Oracle

Rather bland ghost story haunted house movie. The overall quality of the lighting didn't help aa it just made the movie dark. Plotting was standard, and it was lacking in originality. There were several elements from other ghost stories and movies that I was guessing ahead of time and sticking the landing.

The efforts of the film makers to bring social relevance to the film by entwining the history of hatred from slavery and racism didn't have the impact that was needed. (Get Out this isn't, and doesn't come close.) Instead, this is simply the plotting and setting to place the movie, but it tries to make it more relevant because of slavery and racism. There is no attempts for understanding of the intergenerational aspects of slavery, or the social impacts of racism that is inherent in our world.

Acting is decent but mildly stereotypical for this genre and subject matter. That appeared more the do with the script than the actors. Overall, it was watchable but not interesting.

Oracle had a very similar vibe to The Skeleton Key and I really enjoyed that the protagonist in the movie was smart, driven and not just a fool wandering through an old house without any insight to the fact that horrible things had taken place there prior to her arrival. It's got some harrowing moments, but the acting is on point and contains a cast that complements the vibe of the film perfectly.

The cinematography is exceptional and the story that weaves it all together plays out to be an entertaining movie that I am certain those who are found of haunted houses in the Southern Gothic light will enjoy. It's a rare movie, and I don't feel there are many that even line up in similarity but Antebellum might be one that can also be considered in the comparison light for Oracle.

Overall, I found the themes surrounding history, and the nanny's intrigue to be highly entertaining, and acting to be compelling and the scenes put together with a pristine Gothic ambiance that I found thoroughly enjoyable.

One star for the production quality and one star for the atmosphere. The acting is pretty dull. An earlier reviewer described the characters as bland and unlikable. I completely agree. The main character barely shows interest or emotion. I don't want to "spoil" anything but there's two times where characters just don't react to some pretty serious events. Besides all that it's a horror movie that's been done before, only better. I'm glad I didn't pay to watch this, it's one of the worst movies I've seen in a while honestly. Fortunately it's only an hour and twenty six minutes long. Usually I throw out some ideas I think could've maybe helped but this one needs to much help. 3 out of 10 is generous.

Heather Graham is the only actress you'll recognize and she is not the main star. The people who make up the cast do a great job. The effects are done well enough to give you a good fright.

The story centers on a girl making a real connection with a place from her dreams. She's hired as a nanny for just one night and that's when everything happens. Camera work is good. This doesn't feel like a B movie. Not sure what the budget was but it was well directed and produced. I watched on a streaming service as part of my subscription and am glad I did. Good little scary movie to watch when you're in that kind of mood.

"Oracle" (2023) doesn't give viewers much to work with. While the premise held promise, and the storyline itself had some interesting elements, the film ultimately falls short. The horror relies on cheap jump scares that lack impact, and much of the suspense feels forced and unearned. The plot takes a while to develop, and until it does, viewers are met with generic horror tropes and tension that feels unnecessary and ineffective.

Occasionally, a poorly executed jump scare or a scream from one of the characters breaks the monotony, but these moments fail to add much value. Lead actress Ryan Destiny delivers a solid. The child actors' performances are uneven, and at times, certain scenes leave you shaking your head at the sheer implausibility.

While it's not a terrible watch, the movie misses the mark on its potential and could have been far more enjoyable. Heather Graham, however, looks absolutely stunning though. [4.8/10]