Ok, honestly, I won't write a huge review because some films are just not worth the effort, and Invoked is one of them.
Invoked is the definition of cliché, where everything has been seen or done before in other films, only a hell of a lot better.
A group of teens go to an abandoned hostel in Ireland, play a makeshift game of Ouija, and then basically get hunted and disappear one by one by a spirit.
That last paragraph is more riveting than the film itself, so let's cut right to the chase.
Positives: There were not many, except perhaps some nice spiritual elements, such as the security guard being unable to see or hear the teens in the house when they are in the domain of the spirit while knocking on the windows.
There are also some instances when tension builds as eerie silence takes over, as a sole character is walking with the cam through the hostel into dark rooms which, for only a split second, produces prickly tension that indicates danger nearby.
Negatives: Characters are one-dimensional with no personality, and you don't even remember their names. The shaky camera footage and running shoe shots become nauseating in most instances, despite trying for a realism factor, which makes it not very pleasant nor entertaining to watch.
The story itself is linear and simple, with no solid grounding or substance. Two-thirds (50 minutes) of the film builds up absolutely nothing, but the teens engaging in bland, dull activities. And to top it off, there isn't anything new or even exciting that adds layers or depth to any part of the story.
Invoked is a pass from me. I'm not sure if the directors were 'mates' who put this together for a giggle and added their heavy metal music at the credits because it was 'cool'.
I won't waste any more time on this dreary piece of rubbish that felt as if it were written by a couple of high school students intending to waste your time.
2/10.
