Ah, the Christian thriller. Admittedly, an endangered species these days. "Pray." is the answer as to why they are endangered (it doesn't help that the movie was inspired by a camp-fire story). Its sequels are the answer as to why they will stay that way.
The Plot: Two girls go to a Christian music concert. They go home early after being crept out by a spooky hotel manager/concierge. They then go to school...then, one of the girls (Madison) decides to go to the mall. Uplifting mayhem ensues, with a positive miracle at the end. Let's just say, God works in mysterious ways...and, apparently, so do Hondas.
Special Effects: There are about as many special effects in this movie, as there are zebras in Antarctica. "John Carpenter's The Thing", this is not.
Cinematography: Most of it is a single camera, completely motionless; if the camera ever does move, it seems to move in a circle (almost as if it's on a tripod), although there are the occasional "steady-cam" shots (I reluctantly use that term, because the shots I recall weren't very "steady"). Many shots are so "raw", it's almost as if they stole the camera from the set of "Baise Moi". Not to mention, everything in this movie has a microphone...except the actors/actresses. It's pathetic when I can hear a persons' shoes better than I can hear the person talk.
Acting: There is seemingly no acting; an unusual omission from a motion picture. It is clear that most everyone you see on film has never acted in his/her life. It's sad that the mechanic at the end of the movie...is the most talented of the actors/actresses. The two principle actresses were quite likable, however. Nonetheless, being nice does not a good performance make. Winona Ryder is proof of that ("Alien: Resurrection", anyone?).
Editing: There is none. Director Mark Mitchell seems to want to stretch things out as long as possible. Shots seem endless. It's like watching paint dry...and then crack...and then fall off...over the course of 20 years. In the span of 72 minutes.
Bottom line: Look, I have nothing wrong with Christianity, or Christians, or the message this movie is attempting to reinforce (that miracles can happen, and that faith can help people in times of turmoil). I respect the fact that someone (other than the makers of "Saw", "Death Sentence", and "Law-Abiding Citizen") has made an attempt to make a "philosophical thriller". But, whether Christian or not, there is no excuse not to: (1) make an attempt to act (or learn how to), (2) attempt to make complicated shots, (3) edit the film, and (4) have any attempts at suspense, without telegraphed scares and little to no atmosphere. I know, many non-Christians make this mistake, too. However, in the real world, cars without engines cannot be driven (nor, could Madison have survived a serial killer)!!! I give this movie a 5 out of 10. And two of those points are purely out of penance.
The Plot: Two girls go to a Christian music concert. They go home early after being crept out by a spooky hotel manager/concierge. They then go to school...then, one of the girls (Madison) decides to go to the mall. Uplifting mayhem ensues, with a positive miracle at the end. Let's just say, God works in mysterious ways...and, apparently, so do Hondas.
Special Effects: There are about as many special effects in this movie, as there are zebras in Antarctica. "John Carpenter's The Thing", this is not.
Cinematography: Most of it is a single camera, completely motionless; if the camera ever does move, it seems to move in a circle (almost as if it's on a tripod), although there are the occasional "steady-cam" shots (I reluctantly use that term, because the shots I recall weren't very "steady"). Many shots are so "raw", it's almost as if they stole the camera from the set of "Baise Moi". Not to mention, everything in this movie has a microphone...except the actors/actresses. It's pathetic when I can hear a persons' shoes better than I can hear the person talk.
Acting: There is seemingly no acting; an unusual omission from a motion picture. It is clear that most everyone you see on film has never acted in his/her life. It's sad that the mechanic at the end of the movie...is the most talented of the actors/actresses. The two principle actresses were quite likable, however. Nonetheless, being nice does not a good performance make. Winona Ryder is proof of that ("Alien: Resurrection", anyone?).
Editing: There is none. Director Mark Mitchell seems to want to stretch things out as long as possible. Shots seem endless. It's like watching paint dry...and then crack...and then fall off...over the course of 20 years. In the span of 72 minutes.
Bottom line: Look, I have nothing wrong with Christianity, or Christians, or the message this movie is attempting to reinforce (that miracles can happen, and that faith can help people in times of turmoil). I respect the fact that someone (other than the makers of "Saw", "Death Sentence", and "Law-Abiding Citizen") has made an attempt to make a "philosophical thriller". But, whether Christian or not, there is no excuse not to: (1) make an attempt to act (or learn how to), (2) attempt to make complicated shots, (3) edit the film, and (4) have any attempts at suspense, without telegraphed scares and little to no atmosphere. I know, many non-Christians make this mistake, too. However, in the real world, cars without engines cannot be driven (nor, could Madison have survived a serial killer)!!! I give this movie a 5 out of 10. And two of those points are purely out of penance.
