Make note: if a movie is shelved for a couple of years before it's finally released, it usually means there was some sort of apprehension about it. And if there's apprehension, it probably isn't that good.
In the spirit of "The Amityville Horror", "Darkness" is a modern-day haunted house story... or is it? There is a standard "what is the mystery to be solved" aspect of the story. As well, a strange history that must be unearthed.
Overall, the imagery and technique is fairly good, the performances are good enough, and the 'scares' have style. And it is for these positives that I've given it the points it has scored.
Unfortunately, this movie's story has a strange waning, then waxing...then waning aspect. First, it seems to crawl along at a very slow pace, to develop it's story and characters. Then, the story picks up, gradually drawing you in, yet suddenly becoming interesting. However, just as this movie climaxes... it ends with a *raspberry*.
Now, don't get me wrong, I DO NOT need every movie to end with a big, pretty bow, while definitively explaining itself to all. But, while the last few moments leave room for debate and interpretation, it's terribly unfulfilling. Can a movie be ruined by an ending? In this case, if the ending had been really good, it may not have SAVED the movie, but at least it would have made the journey half worth it! 4 out of 10
In the spirit of "The Amityville Horror", "Darkness" is a modern-day haunted house story... or is it? There is a standard "what is the mystery to be solved" aspect of the story. As well, a strange history that must be unearthed.
Overall, the imagery and technique is fairly good, the performances are good enough, and the 'scares' have style. And it is for these positives that I've given it the points it has scored.
Unfortunately, this movie's story has a strange waning, then waxing...then waning aspect. First, it seems to crawl along at a very slow pace, to develop it's story and characters. Then, the story picks up, gradually drawing you in, yet suddenly becoming interesting. However, just as this movie climaxes... it ends with a *raspberry*.
Now, don't get me wrong, I DO NOT need every movie to end with a big, pretty bow, while definitively explaining itself to all. But, while the last few moments leave room for debate and interpretation, it's terribly unfulfilling. Can a movie be ruined by an ending? In this case, if the ending had been really good, it may not have SAVED the movie, but at least it would have made the journey half worth it! 4 out of 10