Insidious (2011)
Brief review: After the insanely-overrated "Saw" and the utterly mediocre "Dead Silence", Australian director James Wan finally delivers a solid and somewhat unique horror flick. "Insidious" deals with the intriguing and enigmatic subject of Astral Projection, and although it's not exactly an eye-opener, it reveals many unknown details about this supernatural phenomenon in a very understandable, believable way, without crossing the line into silly and ridiculous. "Insidious" may lack big scares and jump-of-your-seat moments, but it's just as creepy as its title suggest, thanks to its chilling atmosphere, some truly frightening images, and James Wan's dark and often sinister visual style. In addition, the pale-colored cinematography suits well the visual tone of the film, and the ominous music score compliments the overall feel of "Insidious". Having said that, the execution leaves much to be desired, as it seems like the director has been improvising too often while shooting the film, and the result is a good-looking, but somewhat unpolished 'final product'. The film also succeeds because of its top-notch cast. Both, Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne give great performances as the anxious parents, but it's Lin Shaye as the freaky Elise that shines the most.
Overall summary: Just like director James Wan's two previous horror films, "Insidious" is a bit lacking in execution, however, in terms of originality, scares, creepiness, story, acting, and visuals, his latest effort is better than "Saw" and "Dead Silence" put together.
18 comments:
Oh my God, I just saw this and it creeped the hell out of me. That music was disturbing as hell and some of those images freaked me out. I left the theater wanting to turn on all the lights in my house. That devil faced guy behind Patrick Wilson made me jump three feet. I went to see this with my cousin and we were the only two in the theater. No one to hear our screams. LOL. It's been a long time since I had so much fun being startled and creeped out.
Excellent review and I agree wholeheartedly. I'm going to have own review of this up as soon as I get some time and I'll send you the link. Hey thanks for commenting on my review for The Right. I appreciate the support very much. You are an awesome friend! Hugs and hey, we have to get back to more regular emails. :)
Not a fan of the Saw movies. Torture porn is not my thing. Think this came out with another film I saw instead, but I will watch for it on Netflix.
Mel, now that's what I call a great and funny comment. Your wittiness always make me smile :)
As for the movie.. well, I expected it to be a lot scarier than it was, but I agree, it was creepy as hell. The red-faced devil looked more like a mask to me rather than an actual demon, but it was still frightening.
I wish I could have been alone in the theater every time I goo to see a movie. Most people are so noisy and annoying, they piss me off.
You "Rite" review was fabulous. I loved it, though I hoped you'll like the film more than you did :) Can't wait for you review of "Insidious"!
Yes, we should get back to more regular mailing... it's been a while.
It's my fault, though... I've been so lazy lately, it's crazy.
Alex, me neither. I HATE the entire "Saw" franchise. I know your not a horror fan, but I think you might enjoy "Insidious".
I enjoyed "Insidious" as well. If I'd realized it was from James Wan before I went to see it, I probably wouldn't have, and I was sure I had wasted my money when I saw his name appear on the screen. Thankfully, it's a far better film than either "Saw" or "Dead Silence."
The one thing I could have done without was the utterly predictable ending that I'm sure the filmmakers thought was a super-scary, super-innovative twist. I've had it with those.
This film has been firmly on my must-watch list. Your review has just solidiied that standing!
Matty, I wasn't sure if you're interested in horror films or not. This comment proves you are. :) Give it a shot, you won't be disappointed.
Steve, glad you enjoyed it. I'm not a fan of Wan's films either, but "insidious" is definitely an improvement over the ugly "Saw" and the crappy "Dead Silence".
I agree about the ending - it was ridiculously happy-endish, and I hated it.
Dagger to the heart. You ripped Saw and Dead Silence. I liked both those movies. I know not every Saw was good, but I like the franchise in general. Oh well, we can't agree on everything, onto Insidious. Best horror movie I have seen this year. Definitely creepy. Not a perfect film by far, but certainly worth watching. Great review!
:) Horr0, I'm a true Saw-hater. I thought even "Dead Silence" was more entertaining than this ugly torture porn flick. I respect your opinion though ;) I agree, "Insidious" is the best horror flick of 2011 so far, along with "The Tunnel" and "Mother's Day". Thanks, mate. Glad you liked it :)
This was good for the first 30mins or so, then it got a bit silly.
Ricky, I didn't find it silly at all. It just wasn't was scary as I expected it to be.
Well, if you are a true Saw-hater then there isn't much point talking about it except for one question. Were you surprised in the first Saw when Jigsaw got up from the floor at the end? That was one of the most surprising endings to a movie that I ever saw. Besides that, I haven't seen Tunnel or Mother's Day. I wanted to see Mother's Day but it wasn't released here. Hopefully I will catch it later.
Horr0, I wasn't shocked if that's what you're asking. I laughed... HARD! I thought the ending was downright ridiculous, as it was the rest of the movie. The only reason I've seen all Saw films is to see how much worse this franchise can get.
You should give "Mother's Day" a shot. Definitely! It was brilliant. "The Tunnel" is on bit torrent. You can download it 100% legally. ;)
James Wan is actually a relative of a friend of mine hahah. I actually liked "Saw" for its guerrilla use of budget although the subsequent sequels were more than a bit of a let down. Great post as always :)
Adrian, really? :) Wow, that's great. :) I enjoyed "Insidious" quite a lot, but I can't say the same for "Saw"... for me, it was lacking in atmosphere, and the ending was too ridiculous. Still like Wan though. :) Thanks, mate! Appreciate it.
loved it a bit more than you but overall I pretty much agree with you. Original, creepy and visually stunning.
I knew that you are going to like it better than me, but I'm also glad to hear that you agree with me for most part. :)
Post a Comment