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Jason versus Mama

Andres Muschietti's short film Mama scared the pants off Shawn and I, and that's quite a feat at the best of times. Take into account the flick is just three minutes long and, well, yeah. Take that!

Guillermo del Toro must have felt the same way, as he came on board as producer of a feature-length version of this creepy tale and recruited Muschietti to make it happen. Does adding 98 minutes mean 98 more scares? Stick with me.

Annabel and Lucas are faced with the challenge of raising his young nieces that were left alone in the forest for five years.... but how alone were they?

Not very, as it turns out. And thank Jebus for it, because the full-length Mama wouldn't be the same if they were. And thank Jebus for allowing Muschietti to continue this scary tale without the horror and scares suffering. This is a freaky movie hindered only by a rushed ending. Fortunately, the rest of the movie is shorts shitting.

Shawn and I feared adding CGI to the mix would hurt Mama. It didn't. Yes, Mama herself is a computer generated creation, at least I think she is. But, for the most part, she's no less frightening because of it. I shat my shorts several times with this Mama, including a moment where the original short is recreated. Mama is scary. Pussies be warned.

It's also a well made and well acted, with some emotional punch to boot, especially if you're a parent. Casting Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain, looking all sexy as a goth chick, didn't hurt. She carries a lot of the movie, and owns it.

You know I'm gonna give Mama a Good. It's a solid horror/thriller that warrants repeated viewing.
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