I saw this listed via ‘On Demand’ on Comcast and while the name looked interesting, the fact that it’s not in theaters until October 30th was even more interesting. Indie flicks are awesome that way- they like to give everyone a chance to watch instead of waiting months to crap like Paul Blart Mall Cop and a handful of others (sorry Paul Blart, I’m tired and a commercial for PBMC was just on).
The House of the Devil, is enjoying the attention it’s getting from it’s 80′s theme and I’d have to say considering his age, Ti West did a good attempt… but it was a risky move and although the flaws were obvious they’re not too in your face to take away from the film.
All of that aside, it is a nice tribute to that generation of horror flicks. The generation of teen slashers; less cerebral and fantastic than its predecessors that targeted a more adult audience, the films that boomed in the late 70′s went after their children.
“From writer-director Ti West comes THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL, a satanic thriller set in the 1980s starring Jocelin Donahue (JT Petty’s forthcoming THE BURROWERS), indie ingénue Greta Gerwig (HANNAH TAKES THE STAIRS, BAGHEAD), Tom Noonan (SNOW ANGELS, MANHUNTER), Mary Woronov (EATING RAOUL, THE DEVIL’S REJECTS), AJ Bowen (THE SIGNAL) and Dee Wallace (E.T., Rob Zombie’s HALLOWEEN).
Sam (Donahue) is a pretty college sophomore, so desperate to earn some cash for a deposit on an apartment that she accepts a babysitting job even after she finds out there is no baby. Mr. and Mrs. Ulman (cult actors Noonan and Woronov) are the older couple who lure Sam out to their creeky Victorian mansion deep in the woods, just in time for a total lunar eclipse. Megan (Gerwig) is Sam’s best friend, who gives her a ride out to the house, and reluctantly leaves her there despite suspecting that something is amiss. Victor (Bowen) at first seems like just a creepy guy lurking around the house, but quickly makes it clear that Sam will end this night in a bloodyfight for her life….”
As I mentioned before, it’s a nice homage. It’s not a film that will completely blow you out of the water or inspire filmmakers or audience goers. It is what it is.
The writing and acting were pleasant not painful to sit through (I had just finished viewing the very painful to watch Mega Shark versus Giant Octopus). The story is predictable, but in my opinion, if you were expecting it to shake you up and shock you… obviously the film was not created for your viewing.
I give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre and was around to witness the launch the films that caused us to brave dating, babysitting and summer camps.
Current Mood:
awake
