Alison's Birthday

We've seen other movies with similar story ideas, but that's no reason why we can't enjoy this one. Between such story ideas and the overall tone, this picture also bears a certain kinship with others of the same timeframe. Whether it's a stylistic choice or a matter of budgetary constraints, it's noteworthy that this particular rendition is especially low-key and reserved. We're treated to only a smattering of accumulating odd goings-on heading into the last third, and as details of the mystery are pieced together, there's not a significant amount more to it than what we're likely to have read in any basic premise. Still, the concept is sufficiently enticing, and there's just enough in the plot to keep us engaged as the tale progresses. 'Alison's birthday' isn't anything special, but it's duly enjoyable.

There's definitely a lack of subtlety or finesse about the feature, notable in most every regard. Ian Coughlan's direction is competent, but a tad heavy-handed; the cast demonstrate their capability, but under Coughlan's guidance their acting in some scenes is discernibly blunt. I quite like the original music of Brian King and Alain Oulman, and for the most part it's excellent pairing with the proceedings, though sometimes themes or cues are employed in ways that conflict with the scene to greet us. These same thoughts apply as well to Coughlan's screenplay: there are strong ideas here in every aspect, but dialogue and plot development are decidedly on the nose at points; pacing is a little stilted; the narrative is maybe a tad light, and it's broadly communicated without a major sense of urgency. Even the sound design and editing come across as distinctly rough around the edges, and all this is to say nothing of the robust suspension of disbelief that the title requires at large.

It's a swell concept, though - ill tidings awaiting a girl on her forthcoming birthday. I recognize the hard work and sincerity everyone put into the feature, even if it doesn't meet with total success. I do quite like the cast, and this is more well made than not. It's safe to say, however, that 'Alison's birthday' quite comes across as VERY indie and very low-budget - a labor of love, a passion project, that was seen to fruition without the best means or capability to do so. This isn't to say that it's not entertaining, but anyone who has difficulties engaging with such fare won't have their mind changed here. Still, while it's no must-see, I had a good time watching, and sometimes that's all a movie needs to be. Don't go out of your way for it, but if you happen across 'Alison's birthday' and can appreciate the style, this is suitably fun on its own merits.

This movie about a girl STRONGLY/RIGHTFULLY warned to avoid her 19th birthday party started good, got increasingly MST3k-bad and ended exactly how you thought it would and yet.... I LOVED the ending. That saved this entire movie and believe me...it needed it. I was laughing out loud SOOO many times in the second act, I almost turned it off several times. But, I didn't and I even knew how it'd end. It was the ending I'd crave in these creepy movies made in the late 70s. If you like creepy 70s occult films, check this out on Shudder.

In the old days before CGI when special effects weren't very special there was a strange concept called imagination which incredibly, enhanced movies, which helps a lot with this one. The acting is amateurish as is the script and direction, but the ideas used are great, the kind you would expect to find in an episode of Tales of the Unexpected or The Twilight Zone. I enjoyed it.

One of the best I've seen from the Occult genre of the 70s. Copyright year is 1979, so its not a 80s flick. Reminds me of movies on the CBS Late Night movie I use to enjoy watching when I was a in my late single digits to my early teens. When, as we kids called it, the midnight hour approached, the witching hour, we all knew 'scary' movies may be coming on, but we usually fell asleep at the TV set. I don't recall ever watching this one, but its in the likes of Gargoyles, Beyond the Door, Devil Dog, Devil's Rain, Shadow of the Hawk, and of course Rosemary's Baby; all of which is supernatural horror. If your a spoiled 21st century computer effects lover, then you will be disappointed since you are use to "visual" rather than "psychological" fun.

I spent the first twenty or so minutes of Alison's Birthday trying to figure out where I had seen the lead actress before; I eventually gave up and consulted IMDb, and it's only Joanne Samuel - Mrs. Rockatansky from Mad Max! That sorted, I settled down happily for what turned out to be a very enjoyable occult horror movie in a similar vein to Rosemary's Baby.

At age 16, Alison Findlay (Samuel) and two school friends decide to hold a seance, contacting Alison's dead father, who warns his daughter to not attend her 19th birthday party. Despite her friend Chrissie (Margie McCrae) dying during the seance (crushed by a falling bookshelf), Alison seems to forget about the warning, and, a few days before turning 19, travels to the home of her Aunt Jennifer (Bunney Brooke) and Uncle Dean (John Bluthal) to celebrate her impending birthday. Joining Alison for the trip is her boyfriend Peter (Lou Brown), who, as the party draws nearer, comes to believe that Alison is in danger from her Aunt and Uncle, who might not be who they claim to be.

Yes, we've seen this sort of thing done before, and yes, the story develops as we expect it to, but with likeable leads, a strong supporting cast, and capable direction from Ian Coughlan, plus a neat, downbeat twist ending, what you have is a consistently entertaining 97 minutes of supernatural thrills. Furthermore, zero nudity and gore means that the film is ideal to introduce your kids to the horror genre.

7.5/10, rounded up to 8 for IMDb.