This movie was scary. It was pure suspense, and right when you think "home video" movies couldn't work again, this movie came out and did a decent job.
Overall, I think the movie did what it set out to do. The visual aspects were creepy and the time-lapse video was a perfect tool to amp up the tension. I thought the movie's structure worked, and in one way it reminded me of the book The Haunting of Hill House. (Only in one respect: the day / night transitions).
The acting wasn't the greatest and the boyfriend, Micah, pretty much deserved to die. He was an idiot, like most people in horror movies, so I guess I can't blame him, but man was he stupid. The psychic warned him not to get a ouija board, yet he went a head and used one. Speaking of acting, the psychic seemed like a competent actor the first time, however, the second time he showed up he sucked ass, and his dialogue was even worse. "I gotta go....I think I'm making it worse.....oh, and leaving won't do anything....I'll get you some help....bye."
What! That's it? I was disappointed with him, and his delivery was terrible, it seemed as though he was almost laughing when he delivered those lines.
Some of Micah's lines were pure crap as well: "Why did it only scratch my face? This sucks!" Although I have quotes, that was a paraphrase. Another line: "I'm gonna take care of this baby"...then he dumps baby powder on the floor. Again, what the heck is that going to do?
Their reactions to some of the stuff just didn't add up, especially staying the last night....I don't know anyone who would, even if the psychic said it wouldn't help I would do something else, aside from cuddling up for a nice sleep after all the crap that happened in their home.
Don't date anyone who has been followed around by demon their whole life.
The movie was good, especially considering the budget, which I heard was very small. It definitely scared me and I have to respect the idea.
OMG. The acting. Reading your quotes and paraphrases slayed me, Mark. The psychic was horrible in his second scene. Totally cheeseball.
ReplyDeleteBut, yeah, the movie scared me too. I'm not going to bother with the sequels, though. Will you?
Kristin....I'm not bothering with them either. Thanks for the reply!
DeleteChris Daniels
ReplyDeleteMark, I ADORED this movie. Basically gushed about it in my entire blog myself. But I agree, the psychic had terrible acting the second time around, and Micah definitely fit that trope of the disbeliever. He basically acts as the audience. Always questioning, never giving in, until it's too late. Some of the lines were definitely cheesy, but it was all improv. I think it added to realness of it, cause they said whatever came to their minds in the moment. But it was 100% suspenseful, and scared the crap out of me when it was first released. The 2nd and 3rd sequels are good, and I'd say worth a view. The 3rd one is wild. The sequels after that are all crap and I would not waste your time. But the original trilogy is perfect.
Mark, I really enjoyed this movie as well, it took the supernatural and turned it into relationship problems: I have this crazy ex, who is actually a demon that's been stalking me since I was eight. I loved the suspense of this film and it really had some pretty creepy scenes. But alas the bad acting, and the stupid demon teasing from Micah was just too much for me.
ReplyDeleteI think those of us who enjoyed the movie are in the minority, and I'm okay with that. As a movie, it delivered what it was supposed to: entertainment. Did the acting blow? Harder than Moby Dick. Did the plot devices work? No. Did we yell at our TVs and eat popcorn and generally have a good time? Yes. And kudos to the film maker for making something like 1500 times his budget.
ReplyDeleteYour quotes are spot on. The psychic... I mean, did the film maker owe him a favor? Did Mom convince him to throw in their helpful neighbor? I don't know. But good for him, because he's memorable!