"Ashes" is a unique take on paranormal activity horror. I found the style and point of view curious but intriguing. To be honest I didn't want to like this one. The back and forth between docu style and third person kept throwing me out of a very mesmerizing and macabre vibe. That being said it was clear that there was more going on in this movie. So I found myself hooked to the concept and invested in this family.
The story isn't all that original, but it is, by no means, mundane. The clever choices Jay takes keeps things fresh. The characters are likable, fully developed and conflicted, much like the real world. I did find myself cursing them and rooting for Auntie to get them, based on some really crappy personality querks- mainly how they treated an elder and the whole complaining about keeping the ashes. Still in the end I empathized with the fam.
For the most part the movie hits the mark on most of the things Barry Jay attempts, and"Ashes" delivers. Horror and special effects included. This film captured a lot of the haunting, spooky atmosphere that "Insidious" used. The jump scares work, and got me good a few times, the paranormal tricks are controlled, and the practical effects rock. Even the dark humor retains a smart, mature approach. A lot of it reminded me of the humor and atmosphere used in the 'Ash vs the Evil Dead' series.
Overall "Ashes" is a fun, well-made paranormal horror movie. The beginning may through a question mark out there, but within 30 minutes the story smooths out, and the whole energy sets in. It never steps into 'spoof' territory, as much is serious and pointed in "Ashes" as the funny. The acting is quality, the scares are fun and the creepy is turnt up. Definitely check it out.
