are seen here.
Screenwriter Danny McBride returns for the third go around with assistance from writers Dirk Blackman & Howard McCain and it shows as this third film effortlessly returns audiences to the Underworld universe (and it ends with the events at the beginning of the first film). Nighy, who has been in all three films, is a welcomed assurance that this new film won’t just be a means to squeeze every dime out of the franchise.
The film works on many levels and for those who were missing the lycans from the previous film there is plenty of lycan carnage in this film. Rise of the Lycans is a welcomed continuation of the series and leaves certain things of the story open for another sequel.
The IMAX Experience - MONSTERS VS. ALIENS in 3D
It’s hard to love a movie that as filled with so many over stuffed clichés as MONSTERS VS. ALIENS but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t at least a fun and entertaining film. It was a novel idea to do a animated monster film as it hasn’t been done since Monsters, Inc. so audiences aren’t tired of them just yet. With over five writers to its credit the film comes off as being too over written and formulaic as we follow Susan Murphy (voiced by Reese Witherspoon) who is turned into a 49’ 11” tall women by a unknown meteor. She is then captured by the government and hidden away in a secret government facility run by General Monger (voiced by Kiefer Sutherland), whom has captured several monsters over the years and hidden them away from the public eye. These monsters include B.O.B. (Seth Rogen), an artificially created lifeform with no brain, Dr. Cockroach (Hugh Laurie), a former scientist who accidentally turned himself into a cockroach during an experiment, and The Missing Link (Will Arnett), who was thawed out of a piece of ice and has wrecked havoc ever since. If you don’t already see all the references to ‘50s B-movies yet then shame on you as the film is filled with ‘50s references as well as references to all manner of sci-fi and pop-culture films from Close Encounters of the Third Kind to Beverly Hills Cop to Godzilla and Attack of the 50 Foot Woman.
Most of the references will be lost on younger audiences but people with a great appreciation of films will recognize most if not all of the references, which is the film’s biggest problem. It has so many references to other films that it never seems to have a mind of its own and everything from plot to character to story seems like something lifted from something else. Having seen the film on an IMAX screen in 3D I was able to forgive many of the films’ problems as I thoroughly enjoy watching films in digital 3D in the IMAX format. Somehow it makes many films better then they should be (i.e. when I saw The Day The Earth Stood Still on an IMAX screen). I’m sure that when and if I see the film again I won’t have the same experience.
Children will enjoy the film (especially those that loved Monsters, Inc.) but after the novelty of the 3D wears off and you’ve had enough of memory lane with the film references most older audiences may not enjoy the film as much as they wanted to. I will say that the antics of B.O.B. and The President (as voiced by Stephen Colbert) are some of the best in the film and recommended for this alone.
Most of the references will be lost on younger audiences but people with a great appreciation of films will recognize most if not all of the references, which is the film’s biggest problem. It has so many references to other films that it never seems to have a mind of its own and everything from plot to character to story seems like something lifted from something else. Having seen the film on an IMAX screen in 3D I was able to forgive many of the films’ problems as I thoroughly enjoy watching films in digital 3D in the IMAX format. Somehow it makes many films better then they should be (i.e. when I saw The Day The Earth Stood Still on an IMAX screen). I’m sure that when and if I see the film again I won’t have the same experience.
Children will enjoy the film (especially those that loved Monsters, Inc.) but after the novelty of the 3D wears off and you’ve had enough of memory lane with the film references most older audiences may not enjoy the film as much as they wanted to. I will say that the antics of B.O.B. and The President (as voiced by Stephen Colbert) are some of the best in the film and recommended for this alone.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT (2009) Tries To Bring New Life To The Remake Genre!
Having not been a big fan of the original Wes Craven film I had mixed expectations about this modern day remake The Last House On The Left (2009). The original film written and directed by Craven is a cult classic more because of the taboos it broke when originally released especially in terms of the rape and murder brought upon to the main characters. It is a film more remembered for its exploitation aspects and the fact that it is Craven’s first major motion picture then it is for actually being a good film.
The new film written by Adam Alleca and Carl Ellsworth and directed by Dennis Iliadis couldn’t rely on breaking cinematic taboos or violent carnage because its all been seen and done before (just take a look at what the French have been releasing over the last few years with Inside, High Tension, and Frontiers). The new film expands on the original story while also relying mostly on mood, suspense, and very good performances by the entire cast.
Craven, who produces the remake, has made it a career with polished horror films for the main stream audience from the Scream franchise to the more recent Red Eye and The Hills Have Eyes remake (and its sequel) and that same aesthetic is on display here. This film has none of the low budget trappings of Craven’s earlier films but is refined and has a few name actors with Monica Potter (of Along Came A Spider and television’s Boston Legal) and Tony Goldwyn (of Ghost, Kuffs, and for you horror film-fans Friday the 13th Part 6: Jason Lives), to name a few.
I could go into detail about the plot of the film but when it comes to remakes the plot never really changes from the original and I don’t like to sound like a broken record but I will say that this film, as directed by Iliadis, is more suspenseful and exciting then the Craven original and actually makes for a better cinematic film. Unlike the Craven film (which isn’t really a film for everyone), this newer version is a film that most audiences can enjoy in the same guilty pleasure as Craven’s more recent Scream franchise or films like Saw, Hostel, or Halloween (2008).
The new film written by Adam Alleca and Carl Ellsworth and directed by Dennis Iliadis couldn’t rely on breaking cinematic taboos or violent carnage because its all been seen and done before (just take a look at what the French have been releasing over the last few years with Inside, High Tension, and Frontiers). The new film expands on the original story while also relying mostly on mood, suspense, and very good performances by the entire cast.
Craven, who produces the remake, has made it a career with polished horror films for the main stream audience from the Scream franchise to the more recent Red Eye and The Hills Have Eyes remake (and its sequel) and that same aesthetic is on display here. This film has none of the low budget trappings of Craven’s earlier films but is refined and has a few name actors with Monica Potter (of Along Came A Spider and television’s Boston Legal) and Tony Goldwyn (of Ghost, Kuffs, and for you horror film-fans Friday the 13th Part 6: Jason Lives), to name a few.
I could go into detail about the plot of the film but when it comes to remakes the plot never really changes from the original and I don’t like to sound like a broken record but I will say that this film, as directed by Iliadis, is more suspenseful and exciting then the Craven original and actually makes for a better cinematic film. Unlike the Craven film (which isn’t really a film for everyone), this newer version is a film that most audiences can enjoy in the same guilty pleasure as Craven’s more recent Scream franchise or films like Saw, Hostel, or Halloween (2008).
The Rock RACES TO WITCH MOUNTAIN
Disney is not above recycling there own films so its of now surprise that the novel “Escape to Witch Mountain” by Alexander Key is now the new pre-summer film Race To Witch Mountain starring everyone’s famous former wrestler Dwayne Johnson (aka The Rock).
In the summer film tradition this new film has a lot of special FX and a lot of action and like the title suggests it “races” from one moment to the next at the pace of a Michael Bay film. Like last year’s Journey To The Center of the Earth in 3D, Race is a no-brains action kids film that easily forgotten after viewing. Kids will probably love it but anyone over the age of 13 will just wish they’d gone and saw something else.
The film concerns two aliens who crash to Earth in search of a secret experiment left on Earth that will help their own planet survive imminent danger. If they don’t get the experiment back to their planet in time then the people of their planet will invade Earth. Johnson plays Jack Bruno, the cab driver who drives them from place to place and inevitable gets himself caught up in trying to help the aliens get back home to their planet before the government gets a hold of them.
Although the special FX are really well done and there are some comic moments to be had between Johnson and Carla Gugino (from Watchmen), the film never seems fresh or new since most of what happens has been seen and done before in other Disney movies. As directed by Andy Fickman (with a screenplay by Matt Lopez and Mark Bomback), the film has very little to offer anyone with an extensive background in old Disney films. The only people that will enjoy this film are children who haven’t had the chance to watch all the classic Disney films yet (or fans of The Rock).
In the summer film tradition this new film has a lot of special FX and a lot of action and like the title suggests it “races” from one moment to the next at the pace of a Michael Bay film. Like last year’s Journey To The Center of the Earth in 3D, Race is a no-brains action kids film that easily forgotten after viewing. Kids will probably love it but anyone over the age of 13 will just wish they’d gone and saw something else.
The film concerns two aliens who crash to Earth in search of a secret experiment left on Earth that will help their own planet survive imminent danger. If they don’t get the experiment back to their planet in time then the people of their planet will invade Earth. Johnson plays Jack Bruno, the cab driver who drives them from place to place and inevitable gets himself caught up in trying to help the aliens get back home to their planet before the government gets a hold of them.
Although the special FX are really well done and there are some comic moments to be had between Johnson and Carla Gugino (from Watchmen), the film never seems fresh or new since most of what happens has been seen and done before in other Disney movies. As directed by Andy Fickman (with a screenplay by Matt Lopez and Mark Bomback), the film has very little to offer anyone with an extensive background in old Disney films. The only people that will enjoy this film are children who haven’t had the chance to watch all the classic Disney films yet (or fans of The Rock).
Film Review: THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT
With so many ghost and haunted house films being released since The Ring (2002) was a huge hit it’s kind of easy to dismiss this “Based on Real Events” film based on the experience of a family going through the hardship of having a child with cancer who move into the perfect house that just so happens to be haunted.
If you’ve seen one American ghost story then this move will not seem like anything new…on the surface that is. This film follows all the trappings of the haunted house film – 1) a desperate family moves into a house that harbors a dark secret, 2) “shock moments” approximately every 10 minutes as if the audience really needs a “fake” shock moment to remind them of the type of movie they are watching, and 3) you think you know what’s behind the haunting until the big reveal at the end. As written by Adam Simon and Tim Metcalfe the film doesn’t miss a beat at it follows the conventions of all American ghost/haunting films, which makes it had to believe that anything in the film actually “really” happened.
The thing that holds the film together and actually makes it worth watching is the on screen chemistry between Virginia Madsen and Kyle Gallner as Sara and Matt Campbell (mother and son, respectively). Matt is battling cancer while Sara is his mother who is trying to be strong and keep it together not only for her son but for her other two younger children and over-worked husband (played by Martin Donovan). With lesser capable actors the film would have been derivative but these two actors play the smaller and quieter moments extremely well and give their characters a humanity that is missing from most other films of this genre.
The film has its chilling moments especially when you learn the nature of the haunting but like most modern day horror films this film suffers from its reliance to end on a big action-packed moment (which also comes off as very unlikely and unreal) and therefore looses some of the intimacy that it had created earlier. This is a small element that can be over looked in an otherwise very entertaining, yet predictable, haunted house film.
If you’ve seen one American ghost story then this move will not seem like anything new…on the surface that is. This film follows all the trappings of the haunted house film – 1) a desperate family moves into a house that harbors a dark secret, 2) “shock moments” approximately every 10 minutes as if the audience really needs a “fake” shock moment to remind them of the type of movie they are watching, and 3) you think you know what’s behind the haunting until the big reveal at the end. As written by Adam Simon and Tim Metcalfe the film doesn’t miss a beat at it follows the conventions of all American ghost/haunting films, which makes it had to believe that anything in the film actually “really” happened.
The thing that holds the film together and actually makes it worth watching is the on screen chemistry between Virginia Madsen and Kyle Gallner as Sara and Matt Campbell (mother and son, respectively). Matt is battling cancer while Sara is his mother who is trying to be strong and keep it together not only for her son but for her other two younger children and over-worked husband (played by Martin Donovan). With lesser capable actors the film would have been derivative but these two actors play the smaller and quieter moments extremely well and give their characters a humanity that is missing from most other films of this genre.
The film has its chilling moments especially when you learn the nature of the haunting but like most modern day horror films this film suffers from its reliance to end on a big action-packed moment (which also comes off as very unlikely and unreal) and therefore looses some of the intimacy that it had created earlier. This is a small element that can be over looked in an otherwise very entertaining, yet predictable, haunted house film.
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