Smiley (2012)
Brief review: From 23-year-old director, Michael J. Gallagher, "Smiley" is yet another poor attempt at slasher - a bold take on a modern urban legend, that doesn't really work. Even from the daft premise and the ridiculous opening sequence, you could tell that "Smiley" is going to be one silly slasher film filled with hackneyed cliches, and it turns out exactly that. Simply imagine Wes Craven's hit "Scream" meets Bernard Rose's "Candyman" with a contemporary twist, and little to no imagination put into the story, and you get "Smiley". The movie shamelessly rips-off the above mention horror classics, which makes it and its director even more pathetic. The young director obviously "did it for the lulz" (as the most popular line in the movie says), because pretty much everything about this movie is ludicrous to the point of being laughable. Worst of all, the suspense and thrills in "Smiley" are nonexistent. The only 'scary stuff' this flick provides its thrill-seeking audience with, is predictable behind-your-back killer attacks, and quick deaths with too little blood. Smiley itself is creepy-looking enough, but his dullness won't let him turn into a horror legend. The technical aspects of the film are also below par. It has a cheap TV feel to it, due to Gallagher's lifeless direction and low production values. On a positive note, Caitlin Gerard delivers a genuine lead performance, despite the awful script she has to work with.
Overall summary: Unaware of its utter stupidity, "Smiley" confidently attempts to introduces us a new slasher icon (wannabe), but actually ends up being yet another generic teen horror with silly premise, copycat ideas, no thrills, and a killer that is very soon to be forgotten.
This review is also featured on TVFilmNews.com
8 comments:
i imagine that I will be skipping this one!
Alex, make sure you skip it. It's not worth-seeing even by die-hard horror fans.
Sounds like one I'll be skipping sweetie. I hate bad ripoffs. Hopefully this is lesson learned for this guy and he'll do a better job next time out. If they give him money to do another film that is. :)
Mel, don't even bother watching this misfire. So obviously ripped off, it was ridiculous.
Not sure that anyone would give money to Michael to do another movie. But he might be wealthy. Who knows? :)
I think I see this more of Candyman meets CRY_WOLF, only duller and more bleak. However, I am looking forward for a follow-up, seeing the end introduced a rather satisfying shock twist that's the only good thing about the movie for me. These snobs needs to be killed, and Smiley needs to come back for that!
Kaijinu, I saw a lot of Scream in it, but yeah, Cry Wolf was also influenced by Scream, so ;)
I didn't like the twist, because it didn't make any sense to me. However, I think a sequel is very much needed, because the NEED to exaplain a lot.
Wow, that bad. I had some hopes with the cool poster. Oh well! Great review as always!
HorrO, I was intrigued by the poster as well, but sadly it was the only interesting thing about this movie.
Post a Comment