overconsumer450

I am working my way through Mike Flanagan's filmography and this was early on my list. In typical Flanagan fashion, he takes a seemingly simple concept and adds elements of complexity that make the film feel smart and engaging to the viewer. I enjoyed the plot of this film and the direction in went, which I rarely feel in the horror genre. This wont win any awards for jump scares or particularly gruesome elements of horror so if that is your thing you may feel a bit let down but it was well done overall. The acting did not feel forced and the story unfolded very naturally, I will say watching this 10 years later than it's release for the first time that I couldn't help but feel the way it was filmed dates it specifically to that time. But that isn't necessary a negative as it didn't take away from the plot. Overall, a great film and I am excited to continue to follow Flanagan's work as a writer and director!

Such a fun movie! Definitely for the repressed theater kids looking to make fun of themselves, their pasts, and to bathe in nostalgia. Filled with many "if-you-know-you-know" style references all of which were so smart and hilariously placed. I felt it all during this movie. I cried, I smiled, I cackled and I gasped. My one qualm was with Ayo Edebiri's character, it felt like there was so much potential for her to add to the plot yet she really ended up adding nothing and I was left feeling unsure why she was there. Maybe this was the fault of editing for times sake? Regardless, as a Broadway lover I am always excited to see the talent of Ben Platt and despite his forte usually being the stage rather than the screen, I thought he did a great job with this character. I also think this character was quite similar to him in real life so im sure that made the performance more convincing but regardless I was entertained! I also loved the the casting and dynamic of him and Noah Galvin in the film. I hadn't seen much of Molly Gordon's work in the past but I loved her performance in this as well. I have no idea how they found these child actors but my god are they talented, hoping this opens up plenty of opportunities for them! Overall, this film is lighthearted, full of laughs, and touching. I recommend to all but especially the theater kids!