Skip to main content

Review: The Call

The Call has a strong horror pedigree attached to it, given it features icons Tobin Bell and Lin Shaye in prominent roles. And these two titans add a lot of gravitas to an otherwise routine romp.

Not to say The Call doesn't have its merits. It does. The premise is fairly original when all's told, and there's a pretty strong moral message as well. These elements, along with some pretty strong acting, raise The Call above a lot of the other recent horror releases we've seen.

The Call takes place in 1987, and finds a group of friends playing a sinister game after a tragic accident brings them to a couple's door. That's the simple, Cliff's Notes version of the tale, as there's a lot more going on beneath the surface.

Each of these friends has a tragic backstory which is fleshed out during the night as they partake in an eerie phone call that literally reaches beyond the grave. This is a pretty cool idea, and some of the material is well presented.

Sadly, all the stuff I look for in a horror movie doesn't kick in until the final act. In terms of scares, this is the strongest part of the picture. I did appreciate the movie taking its time to get going, and introducing us to the characters, but most of them are pretty unlikable, and I'm kinda glad they got what they had coming to them.

Aside from Bell and Shaye, who are awesome, I found Erin Sanders the strongest performer. Right from the get go, you can tell something is up with her character, and Sanders portrays that nicely, along with a kind of tough vulnerability. 

The Call makes for a decent Friday night watch, and I enjoyed it the one time. It's not something I'd catch again, so I've got to give it a Bad, but horror fans should dig it.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Animated Addict: "The Adventures of Tintin" (2011)

If you're a 40 + white dude, like myself, you may remember a comic series called " The Adventures of Tintin ".  I know I remember them.  This series, dating back to 1929, got turned into a animated feature film by Steven Spielberg in 2011. After buying a model of ship called The Unicorn, teenaged journalist Tintin finds himself on adventure that will take him from the high seas, to the low deserts, and from the distant past to the present.  With his trusty dog, Snowy, by his side, Tintin uncovers a story connecting two men across the centuries.. . The story is really quite good.  It's well crafted, and high paced- with just enough slow moments to build and develop the world and the characters.  This is the sort of adventure story you'd find in the old serials of the 1930's and '40's.  In fact, it felt like it was the sort of tale that you'd find Indiana Jones undertaking.  I found myself swept up, and swept along as our hero swung from one e...
1 comment
Read more

Unlock your fate with The Puzzle

When my dad wasn't working, building stuff or being my dad, he was making puzzles. It was a guaranteed way for him to unwind. So it was with great interest that I sat down to watch Italian filmmaker Davide Melini's award-winning short The Puzzle. You see, the mother in the five-minute film likes to relax with puzzles just like my dad. Unfortunately, her good-for-nothing son keeps harassing her for money. Losing herself in her favourite passtime, the mother soon discovers that completing this puzzle might unlock a nightmare. The Puzzle has been an official selection at more European film festivals than you can shake a stick at, and was voted Third Best Italian Film at the Rome International Film Festival in 2008. Having watched it, I'm not surprised. It's a tight little film that hits you hard in the final few seconds. You can tell Melini cut his teeth as an assistant director for legendary Italian filmmaker Dario Argento. But enough chit chat on my part. See if yo...
Post a Comment
Read more

#CocktailHour: Slushtail

  Summer approaches, inspiring thoughts of sunshine, backyard parties, and having a tip and sip with friends.  With that in mind, I bring you this week sunny beverage. To make a slushtail, mix a can of frozen orange juice, a can of frozen lemonade (or limeade), a can of pineapple juice, a couple cups of black tea (or English Breakfast), and two cups of bourbon- such as Southern Comfort, in a pitcher.  When it's all nicely mixed, put it in the freezer until it's a nice slushy consistency. Scoop the slush into a cocktail glass, and pour in some Sprite or 7-Up.  Add a little umbrella for some frivolous fun, and a straw. Voila!  Ready to enjoy. This is a very refreshing drink.  The fruit juices, Sprite, and bourbon- when chilled makes for a great punch-like drink.  The bourbon doesn't overwhelm juices.   In fact, they are all nicely balanced in terms of flavors.  The sourness of the citrus fruits contrasts well with the slightly sweeter Sout...
Post a Comment
Read more