Back in the 1982, George A. Romero and Stephen King teamed up to make "Creepshow," a film that didn't take itself seriously and wanted to show people that horror films could be fun. It succeeded, and it was nothing more than a fun film that made you feel good inside. Unfortunately, most horror films can't achieve that feeling. Part of it is simply the fact that horror is meant to scare and unnerve, and unfortunately not many horror films know how to be scary, and sadly, the ones that aren't scary don't know how to be fun either. No more is this evident than in the 21st century, where the "Saw" films reign supreme and horror films either try to out-saw "Saw" or they try and pander to a teen audience with way too tame and mediocre PG-13 horror movies, or way too silly over the top gore fests with lots of nude women and bad acting. So would you believe that the fellow who created the Saw series, one of the most depressing horror series ever (Although I love the first film, it too isn't what you'd call a "Fun" film, and the sequels aren't scary or fun, they're just mean.) would make a movie that was genuinely "Fun" above anything else? Although there have been a few other "Fun" horror flicks in the 21st era, such as Shaun of the Dead and Fido, they simply aren't as numerous as they should be. Yet Dead Silence, directed by Saw creator James Wan, is simply a "Fun" horror flick that actually delivers a few chills too.
What makes Dead Silence work is that it doesn't have the depressing, somewhat oppressive style of a "Saw" film, nor does it have the over the top gore, TNA, or silliness that ruins most teen horror flicks, and it certainly isn't too dull to be a PG-13 horror movie. It barely pushes the R rating, but it still uses it wisely. There are no nude bimbos running around like idiots, no stoner's, no traps, and save for a couple words, there isn't even that much swearing. Even the gore is downplayed, and the film focuses on its core: A ghost story with some creepy ventriloquist dummies. The plot is essentially this: There was an old woman who had no kids, only dolls. When she died a lonely violent death, she imbued her dolls with her soul and brought them to life. Anyone who dared disturb them or her spirit were cursed, but as long as you didn't scream or make a sound, you might just survive. The scenes where she tests the mettle of the characters are incredibly tense, the sound slows down and its like taking a deep breath and waiting for something to happen. Even when there is little payoff, enough atmosphere is laid down to make it exciting and you anticipate what might happen. There are certainly some silly scenes, but they are self aware, and truly they only add to the fun nature of the film.
Dead Silence is no masterpiece, but its conservative in all the right ways, and is a genuinely fun, occasionally creepy horror film. Watching it is like telling a ghost story around the camp fire, or reading a Tales from the Crypt comic. Its creative and fun.
