Customer Rating:      Summary: True Events Are Scary, But Film Adaptation Falls A Bit Flat Comment: I think that the "scariness" factor of this film is the fact that its events were based on a true life scenario. While coming home late from a party one night, a man and his fiancee are terrorized by three people wearing various masks.
That scenario, I will admit, is pretty spooky...the idea that someone is stalking you within your own home is truly horrifying. However, in film format, the story falls a bit flat for two reasons:
First off, there really aren't any big "jump moments" (at least ones that aren't given away in the trailer) for all the suspense that is generated. Time after time, the tension builds and then just fades away. I think that a truly good horror movie needs to really deliver on those jump scenes (even though our heart rates increase, we really do want to be scared), otherwise the audience will no longer be on the edge of their seat, which is exactly what happened to me towards the end of the film.
Secondly, there is no resolution to the film. I guess a sequel is currently in the works, so perhaps that will explain why the masked tormentors are picking on two specific individuals, but in the context of this film, the acts are completely random. I think that was supposed to be part of this film's appeal, but it did not leave me with a good impression of the overall movie upon its conclusion.
So, if you are one of those people who can completely immerse yourself in the action of the film, you will find this movie more compelling than I did. However, if (like me) you like a few contrived scares and understandable plot motivations, then you should probably steer clear of this film.
Customer Rating:      Summary: Deadhouseplants' Review: The Strangers Comment: Let's get the obvious out of the way. This is in no way or form a horror film. It's labeled, catalogued, and described as a horror film. However, it is not. It falls under the new genre of films called terror films. Films that rely more on suspense of malice, more than the actual bloodletting. Along side with such films with the Blair Witch Project, The Ring, and The Grudge, terror films are becoming more mainstream than horror films in the past. I'm not saying they can't be any good, The Ring is proof of that. It's that most of their audience are expecting gore, and coming away disappointed. As a matter of fact, The Strangers has only two instances of violent bloodletting. I won't reveal them in interest of not spoiling the results of this film. Just letting you know that this movie's foundation is on suspense, not horror.
With that said, let's cover this dismal excuse for a film.
Plot:
A couple, (James and Kristen), drive out to an abandoned family home in the middle of nowhere, of course, where else. They both have just departed a wedding, where James, before heading out, seemingly proposed to Kristen. Without ever showing it, you have to assume that Kristen denied the proposal. They enter the home bitterly divided and cold toward one another. This nonsense goes on for 20 to 30 minutes. Until you hear a thud on the front door. Here you are introduced to the antagonists. First you meet, Dollface, who asks if someone who doesn't live there is home. Later on, you're introduced to Man in the Mask, and Pin-up girl. From that, the rest of the film is screaming, plotting, begging, and wondering when something bad is going to happen. I can tell you when something bad is going to happen. It's when you put this disc in your Blu-Ray player and push play.
Video and Audio Quality:
Usually with Blu-Ray discs, I review the quality of video and audio playback. However, I have a simple rule, if the movie is being rated 1 or 2 stars, why bother.
Extras:
A featurette of the film giving insight into the making and production of this film. As well as deleted scene, which highlight nothing more than the proposal.
My two-cents:
Again, I have nothing against the terror genre of films. I enjoyed The Ring and The Grudge. However, the Strangers falls just below One Missed Call. Liv Tyler is more than a qualified actress, and has proven herself to be one of the shining stars of any film. However, this is the lowest point of her career. Let's put it this way, if she was paid $1 for every word she was scripted to say in this movie, she would have been paid $235.
I'm just saying this, if you liked the sequel to the Blair Witch Project, then rent this title. However, if asked if this movie would be an invited addition to my Blu-Ray library. I would have to say no.
Verdict:
PASS
Customer Rating:      Summary: Good Movie Comment: Even Though This Movie Was Kinda Short, But It Was Really Good. The Acting Was Brilliant, And The Character's. This Was Based On True Event's, Witch Make's This Movie Even More Thrilling. I Really Enjoyed This Movie.
This Movie Is About Two Couple's Stranded In A House With Serial Mask Killer's. One Of Them Didn't Make It At The End, The Unrated Version Show's The Whole Ending, Witch Was Pretty Good To Be Honest.
This Was A Thrilling, Creepy, And Exciting Movie. I Watched This Movie 5 Time's Because It Was So Good. If You Haven't Seen This Movie, Buy It. Even Though It Was Short, It Was Still Good.
Customer Rating:      Summary: The Strangers Quiz Comment: Pick the statement that is false about The Strangers....
1) About ten minutes of the first thirty minutes of the movie are intensely creepy; the rest of the movie is over the top and predictable.
2) Movie completely collapses due to characters that do what no normal people would ever do (i.e. answer the door at 4 a.m. without first saying, "Who is it?" / Leave girlfriend alone at 4:10 a.m. in isolated house "just to go for a drive" after a "strange" encounter / Explore isolated house and property instead of taking a secure position after multiple "strange" encounters / No one immediately calls 911 when "strange" things start happening).
3) Brazen, Manson-esque, "strange" trio seem to magically move from place to place.
4) Scott Speedman turns into a monstrous half vampire, half werewolf and Liv Tyler summons her true love Aragorn, and together Speedman and Aragorn defeat The Strangers.
5) I am sorry that I spent 90 minutes with The Strangers.
Customer Rating:      Summary: The Stupids Comment: Starts off very slowly, builds tension, then our heroes make some really stupid moves, but recover and gain the upper hand. Then they inexplicably lose the upper hand by making more stupid moves. HINT: If you have a shotgun and masked opponents have only hand tools, they are the prey. Put them down, fast. Sheesh.
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