Cinema Voyage - Michael Pearson

This blog is PRIMARILY about movies. Some dvd and some that are still in the theater. Also, links are provided on some movies if you decide you want to purchase it. Also, I write and read quite a bit. So, you may, from time to time see a book review here from an up-and-coming author or an interview with one. If you have a book that you have written, please don't hesitate to contact me if you want an unbiased opinion. I would be happy to read and review what you've written. We should value our creative people more.

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Review - The Strangers

January 1st 2009 03:45

Watching this movie alone at night, I must admit that I stopped the film as soon as the eeriness appeared and waited until my partner came home. Not just because it was horror film - I am a fan of the genre and am not easily frightened - but because it is something that could so easily happen to anyone.

The film announces that this movie is inspired by true events and images of Helter Skelter came flooding to me in the initial scenes of the movie as well as reminders of Wes Craven's The Last House On The Left and Sam Peckinpah's Straw Dogs.

We are introduced to Kristen McKay (Liv Tyler) and James Hoyt (Scott Speedman) as they return from a friend's wedding, unfortunately not under the best of the circumstances. As the story unfolds we realise that James had proposed to Kristen and created a romantic environment for them to return to after their friend's wedding and his proposal. All did not go according to James' plan and Kristen refused the proposal claiming "she was not ready" creating an already tense situation under which the characters are operating.

A knock at the door at 4am introduces a third character into the equation searching for someone named Tamara. The movie relies on a quiet build up of tension and Kristen finds herself alone when James heads out into the night to pick up some cigarettes. Another knock on the door reveals that the strange girl is still outside and it is not long before Kristen realises that things are going to turn ugly.

My annoyance with the film was not with the action but more with the characterisation of James. When he returns he questions Kristen's belief that there is indeed a stranger in the house which prompted me to remind me partner that if I ever mentioned that there was a stranger in the house that a) I am not crazy and b) we are to run! The cat and mouse game is played out as the three masked strangers quite effectively tease James and Kristen into heart pounding situations.

The enjoyment of the film for me was in it's simplicity harking back to the horror films of the 70's. There were no surprises or tricks up the director's sleeves in terms of characterisation or situations. We knew ultimately what was going to happen and our task as viewer was just to sit back and watch.

Kristen asks the girl in the Dollface mask "why are you doing this to us" and the response "because you were home" just highlighted for me the many motiveless crimes that occur every day.

Bryan Bertino the writer and first time director managed to create a film worthy of the horror genre. His fine cinematography and score created tension and while there were some slow and pointless moments in the movie, overall I enjoyed the experience.

Voyage Review: 3/5

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Posted By: Michelle Sweeney - Category: Horror

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Comments

4 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Linh

January 1st 2009 12:00

Celluloid Fun

I like horror films but I missed seeing this one at the cinemas.
Last film I saw featuring Liv Tyler was in 'The Incredible Hulk' and her character didn't really do much. Her character sounds much more interesting in this film.
Great review!

Cheers!