my thoughts on.... 'Hell House LLC'

As with all of my reviews of films for The Creepercast, I fully recommend that you check each and every one of them out. I am one man and this is my opinion. I've seen plenty of movies that received reviews that were the complete opposite of how I saw the film. These writers, directors, producers and actors all put a lot of time and love into these projects. They deserve to be seen and appreciated for what they are. Everyone has a dream and I fully support the people that take the time to make theirs a reality. With that being said....

I recently found a website called http://trashfilmguru.wordpress.com. On this site, I found a fellow 'found footage' film lover, like myself. After spending the past several days perusing his reviews, I've gathered a rather healthy list of Amazon Prime and Netflix gems, that The Guru has suggested as decent viewing choices. The first of the suggested titles was 'Hell House LLC'. I'm always a little apprehensive, when taking on an hour and a half long unknown venture. When I'm handed assignments for The Creepercast, that's one thing, but when I'm flying blind, that's another. So, needless to say, I was a bit skeptical. You never know how other peoples tastes will mesh with your own. However, after viewing this 2015 horror indie, I have to think that I've found a kindred spirit.

When it comes to shaky cam cinema, you have to the ability to suspend your disbelief. Not in the same way as you do, when it's narrative horror film, but in a way that you're almost watching something that really happened. I think that's one of the reasons I love this sub genre. Ever since 1999, when 'The Blair Witch Project' made its debut, I've been chasing the red dragon ever since. There have been a few examples of masterful use of this low budget style, but more often then not, they're a bit of a let down. Where as zombie films used to be the weapon of choice, for indie film makers and low budget auteurs, found footage has replaced the undead. It's less expensive, the profit margins are a lot higher and anyone with a cell phone can become a director. All you need is some friends and a script. Sadly, that's all they feel is necessary and more often then not, they forget the fact that you need a good story and some skill. But, like any film junkie, we keep coming back for more, with the hopes that the next one will be the one that puts our hairs on end and reminds us why we love the genre in the first place. Was 'Hell House LLC' one of those films? Keep reading, to find out.

The story, is clever, in and of itself. You have a group of friends that travel from place to place, putting together yearly haunts for fun and profit. Upon arriving in this little town, they've found this run down old hotel, that's been vacant for quite a while. They begin to slowly piece together their haunted house, but strange things start happening. As the days and weeks slip by and they get closer to opening night, the frequency of the occurrences increase. Before long, the cracks begin to show in their relationships, as they become divided as to whether or not to continue. However, they make it to opening night and that may just be the last night they ever have on this earth.

Presented in a documentary style of film, writer/director Stephen Cognetti, uses this as a way to tell his story. Intermingling mock interviews with various experts and involved parties, along with footage from the friends who were constructing the haunt and patrons who were there on opening night. It proves to be a very effective way of telling this story. It puts the viewer in a much better frame of mind, in which to lose themselves in the story and not question the reality of what they're seeing. He also uses the 'less is more' strategy of film making, by not showing what's really behind all of the horror that the group is being submitted too. The problem is that somewhere during the course of the film, this starts to change. Some of the reveals are quite effective, while others fall a bit flat. One example of an excellent use of showing and not just telling, is when Paul wakes up to find someone on the floor of his room. We've all experienced that moment of terror, when we think someone is there and we turn away or hide under the blankets, in the hope that it'll all just prove to be a trick of the mind. But in this film, it's all too real and quite frightening. If that would have been then extent of it, I would have been happy, but there are more instances of this. Sadly, they prove to become more of a detractor, than a positive. My other issue with this film, is the ending. I could see it coming a mile away and it was executed poorly. In my opinion, we could have ended the film about 10 minutes earlier and I would have been happy.

All in all, this film stands out as being one of the recommend viewings for those who are still fans of the genre. It may borrow a bit from it's predecessors, but imitation is the highest form of flattery, right? 'Hell House LLC' actually provides us three endings, during the course of its run time. I'm not sure that this was the best decision, as a horror fan. The less is more strategy should have continued and the piece, as a whole, would have been much stronger. Don't let that keep you from spending your time with this film. On the whole, it's a very worthwhile outing. It has genuinely frightening moments and some quality acting, from all the people involved. Mr. Cognetti clearly has a love of the craft and wants to make films that put people on edge. With more time and experience, I can see good things coming from him in the future. If you have Amazon Prime and an hour and a half to kill, this is a 3 out of 5 star film that's worthy of your time. Make sure you put on your suspension of disbelief hat, turn off all the lights and lose yourself in the story. I promise that you won't be sorry. This is one that proves the genre isn't dead and there are still good stories to tell.



If you like this kind of film, check out some of it's inspirations: 'The Blair Witch Project' (1999), 'Paranormal Activity' and 'V/H/S'

my thoughts on.... 'Unfriended'

As with all of my reviews of films for The Creepercast, I fully recommend that you check each and every one of them out. I am one man and this is my opinion. I've seen plenty of movies that received reviews that were the complete opposite of how I saw the film. These writers, directors, producers and actors all put a lot of time and love into these projects. They deserve to be seen and appreciated for what they are. Everyone has a dream and I fully support the people that take the time to make theirs a reality. With that being said....

Sometimes, a movie won't garner enough inspiration to write a full review. Rather than mince words and spend a lot of time digging for words and content to explain what I saw on the screen, it's easier just to make it short and sweet. Hit the high points and leave you, the reader, with the opportunity to make a snap decision on whether or not it's really worth your time. This movie was a prime example of that.

The first time that I heard about this entry in the found footage genre, I thought it was a joke. Strictly created for the name alone. It sounded like some kind of spoof or parody film. As time went on and I realized that it was a real, honest to goodness horror film, I became a bit more interested in checking it out. Then came the reviews. So many negative reviews. It seemed like everyone walked in with an expectation for something completely different than they got. I didn't know why so many people felt cheated and being a fan of the genre, it actually increased my interest in seeing it. Because of that, I tried to stay away from too many reviews, so I could eventually watch it with an unbiased pair of eyes. Then it became a waiting game. I wanted to let the hype die down and watch it in my own time. Last night, was that time....

From the beginning of the movie, you can tell that you're in for something completely different than you've seen before. It's one of the new crop of films taking an approach to movie making that uses modern technology to create something unique. Similar to the use of GoPro cameras to make first person story lines. This one utilizes Skype, Facebook, YouTube, Gmail and other web based applications, to learn about the suicide of Laura Barns, a teenager who kills herself after being bullied by all of her classmates. One by one, our 5 main characters die off, seemingly by their own hands. As the body count rises, so does the suspicions as to who may have been the one to post the original video that started off the whole chain of events. What sets this apart from your typical narrative is that in 'Unfriended', we see the entire story play out from the perspective of our main character, using her laptop screen. I think this is the main reason it lost the audience and caused so much of a negative backlash. Even in found footage films, there's a formula that's we've become familiar with and that people expect to see. This one took that in an entirely different direction and left people feeling alienated and confused. I, however, felt that this gave a fresh coat of paint on a subgenre that was in dire need of a remodel. That doesn't give it a pass though and style over substance is never a good idea.

Once again, Hollywood felt that it knew best, in terms of what horror fans were in need of. It started out with such promise and made me believe that maybe all the criticism was unwarranted. In the end, it fell back on the same old, tired and worn out cliches. The deaths got more and more silly as the movie went on and in the end, all the characters were so unlikable that you didn't even love to hate them. You just kind of felt like they were the kids you never really liked in the first place. Not too mention that, Laura Barns herself, was not all that likable. There was no one to root for. No one to represent us, the viewer. In the end, it felt like a mispent night on Chatroulette, but with a killer ghost at the end. I wish that this one had proven all the reviewers wrong. That it had just been misunderstood. Sadly, it didn't. 'Unfriended' was a good idea gone bad. A high concept horror movie, that took more than it gave. If you want to give it a shot, go for it, but keep your expectations low. Maybe it'll end up being more than a 2 out of 5 star movie for you, but for me.... I'm going to have to unfriend it. I'm probably going to block it too.



If you'd rather watch some decent found footage films, check out: 'Creep', 'V/H/S' or 'The Sacrament'

my thoughts on.... 'Children of Sorrow'

As with all of my reviews of films for The Creepercast, I fully recommend that you check each and every one of them out. I am one man and this is my opinion. I've seen plenty of movies that received reviews that were the complete opposite of how I saw the film. These writers, directors, producers and actors all put a lot of time and love into these projects. They deserve to be seen and appreciated for what they are. Everyone has a dream and I fully support the people that take the time to make theirs a reality. With that being said....

Found footage comes in my different shapes and sizes. Ever since 'The Blair Witch Project' was released in 1999, the genre has proven to be a marketable format for film makers and producers to keep costs low and profits high. It's also shown itself to be the preferred method for young directors, to make a movie no matter what kind of resources they have available. The problem is, that it's also flooded the market with a lot of bargain basement quality product. So much so, that the found footage genre has started to leave a poor taste in audiences collective mouths and made it a bit of pariah, especially in modern horror films. However, there are a lot of die hard fans out there that are still waiting for the next 'Blair Witch Project'. Among all of the cookie cutter product that's been produced, you still can find a diamond in the rough. When I started watching 'Children of Sorrow', I had no idea what I was in for. All I knew was that our patron saint, Bill Oberst Jr, was in it and was the lead. That was enough to make me intrigued. As soon as the film began, I realized that it was not your standard narrative, but a found footage style descent into darkness. For me, that's not a bad thing. I'm still a fan of the cinéma vérité style and was intrigued to see what director, Jourdan McClure, might bring to the table. What I got, was something that's lingered with me, ever since the credits rolled, after the third act was complete. That's not a simple feat, especially considering how many horror films I see in a year. I want to be shown something new or to feel that overwhelming sense of dread, that used to come more often, when I was younger. 'Children of Sorrow' brought all of those feelings back and has left me still puzzling over what I had seen.

The film tells the story of Simon Leach (Bill Oberst Jr), a man whose motives are clearly not pure from the moment the audience is introduced to him. He's being filmed by his partner in crime, Mary, as they begin to set the stage for some kind of semi-religious cult type retreat. As we get indoctrinated into his world, we begin to meet the men and women he would prey upon. One by one, their backstories are provided through exposition and character interaction. Slowly, things begin to take shape. At first, you feel that maybe the film title is a little misleading. That's something that doesn't last for long. Simon begins to reveal, what we think, are his true intentions, but not before the entire film takes a sharp left turn and the whole thing is turned on it's side. What happens over the rest of the second and third act, will shake you to the core and make you happy to be safe in your own home. It's not like anything I've seen portrayed in a film, outside of (maybe) Ti West's 'The Sacrament'. Even that film has a bit more redeeming qualities to it, if that's possible. This film shows the true heart of darkness and his name is Simon.

As fellow Creeps, you all know that I stray away from giving out too many details in my review. I'm a firm believer that experiencing what the writer and director have crafted is the only way to see a horror film. Too much information can kill an effective story and take away the gut punch contained within its run time. 'Children of Sorry' is a prime example of that. If I had gone into this film, knowing all I know now, it would have lost something. I was able, instead, to live out the moments that the naive main characters were forced to endure. It was unpleasant and off putting, but incredibly well done and something I won't soon forget. Once again proving that Bill Oberst Jr is an under utilized talent. Despite his lack of traditional Hollywood leading man qualities, he oozes charisma and swagger. He embodies each character that he portrays and never turns in less than a 110% performance. In this movie, he's surrounded on all sides, by fellow actors and actresses that jump feet first into the story and provide him with a solid base in which to move and breathe.

What more can I say about 'Children of Sorrow' other than, see it. Avoid all spoilers and just watch the movie unaware of any more than I've provided you in this review. It's a film that slid by under the radar and might be that weird little addition to your horror lexicon that you can introduce to your friends. All the while, hiding a sly little grin, letting them know that they're in for something special. I feel that this deserves a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Granted, it's not for everyone and could be difficult for some people to watch. Not that it's insanely gory, although it's pretty bloody, but that it's more psychological. Many of the most horrific death scenes are played out in short bursts of a few frames here and there. Some is more implied than shown and some are blatantly graphic. All of which, keeps you off balance and wondering what you may or may not see next. In the end, what are Simon's true intentions and what will happen after the credits have ended? You'll have to watch to find out. I only hope that this isn't a recruitment for Bill's personal fan club. If so, I could understand why people are dying to get in.



If you like this film, check out: 'The Sacrament', 'Red State' and 'Jug Face'

Now available on Amazon!

my thoughts on.... 'They're Watching'

As with all of my reviews of films for The Creepercast, I fully recommend that you check each and every one of them out. I am one man and this is my opinion. I've seen plenty of movies that received reviews that were the complete opposite of how I saw the film. These writers, directors, producers and actors all put a lot of time and love into these projects. They deserve to be seen and appreciated for what they are. Everyone has a dream and I fully support the people that take the time to make theirs a reality. With that being said....
I legitimately had no idea what I was getting into, when I turned on 'They're Watching'. I knew very little about it and had intentionally kept it that way, so as to enjoy it with untainted eyes. What I'm going to say now is, if you want to experience it the same way I did, then stop this review now and go watch it. Currently it's streaming on Netflix and is only about an hour and a half. I'll be here when you get back.
* There may be minor spoilers ahead *
Okay, so if you're reading this, you've either watched the film or don't mind a little bit of spoilers. 'They're Watching' is strongly based on several different HGTV programs about people buying homes for the first time or fixer uppers or haunted mansions or whatever. There was no question what the basis for the overall premise was. This gave the film a grounding and logical explanation for the near found footage style or film making. However, they offer a bit more reasonable excuse why we're seeing the film at the end, since almost every involved is dead, but we'll get to that. Written and directed by Jay Lender and Micah Wright, this film isn't entirely sure what it wants to be. Jay Lender has primarily worked in television on such shows as 'Phineas and Ferb' and 'Spongebob Squarepants'. Micah Wright has mainly worked in video games, so right off the bat, you know you're in for something different. A horror movie with that pedigree has to have something to prove. Starring a slew of fairly unknown actors, sans Dimitri Diatchenko, whom you may not recognize his name, but look up his credits and you'll know the man. All of this actually works in the films favor, as it makes you care more about the characters, than the people who play them. The locations feel very genuine and you get nice sense of xenophobia throughout the film. All good things to have going on, if you're a film maker, right? Keep reading.

The movie begins with the ending. You literally see the death of at least one, possibly two main characters before the credits even begin to roll.... if there were credits. This entire film plays out exactly as though it was an episode of this home buying show, 'Home Hunters Global'. Once the initial shock of the violent deaths has passed, we skip back to before the film crew had arrived, as we see the original episode that started the whole journey. A young couple, Becky and Goran, are looking to purchase a small fixer upper in Goran's home town, a remote Eastern European village of 200 people called Moldova. The host, Kate Banks, shows them a run down and decrepit cottage on the outskirts of town that has seen better days. Surprisingly, Becky leaps at the chance to turn it into her dream home. Fast forward to 6 months later, as Kate and her crew are gearing up to go back and see how Becky has progressed with her project. We meet Sarah, a fresh out of film school intern type. Greg, a long time cameraman who had served in Afghanistan. And finally, Joe, a rather hap hazard producer who really doesn't like the idea of having to go back to this backwoods little town overseas. When they arrive, they surprised to be greeted by staring villagers everywhere they go and are even more surprised when they show up at the cottage and it's beautiful. Goran is out of town, but Becky welcomes them with open arms. Proud to show off all of the hard work she's put into remodeling her home. Upon further inspection, things start to turn a little strange as there are paintings of a witch burning and frogs in the cellar. They start to have stranger and stranger run in's with the locals as nobody seems to want them there, except Becky. From there, you're on your own. I'll have a bit more to say in a bit about what happens, but I'm hoping you'll have already seen the film by that point.
'They're Watching' isn't your standard found footage style film. From the basic use of the home remodeling show premise to the remote foreign location, it feels more like a regular movie than anything else. There are brief moments where you're reminded that it's all being filmed by the characters themselves, but it's never overwhelming or shoved down your throat. It's a subtle approach, let's call it. This may not be the most original take on the subject of witches and film crews stumbling on to something terrifying, but I have to admire the way that Jay Lender and Micah Wright have handled it. They made a very kinetic film going experience that kept me more than interested throughout the entire run time. I felt like I had a good grasp on what was going on and what would eventually happen (especially considering we saw the ending at the beginning), but I wasn't fully expecting the twist that happened in the third act. I wish that I could say that it endeared me to the film and made me want to see it again, however, it kind of turned me off. I don't want to give away the shift in tone and shocking moment that twisted the story around, but it's hard to not talk about it because it influences the viewers final feelings on the whole spectacle.

Let's just say this, after something specific happens, things go really sideways. Not in terms of the films plot, but in terms of the films special effects and the reality of what's happening. It's at this point, that I could start to see the film makers backgrounds starting to bleed through into the main plot. It's so cartoonish and somewhat silly that I started to wonder what the hell happened? Because we had such a strong first two acts, it made the ending have much less impact. I've never had a thing for films about witches, except for Rob Zombie's slow burner the 'Lords of Salem'. This movie reminded me why I feel that way. I honestly think that if the directors had just toned down the special effects more and maybe had a bit more humor sprinkled throughout the first half, the ending would have made more sense. Perhaps it was budgetary constraints or maybe just a desire to be a little bat crap insane at the end? The audience may never know.
Before I sum everything up that I'm feeling and give you my final rating of the film, I should say that I didn't hate this movie and in fact, I rather enjoyed it. There was some great homages paid to other films, along the way. Including my favorite, which was directly pointed at Sam Raimi's 'Evil Dead' franchise. There was also some really great moments of shock and surprise and some good character development. I really grew to hate Kate, mainly because of the script and the choices Carrie Genzel made in flushing her out. There was a lot to really love about 'They're Watching'. However, it just never felt like it knew what kind of movie it wanted to be. Was it a horror film? A comedy? Perhaps a little of both? Which, when it's done right, can be amazing. (I'm looking at you 'Cabin in the Woods') This just never happened, in my opinion. It's almost as though the idea was to throw everything in, including the kitchen sink, and hope for the best. All in all, I'd give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars. A really strong outing for these film makers and I hope that it allows them to continue to make movies. They have a strong voice and plenty of real world experience to work from. If they can just harness it and focus that energy on a better overall film from start to finish, we may be seeing something pretty fantastic from them down the road. I would recommend checking this one out, if you're looking for something a little different and don't mind jumping the shark at the end.


If you'd like to see some other films about witches, check out: 'Lords of Salem', 'The Witch' or 'The Wizard of Oz' (I'm just saying, there's witches in that film)

A Short Found Footage Lesson

Found footage horror films are now the mainstream. Yet before Hollywood, as they strive to appear more indy and artsy, co-opted the gimmick of point of view, “found,” and shaky home camera footage, the style was predominately used out of necessity. From the first of it's kind (Cannibal Holocaust (1980)) to the film that made the genre a big screen success (The Blair Witch Project (1999)) the only goal of the filmmaker was to tell a story with an over abundance of will and as little else as possible. It was that tenacity of will that made it possible for films like [Rec] (2007) and Paranormal Activity (2009) to become both cult and box office successes. Comparable to the poverty row films of the 1930's (i.e. Bride of Frankenstein (1935), White Zombie (1932)) they were always intended to operate on the fringe of the Hollywood system and actually exist despite it. Today found footage films have become mostly spectacles of themselves. Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000) is a prime example of how overwhelming budgets that allow for over the top special effects (i.e. Cloverfield (2008)) and creative multi-camera usage (i.e Paranormal Activity 2 (2010)) which ultimately proves that, given enough money, even clever low budget artists like Oren Peli (writer/director Paranormal Activity) will eventually be swallowed up by the Hollywood machine (i.e. Chronicle (2012)). That is not to say that recent Hollywood blockbusters that utilize similar techniques are without value. The [Rec] sequels ([Rec]2, [Rec]3 Genesis) and Trollhunter (2010) have manged to prove that creativity and artistry still exist even with the use of in-camera special effects. Sadly, everyone must of realized that a television show like The River (2011) only exhausts such creativity thereby rendering it mundane! We don't see a lot of found footage anymore unless it is independent.

my thoughts on.... 'Creep' (2014) (an original Creepercast site review)

I'm going to make this review short and sweet, just like 'Creep'.
Found footage is dead.

I say they're wrong. I've been a believer and a supporter of this low budget genre since I first laid eyes on 'The Blair Witch Project' way back in 1999. It's cheap, effective and can allow anyone with a good idea, the ability to become a film maker. It gives you a gateway into a reality that is far more accessible than a 3D epic in IMAX. It's like real life, but scripted. I won't say that they're all gold plated balls of amazing. There are more examples of the bad ones than the good ones. It's also become an easy way for Hollywood to milk a franchise with a cheap product that is guaranteed to make a profit. I think all of those factors has turned it into the scapegoat for all that's wrong with horror and made it very unpopular to admit you like the genre. Too bad box office numbers say you're lying. With all that being said, along comes a little sleeper with a star in it. Something that sneaks up behind you with a werewolf mask on and pins you in a corner. A little film like 2014's 'Creep', starring Mark Duplass.

Who's Mark Duplass, you ask?
He's primarily known as a comedic actor, but here we see him take a very different turn and tone. He's also the co-author of the screenplay. Here.... he's a true creep. His counterpart in this film is Patrick Brice. A man's who's mostly known as a director/writer, but he's having the tables turned on him. He's still behind the camera directing, but he's also thrust out into the limelight and turned into the star. Both men are very believable in their roles and even though they're carrying the entire weight of the film, it feels like there is so much more going on that you never even notice it's just the two of them. I found myself engrossed in the story line within the first 5 minutes and just kept falling further and further down the creepy hole until the VERY subtly, satisfying finale. It's the biggest problem with horror today, the ending never lives up to the first 2 acts. In 'Creep', it paid off in spades. Granted, I would argue that the last 5 minutes isn't necessary, but at the same time.... it gave a nice closure to the story brought everything full circle in a way.

'Creep' tells the story Aaron, a man with a camera, who's on his way up to a remote cabin in the mountains to connect with a man he's never met before. To spend an entire day filming him and to become a paid voyeur. Josef is an affable man who's asked to have someone spend the entire day with him and document whatever he needs them to. In exchange, he promises money and a life changing experience. When the two men meet, you can feel the tension of when strangers first become forced friends. And when Josef hugs Aaron for the first time, you could literally taste the awkwardness of the scene. They both have the desire to trust one another, but there's a constant hum of something just beneath the surface. You don't know what it is or what's going to happen.... all you know is that it's there and you can feel it deep down inside your bones. As the day slowly moves along, Josef is obviously a bit of an odd duck, but harmless enough. Maybe a bit to overbearing and hugs too much, but seems to have his heart in the right place. Aaron does his best to go along with everything that's happening around him, even though you can tell that he's fighting the urge to just run away. Eventually, a bond forms and the two men start to become friends. Then the cracks start to show. From here on out.... I won't tell you what happens. If I did, it would spoil everything the film establishes in the beginning. This is one of the films that you should stay away from reviews and just watch it, sight unseen. I've maybe said too much as it is!

It's not often enough that a film comes along that surprises you. I've been lucky enough to have a few of them in the past couple of months. 'Creep' was one of them. I wish I could explain the last 30 minutes in great detail and why it turns into something so incredibly realistic and terrifying, but almost absurdest all at the same time. Mark Duplass turns in a tour de force performance, that proves he's got chops for anything you throw at him. I was genuinely creeped out by him. I also just said, “tour de force”. Patrick Brice is perfect in his role and allows you, the viewer, to immerse yourself into the full experience and world he's created. Patrick and Mark wrote and directed and starred in something that can only be described as 'straight forward simple scary stuff'. It proves that you don't need a big budget or giant cast, to make a great story. A very healthy, 4 out of 5 stars

If you like 'Creep', check out: 'The Poughkeepsie Tapes', 'Evil Things' and/or 'Home Movie'

my thoughts on.... 'The Gallows' (an original Creepercast site review)

Here we are again, another found footage horror movie and another review trying to determine if it's worth your time to watch.
It seems like these days, independent film makers and Hollywood would rather invest their time and money into a genre that's already bloated in the marketplace, then to work on creating a new long term franchise with a traditionally made film. It's not that there's a lack of new ideas or that reboots and remakes are killing the genre, it's simply that it's cheaper, easier and makes more money to create a movie like 'The Gallows'. You can use no name actors and nobody thinks twice. You can skimp on your production crew, because it's supposed to look amateurish. You can even short the audience on costuming and the fine details, because the camera is not as high quality and everything is so jumpy. Nobody will ever notice. By saying all that, I'm not concluding that the found footage genre is a bad thing. As a matter of fact, I'm a huge supporter. If you can take something that's so over blown and put something out there that's fun, clever and damn scary, then you've got my attention and my admiration. Not unlike the zombie films of the last decade, the 'self aware' horror of the 90's and the slasher films of the 80's, found footage is the “it” genre to work in right now. Therefore, you better come at me with both guns blazing and be prepared to put your heart and soul into the project.... because I'm not going to give you a pass just because you half assed it.

'The Gallows' falls somewhere in the middle of all of that. I don't think the film makers phoned it in and I truly believe that they were putting their best foot forward. Especially since this was originally funded independently by people who'd never invested in a film before. They wanted to make the film their way and took the time and faith of others to do it. However, I think that Hollywood took advantage of the situation and stuck both their hands into the pot and stirred it up. Just like the old saying goes, “Too many cooks, spoil the broth.” The end result was a movie that started off strong, but ended with a giant collective groan and a whine.
The plot centers around Reese, a high school football player who's taken on a leading role in the theater department's upcoming production of a play called 'The Gallows'. It's the same show that the school put on over a decade ago, that resulted in the death of one of the students. His best friend Ryan and Cassidy continually question his motives, until they learn that he's got a crush on his leading lady, Pfeifer. During the course of the day, Reese, Ryan and Cassidy decide to sneak into the school, after hours, to investigate things and sabotage some of the production. Once inside, they quickly realize that they may get more than they planned on. They're also joined by Pfeifer, who saw Reese's car in the parking lot and came inside to find out why he was there. Over the course of the night, things go from bad to worse, as they begin to be terrorized by an unseen force. Locked inside the school and with no way to stop the entity within, the 4 of them must find a way to escape before they all end up dead.

Filmed inside one of the most haunted buildings in California, the cast was not aware of the scares that the directors had prepared for them. Therefore, all of the reactions are real. It was also always the intention of the film makers to create a new horror icon in their main character, Charlie Grimille. The film has already sparked a resurgance of the game 'Charlie Charlie' and created an interest in the Charlie Grimille Halloween costume. This was intended to be a franchise from day 1 and to be something more than a throw away horror film that no one would remember in 10 years from now. Sadly, I don't think it worked. Personally, as a film lover, horror buff and a guy who doesn't always follow the rest of the crowd.... I think that if this was done in a more traditional style, they could have had the icon they intended. Instead, I believe that this genre is too unforgiving to allow for this to happen. The 'Paranormal Activity' juggernaut is a rarity. It's the exception, not the rule. It's just too hard to build something long lasting, with a format that's so spur of the moment. You can only take it so far, before the audience loses interest in the gag and wants actual substance instead of a gimmick. Even 'Paranormal Activity' is starting to suffer from this syndrome and has slowly been on the decline since part 3. The other issues I have with this movie is the lack of logic. Yeah, I know, horror isn't about logic all the time. However, what school would have a door that's perpetually unlocked in this day and age? With all of the school shootings going on since 1999, school security is a #1 priority for any place of learning. Also, what school would allow the theater department to put on a new production of a play that killed one of the former students? How incredibly distasteful and cold hearted would you have to be to let it happen? I can only imagine that the parental uproar over the mere mention of it, would more than convince the school board to never allow it to happen. Finally, let's talk about the killer himself. Charlie is far from scary, intimidating or even interesting to watch. He's basically a Halloween costume with a puffy shirt on. (Meaning he looks kind of like a pirate.) And the noose? While the idea of choking to death is frightening, the idea of dying by the hands of a low rent pirate, with a hood on, is not. Perhaps if they'd cheated things a little more and not made him so front and center? Maybe it could have worked? And the ending? Don't get me started on that one. Not too mention, I don't want to spoil the surprise, twist ending.
All in all, I still think you should watch it for yourself and then decide what you think. Maybe you'll like it? I, personally, don't ever need to see it again and unless the reviews are beyond stellar for the next one, I won't be watching any more in this potential franchise. 'The Gallows' has moments of brilliance, but they're so few and far between that I can't give it a pass on those moments alone. I will be curious to see what the writer/directors Travis Cluff and Chris Lofing will do in the future. They obviously have skill, creativity and desire. I just think they need a better vehicle to show it off. All in all, 2 out of 5 stars. Not the worst of the genre, but certainly not the best.

If you like found footage, check out: 'As Above, So Below', 'Paranormal Entity' or 'Atrocious'