BLACK PHONE

 

BLACK PHONE - A 


Well written. Well acted. Well directed. Well scored. Just a damn good film. With all of the rubbish we've been shown as of late in terms of thrillers society had a right to give up on them. Black Phone was a redemption. A few unanswered questions and a few areas that could have used a bit more explanation or at least exploration, the cons are few and the pros are plentiful.  The story was gripping and grasping. Well paced with smooth transitions. So good that unless you're about to explode, the bathroom can wait. 

The performances were exceptionally good, especially for the child actors. I was impressed with Mason Thames as Finney but I was blown away by Madeleine McGraw as Gwen. What a little Dean Stockwell in the making she is. Only 14 years old and already owns the screen as a poised and experienced veteran. I was also impressed with Jeremy Davies. It was nice to see him play a character so much different than the stereotypical spineless nerds that he is usually cast as. Then of course there was Ethan Hawke, who despite not having many lines also gave an outstanding performance. 

 I think some have forgotten that the basic formula for a good mystery/suspense is simple yet very effective. You don't need to overcomplicate things. Story should never be sacrificed in favor of twist, turn or shock. Story & the characters within that story should always be front and center, the focus of the film. Black Phone remembered that and it capitalized upon it. 

Thank you Scott Derrickson & C Robert Cargill for showing the world that these types of films can be fun and that these types of films can be good.