The Man in the White Van

I really enjoyed this Throwback stylized Movie

Simpler times the 70s, So was Movie Making.

This " Family " Film captures it as I remember including the Teenage Horror Films. You intentionally know the typecast characters and tropes all purposely presented from these early genres. This one could serve as a set up before Halloween or early Friday the 13th before the exploitation of Gore with subtle Nods to Duel, Christine and more. A slow burn rubber band being pulled back while you can't wait for some satisfying snap. A Full Theater would be yelling at the screen, the parents and more throughout this Delightful Deja View.

Nothing really new but very familiar fun and missed TERROR-tory here. Only wish it had the Soundtrack Budget to match this Time Capsule.

It will leave you wanting more which I believe is inevitable.

There is a book about these homicides that is more detailed than the movie. The movie was good but I enjoyed the book about the Mansfield homicides more. There's a book called "When Angels Weep: The Weeki Wachee Homicides" by WR Langston on Amazon that got into more specifics. I highly recommend the book for a better backstory and detail. The movie runtime wasn't too long and I would still recommend it to watch, but probably more as something to stream at home, not see in theaters. People local to the area are more familiar with what actually happened to Billy Mansfield since he was arrested recently, but the movie left it very open ended.

Expectations were low going into this film, after all the below average reviews online.

They needn't have been

For me, one of the more realistic films in the horror genre. Yes, some lingering scenic shots were a bit much, not every character had its arc completed, and the time jumps showing previous victims felt like they could have been worked in a bit better.

But the film, as based on true events, doesn't go to a place with insane twists and turns and wild jump scares. Instead it builds to a climax that feels real and as if you were in the protagonists POV and the ending is satisfying, which a lot of horror films fail to accomplish.

You're really rooting for the lead girl and feel for her.

If you're expecting a dramatic twist where they unmask the baddie and you want a "it was X all along!" then maybe give this a miss.

Cracking soundtrack too, both with the 70s music and the original compositions.

Would recommend :)

As a florida native,I hadn't heard of this movie or the plot line until recently. Very interesting! I'm not sure how I missed Skai Jackson being in this film as I remember watching her in the Disney Channel days. Read what the film is about and definitely give it a watch....

Without giving spoilers for the film. You could say The Man in the White Van story builds suspense and the performances and the mix of true events and fiction intrest me the most. I would recommend going ahead and taking a gamble and giving this film a chance . It's definitely one to consider if you're into suspenseful dramas....

The Man with the White Van (2023) is a film I caught in theaters last night. The storyline follows a serial killer in a white van wreaking havoc in the early 1970s. A young woman, struggling to be taken seriously by her family, becomes the killer's next target. Despite her repeated warnings about a mysterious van she keeps spotting, her family fails to take action-until it's too late.

Directed by Warren Skeels (Trespians), the film features a strong cast, including Madison Wolfe (The Conjuring 2), Brec Bassinger (Stargirl), Ali Larter (Final Destination), Sean Astin (The Goonies), and Skai Jackson (The Smurfs).

The PG-13 rating is a noticeable limitation, as the kill scenes feel too restrained and lack impact. That's a shame because the film boasts fantastic performances that lend authenticity to each scene. The 1970s setting is beautifully crafted, with meticulous attention to attire, cars, and backdrops that perfectly capture the era. The gritty cinematography and smart camera angles further enhance the atmosphere.

While the kill sequences are underwhelming overall, one standout moment-the axe sequence-shows glimpses of what the film could have achieved with a stronger approach to its horror elements. The background sound design is top-notch, and there are a few well-executed jump scares to keep things engaging. However, the ending is disappointingly straightforward and lacks the punch needed to leave a lasting impression.

In conclusion, The Man with the White Van has some redeeming qualities, including strong performances and an authentic 70s vibe, but its PG-13 limitations prevent it from standing out in the genre. I'd score it a 5-5.5/10 and recommend it only with tempered expectations.