Sinister

Sinister (R) 2012

Directed by Scott Derrickson

Starring:  Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio, James Ransone, Fred Dalton Thompson, Clare Foley, Juliet Rylance, Michael Hall D'Addario, Victoria Leigh and Nicholas King

Here We Go:  A true crime writer (Hawke) moves into the home of victims of a terrible murder with his family in order to investigate the crime for his next best seller.  The first 30+ minutes are slow torture with so many mundane details that it made me want to nod off.  Do I really need to see you put ice in your glass?  Does anyone?!  Other than that, yes, there were several moments when things built up and the anticipation was nail-biting, but then nada.  This entire movie was really just about trying to unravel this detailed plot that never really panned out.  

Bottom Line:  Skip it and watch Insidious...or just stare off blindly into space.

Session 9

Session 9 (2001) R

Directed by Brad Anderson

Starring: David Caruso, Peter Mullan, Stephen Gevedon, Paul Guilfoyle, Josh Lucas, and Brendan Sexton III

Here We Go: The movie is set around the naturally creepy Danvers State Hospital.  The location is what makes this worth watching because until about the last ten minutes you don't really encounter anything "scary."  It's a slow developing story that introduces you to an asbestos abatement team working to clean out the abandoned hospital in just one week. The movie seems to try to go to great lengths to show you details of the asbestos abatement process (mostly unnecessary for the plot) but at the same time the work crew uses the wrong equipment and seemingly has no problem breathing in asbestos or rubbing it into their eyes during breaks.  If you get past the technical deficiencies, the story is solid and the acting of Caruso and Mullan as the two main characters is excellent. The ending left something to be desired but the first 90 minutes are worth watching and the setting of the hospital makes for an interesting story. 

Bottom Line: Worth watching but don't spend money for the rental.

Abduction

Abduction (2011) PG-13

Directed by John Singleton

Starring: Taylor Lautner, Lily Collins, Alfred Molina, Jason Isaacs, Maria Bello, Sigourney Weaver, Michael Nyqvist, and Dermot Mulroney

Here We Go:  Abduction is one of those movies that keeps you on your toes and interested from start to finish.  Nathan (Taylor Lautner) has a insanely intense father (Jason Issacs), and it's hard to understand the family dynamic, but then things start rolling.  As soon as you think you know what's going on, a new twist enters the picture, and you have to start putting the pieces together again.  During the movie, I actually said that "this movie has it all." There's action, suspense, mystery, and Taylor Lautner shirtless... if you're into that kinda thing.  It's a smart movie that comes with plenty of "Oh!  I get it now" moments.


Bottom line: Watch it.  There's something for everyone.