Tarot

Tarot is the latest teen horror to hit the big screen, but the film is completely undeserving of a cinematic release.

I could tell from the trailer that the film wouldn't be great, but I was unprepared for just how bad it actually was. It feels a lot like something from well over twenty years ago: the 'teenagers unable to escape fate' story line is highly reminiscent of Final Destination while its variety of creepy killers reminded me of Thir13en Ghosts - only it isn't anywhere near as good as either of those films.

Directors Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg take the easy route by delivering predictable jump scares accompanied by very loud noises, and it soon gets very tiresome and repetitive. Unlike Final Destination and Thir13en Ghosts, Tarot doesn't even provide viewers with gory death scenes - all of the kills are extremely tame and most are off screen. The teal and orange colour scheme adds to the dated feel, and there is an over-reliance on CGI.

A more unoriginal and forgettable horror movie it is hard to imagine - this is a serious contender for worst horror release of the year so far (and that's saying something).

A group of twenty-somethings have rented a "literal" mansion (I wish writers would find out what that word means and use it properly!) and are having a few fireside beers outside it whilst subjecting us to their dull relationship issues. Needless to say the gang are a politically correct assemblage that tick just about every box and are frankly all pretty well deserving of what's to come. On that front, the clue's in the title. Exploring the house looking to top up their supply of booze, they find a locked room full of all things occult and that includes an unique set of tarot cards. Rather foolishly, but typically disparagingly, they demand that "Haley" (Harriet Slater) read their fortunes. Next thing they are dropping like flies - all in a manner they gradually realise is akin to the results of the tarot reading. As they gruesomely dwindle, they realise that they are going to need some help and so thanks to Google spook, they find a woman (Olwen Fouéré) who informs them of the bleak history of their toxic tarot and tells them that the cards' destruction might be their only road to salvation. Thing is, can they survive long enough to get back to the house? There's nothing at all original here, sorry. We've seen it loads of times before and the uninteresting dynamic between the characters is even more predictable than the denouement. To be fair, the candle-lit visual effects are quite effective at times, but the acting is pretty dreadful and the whole frat-like presentation left me looking at the clock after half an hour. It's a shame. The whole astrology and mythology surrounding the tarot could have offered us a rich vein to tap into and exploit, but here we simply get a rather lazy and formulaic light-horror enterprise that's really devoid of much imagination. Literally.

This is a really good example of why so many people don't like horror.

A group of pretty teens unwittingly get themselves caught up in some supernatural shenanigans and become canon fodder for some demonic entity.

There's a raft of jump scares (though I use to word 'scare' lightly) and each of those is accompanied by jarring sound effects almost as if the director doesn't trust that he can even make you jump. There's a bit of middle of the road CGI and a personal bug bear of mine, an accessible expert on hand who can explain in great detail exactly what is going on. Then dies.

It's just a really shallow, cursed object, jump scare marathon with cliche characters and annoying exposition and there are loads of movies just like this.

"Tarot" is a film that strikes a chord with fans of classic horror, delivering a storyline that feels comfortably familiar yet still manages to entertain. While it doesn't break any new ground in the genre, it offers a delightful escape for those looking to unwind with a good, old-fashioned scary movie.

From the outset, "Tarot" embraces the tropes and clichés we've come to expect from horror films. The plot is predictable, following the usual beats of eerie encounters and supernatural suspense. However, this predictability isn't a drawback; instead, it provides a sense of nostalgia and comfort. The film knows what it is and delivers exactly what you anticipate, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed Sunday evening.

The characters and their arcs may not surprise seasoned horror enthusiasts, but they are well-executed and engaging. The cast delivers solid performances, bringing enough charm and personality to keep viewers invested. The cinematography and special effects are competent, contributing to the film's overall eerie atmosphere without trying to over-impress.

In conclusion, "Tarot" may not revolutionize the horror genre, but it doesn't need to. It's a solid, enjoyable movie that provides a satisfying dose of supernatural suspense. Perfect for a laid-back viewing session, it offers nothing new but serves up classic horror entertainment with a touch of nostalgia. If you're in the mood for a no-frills, entertaining scare, "Tarot" is definitely worth a watch.

Its not as bad as the reviews and ratings suggest. Its perfectly wachable and entertaining enough for a one time watch. What it lacks is originality. If you have watched a few young adult /teen horrors with supernatural elements, this movie will feel very predictable. But it will not bore you if you like such movies. Just don't watch expecting anything new or ground breaking. Acting could also have been improved in some places. Visual effects were good. With a better & more original story, this could have been quite popular but it is what it is. Watch it if you are okay with predictable but entertaining horror movie, ignore if you are looking for a deep / original / masterpiece writing.