20 years after a horrific accident during a small town school play, students at the school resurrect the failed show in a misguided attempt to honor the anniversary of the tragedy – but soon discover that some things are better left alone. (Source: IMDB)
Pre-Viewing: I am seeing this movie today. Honestly, I’m not expecting a masterpiece. I’m expecting lots of shakey-cam work and attempts at jump scares (which I hate). But, I have a free movie ticket with my Regal Rewards card, so at least I’m not actually paying to see it, right? My full review to come!
I’ll say this.. the primary cast have the same first names as their characters.. which doesn’t give me good feelings.. Makes me think, they honestly couldn’t remember their character’s names..
Post-Viewing:
Honestly, I had hopes for an original story.. and in that respect, I got what I wanted.. for the most part, the back story behind “Charlie” was pretty good.. that’s just about where the goodness ends, though. I can not blame the actors, because really I had no issue with their performances. The “found footage” sub-genre sucks.. plain and simple.
In fact, there have only been three (3) respectable “Found Footage” movies. Cannibal Holocaust, The Blair Witch Project, and Cloverfield.
We can not, in good conscience, believe that someone would continue filming during the events of any horror movie. Especially when the camera-man’s life is clearly in danger. There wasn’t even a reason to believe that he wanted to keep filming because “Someone needs to know what happened” (as with “Cloverfield”). And even if that were the case.. perfect camera placement, as it’s being set down on the ground? Come on man. And you seriously think anyone’s phone would last that long while using the LED/flash as a flashlight? that’s the biggest battery killer on the app store.
The ending was predictable, jump scares galore.. I probably wont be adding this one to my library, unless it’s in a bargain bin.
Now, I do have to admit, that toward the end of the movie, there is a really interesting effect.. a shadow takes a bow on stage, with one of the cast. I know it’s a simple effect, but that one was well done.
