when this film came out there was a huge buzz around its material since the work stems from the SAW writer and director. being a huge fan of that classic series i was always interested what the duo would come up with next. an impressive movie is spawned, good choice of child actors and an all rounded mystery spoof made it worthwhile.
now there's the negative..overuse of basic sound effects such as a screeching door or the eerie creaks of floorboards made me feel less invested. the fear factor was surprisingly minimal in comparison to the standards i've adored in the past with the likes of James wan. in some of the quick shots (that's the best two worded phrase i can use to describe them) there's a poor use of camera work that makes it go from your standard cinematic look to some low budget poop. the creature that possessed the child has a striking resemblance to Darth maul (and this is coming from a non star wars fan) from the skin tone, clothing and pigmentation, a skinnier version to be more specific only with goat hoofs (i'm guessing that's to give a more neolithic Satan look?).
although i myself do not believe in the supernatural as i'm an atheist, at least this movie challenged my perception somewhat in dealing with the subject matter of astral travelling. granted i've trashed it quite a lot with it's flaws as you read above, with that said the plot did thicken from time to time and it's not like i wanted to tune out in boredom.
so in conclusion? depending on your personal standpoint of film knowledge or how far your willing to be a "believer" plays a big part in how much or how little you enjoy this piece. for me, i just hope Leigh (who by the way had a hilarious role) and James come up with something unique in the future like their previous accomplishments instead of being 1 hit wonder inventors that end up going down the "spooky Jesus" avenue of predictable outcomes. *cough cough* Toby hooper *cough cough*
As always..take it as you will.
now there's the negative..overuse of basic sound effects such as a screeching door or the eerie creaks of floorboards made me feel less invested. the fear factor was surprisingly minimal in comparison to the standards i've adored in the past with the likes of James wan. in some of the quick shots (that's the best two worded phrase i can use to describe them) there's a poor use of camera work that makes it go from your standard cinematic look to some low budget poop. the creature that possessed the child has a striking resemblance to Darth maul (and this is coming from a non star wars fan) from the skin tone, clothing and pigmentation, a skinnier version to be more specific only with goat hoofs (i'm guessing that's to give a more neolithic Satan look?).
although i myself do not believe in the supernatural as i'm an atheist, at least this movie challenged my perception somewhat in dealing with the subject matter of astral travelling. granted i've trashed it quite a lot with it's flaws as you read above, with that said the plot did thicken from time to time and it's not like i wanted to tune out in boredom.
so in conclusion? depending on your personal standpoint of film knowledge or how far your willing to be a "believer" plays a big part in how much or how little you enjoy this piece. for me, i just hope Leigh (who by the way had a hilarious role) and James come up with something unique in the future like their previous accomplishments instead of being 1 hit wonder inventors that end up going down the "spooky Jesus" avenue of predictable outcomes. *cough cough* Toby hooper *cough cough*
As always..take it as you will.