Lake Alice

Bad movie, we spent 40 minutes waiting for something to happen and nothing happens, when at last the suspense and the terror start, it is all very obvious and boring.

The reason for the murders to take place does not make sense, nor does the ending.

Get away from this movie.

Perhaps because I am a big fan of the Horror Genra I was (literally) able to predict the Killer in this film 8 minutes into it. That may be hard to believe but if you have watched as many horror films as I have, it wasn't hard. There is a slight twist which I won't disclose and spoil it for anyone so I will simply give my perspective.

I think a "5" rating is justified for this film but may be a little generous. Acting, story line, plot and sound were sub par. Twist endings are always enjoyable but this one was a bit too much. If you have to take a simple formula used 100's of times in a Horror/Thriller and add one more factor to it to say "it's original", then anyone with $25,000 can produce an "original" film I suppose. This does not, an original film, make.

If you use your head a little and pay attention to the characters introduced in the first 10 minutes of the film any true Horror fan with half a brain will see who the Killer is, quite obviously. Pay close attention to facial expressions and subtract the obvious. That is how I guessed it right probably less then 8 minutes in.

To that end, I would not "Dead-Pan" the movie completely, but, don't spend a dime on an On-Demand order or theater viewing of this film. Wait a couple months to buy it in the $3 bin at your local Walmart or Grocery store. That I would recommend.

I love horror, and I love whodunnits. Becoming a fiftysomething grandma has not changed my preference for good horror. My favourites are The witch in the window, (best horror ever made), Terrified, Dark was the night, Don't look now (from 1973,with Donald Sutherland) The Witch, Caveat, and most of James Wan. This film is far from those.

However, it is by no means bad. In fact, I found it quite good. The actors are fine, the scenery, suspense, the cold weather, the christmas theme, the build up, the killings, the twist, the lovely cabin, I liked all of it.

No annoying teens, no plot holes, likeable main charachters. I want them to survive, and I care about them. Especially one scene, which has to do with mistaken identity, was heartbreaking to watch.

No, its not brilliant, but it is decent. I'd rather watch this than snore fests like Saint Maud or Amulet.

I have never seen such a poor, so called horror film, lots of over the top screaming and very little action or story line. Very predictable victims and very predictable assassins. A child of 11 could create a better script.The film only lasts 75 minutes and believe me, that is the only good point. If you have an hour and a quarter to spare, do not use it watching this movie. You will regret it.

Lake Alice (2018) is available on Tubi and tells the tale of a family who decides to go to their cabin for Christmas. As they head into town to get supplies they meet some old friends and locals from their years coming to the area to staying in the cabin. On Christmas Eve strange things start happening around them leading to their first Christmas at the cabin possibly being their last...

This movie is directed by Ben Milliken in his directorial debut and stars Brando Eaton (Dexter), Peter O'Brien (The Return), Michael Shamus Wiles (Fight Club), Laura Niemi (The Who Wish Me Dead) and Caroline Tudor (Mortal Kombat Legacy).

The storyline for this movie had potential but takes too long establishing the characters rather than getting going. This is a 78 minute movie and nothing happens for the first 46. The kill scenes are bad, without gore and contain sound effects that sound like they were taken from a cartoon. The acting is also mediocre to bad. I did like the final resolve but it was too little too late.

Overall this is a disappointing Christmas horror movie that could have been better written in and executed. I would score this a 3/10 and recommend skipping it.