SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK

SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK: B+

Good film. A little darker than fair expectation would think it to be. Based on a series of stories geared towards children and preteens, that was laid out as a genuine horror, meant to terrify adult audiences. It wasn't that the source material wasn't used, it was that the tone was much darker. The film could've stood to have been a little lighter and made better use of comic relief.

The scenery was authentic and believable. The characters likable and identifiable. There were a few scenes that felt underacted, but for the most part performances were solid. As to the story, the build up of suspense and tension had a nice pace. A little too convenient at times. Almost to the point of being steered off course, but often brought back on track through convincing action.

The teeter totter of presupposition in regards to the ending was fun, yet indecisive. The fork in the road seemed to indicate dark and gloomy one way and happy the other. Yet once the choice was made, we're left with a lukewarm feeling. The ambiguity met with a sense of hope and determination sets up for a sequel.

More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark?

You can bank on it.

INSIDIOUS CHAPTER 2

INSIDIOUS CHAPTER 2: B

Better than the first one. Better scares, better pacing and a more captivating story. The first film tried too hard to be ambiguous and struggled with the balance of conceal and reveal. This one asked questions and answered them at an appropriate pace. It kept you guessing to the point of interest and then unveiled before the point of annoyance.

It was a clever film, full of interesting twists that advanced the story. Nothing unnecessary or convenient, each moment pivotal as well as believable to the plot.

The only real criticism here and its more of a issue of taste and expectation than it is that of delivery. The film has such a tone of horror. A build up of terrifying, bone chilling fear. An atmosphere created to bleach its audience white with scare.

Yet by the end of the film, the environment changes to one of action. Almost humorous. As if reading Stephen King, and the next page is a Saturday morning funny. It's a change in tone that makes you think at one second the exorcist might appear and then the next you're waiting for the Ghostbusters.

Overall, good film. A little shaky on the transitions towards the end.

KIDNAPPING STELLA

KIDNAPPING STELLA: D+

First off major violation for false advertising. Based on the film's synopsis one should go in expecting to fall in love with a smart, clever and resilient heroine. Stella was nothing of the sort. She was a pathetic, idiotic moron who on more than one occasion was lucky she wasn't shot dead on the spot. Her choices were not that of someone within any capability to outsmart anyone. Her only saving grace was that Tom was dumber than she was. He was a complete idiot. Perhaps even on the edge of mental retardation. His choices were that of a character in Looney Tunes. Bugs Bunny would have had a heyday with this dunce.

With that said keep in mind that writing is 100% to blame here. Jella Haase & especially Max von der Groeben gave solid performances. They shouldn't be blamed for lazy storytelling on behalf of the writing.

The directing however, did its best to try and salvage, despite such a week script. The film was visually appealing and did a great job of telling a story (even though the story was shit) through visualizations. It was clear to tell from the beginning even without dialog that Vic was a collected, sure of himself, focused psychopath and that Tom was in doubt, unsure of himself, unsure of the situation, empath.

I appreciate the contrast between a very intelligent, yet sadistic Vic and a very stupid, yet conflicted Tom. How in the end you're left questioning whether Vic feels more betrayed by Tom or by himself for ever trusting Tom. It's just a shame that the writing couldn't compliment the directing or the performance.

Clemens Schick was very good. Timing, delivery, response, all down very patented. It was quite impressive.

Actors and directors alike hopefully wonder what to do in a situation if a studio ever hands them a shitty script and says, "make a film out of this."

KIDNAPPING STELLA would be required viewing of any professor wanting to answer that question.