Totem

"Totem" is a Mystery - Horror movie in which we watch a troubled family facing a supernatural entity while trying to find the balance on their between relationships.

Since I didn't have high expectations from this movie I wasn't disappointed by it. Despite its potential and the well-crafted eerie and tense atmosphere the movie didn't succeed on not being predictable including some jump scares that were very old-fashioned. Also it contained some plot holes since it left too many questions unanswered. I found myself waiting for something more substantial to develop including some of the characters. In addition, the interpretations of the cast were solid, particularly Kerris Dorsey who played as Kellie and conveyed both a sense of fear and vulnerability. Lastly, I have to say that "Totem" is an average horror movie. It had a few haunting moments but it was more confusing than satisfying.

I don't normally write reviews, but felt that Totem was getting way to many bad comments. Totem ain't a great 'must see' movie, but it's not a bad movie. A solid scary flick with a few jumpy moments and a nice twist in the tales tail. Give it a watch👍

The actors did a great job from what I could tell. The director, Marcel Sarmiento, is well known for Deadgirl, which I have not seen but many where hopeful he would top. Although Marcel is credited for writing the story, the story and screenplay was written by Evan Dickson, of which it is Evan's first feature film.

The movie starts off with an interesting premise and held my attention the first half. The cinematography is fine but later it becomes obvious they were working with a limited budget.

Two-thirds into the movie things start to go awry and although the pace picks up I felt the story gets more unbelievable not just in decisions that are made but with distractions that make it obvious there might have been editing issues.

The saving grace is there is a twist at the end that most people would not have seen coming but it was not enough for me to say it is a must see unless you are a fan of the actors or the director.

Really generic and stupid horror that thinks it appeals to hip teens.

Cheap scares, visions of figures in halloween makeup that then disappear and a slow and bland plot make this one of those write-off movies.

I sort of like how it ends though but I'm not sure it's worth the wait.

Folks, this is a decent horror flick. Its no Academy Award winner, but it doesn't suck either.

I saw TOTEM on Saturday 11/18/17 on HBO when it was rated as 4.3/10 and I'm glad I watched it despite the questionably low rating. Its got a good plot, some good scares, a cool plot-twist at the end, and is overall a decent horror flick.

Now I'll be the first to admit I watch movies for enjoyment - I'm not pretentious nor do I study a flick for tone, cinematography, screen writing, editing, lighting, sound, etc.

Albeit obvious, I'm an American conservative guy, and my favorite genre's are Horror/Suspense, Action/Adventure, Westerns, Crime/Legal, War/Military, etc. ... and I tend to keep my movie "reviews" simple.

I either:

1) Loved it - awesome

2) Liked it - not too bad, or

3) Hated it - it sucked

If you like horror movies and aren't bent on a movie being perfect, you'll like it - and yes it is worth the 90 minute investment in time, and the Red Box fee (if any). I almost gave it a 7 (its a very high 6).

Again, its no 10, but certainly is no 4 ...