The idea sounded very interesting and creative, so there was enough to make one want to see it. The cover looked quite eerie. So saw 'The Devil's Dooway' with genuine interest and wanting to at least sort of like it even if it had many problems.
Seeing it, well 'The Devil's Doorway" is far from perfect and is not great but it was much better than expected. The good things are noticeable and for found footage it is much better than most, one of the better ones actually. Having prepared myself to do that, that was disappointing. Liked the concept quite a good deal, the potential is not quite lived up to.
'The Devil's Doorway' at least didn't insult my intelligence. It at least didn't make me angry watching it.
Surprisingly, it looks great. The setting is atmospherically spooky and pleasing to look at and the camera work was surprisingly accomplished-looking and clever, some nice techniques and angles here rather than looking amateurish and making one physically ill like most found footage horrors do. The editing also has atmosphere. The sound is creepy and not obvious or intrusive.
Also a nice surprise was the acting. This aspect, often one of the noticeably worst assets, was well above average. the best of it good even. There is engagement with the drama, they all look comfortable and it doesn't get unsubtle. The film starts off intriguingly and there are unsettlingly tense, creepy and suspenseful moments early on.
Later on however, the tension, creepiness and suspense dissipates and the latter stages sadly run out of steam. It becomes dull and predictable, as well as ridiculous and things don't make sense. The ending felt anti-climactic.
Dialogue is also quite ropy, with some awkwardness and cheese and parts are a little heavy-handed. The effects have instances where they do look under-budgeted and hasty-looking, not quite gelling with everything else.
Altogether, better than expected but flawed. 5/10 Bethany Cox
