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Movie Review: “Ouija”

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In the paranormal horror movie spectrum there are movies such as“The Evil Dead” on one end, with its no-holds-barred gruesome playfulness. And on the other, “The Babadook”, with its slow, psychological build-up of atmosphere and tension. Universal’s “Ouija” falls somewhere safely in between, tucked like a stale chip in the couch cushions.

“Ouija” is out on DVD Feb. 3rd, but available to rent now on popular streaming movie rental sites.

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I have always been a fan of Asian paranormal horror movies. In these movies, a tormented spirit creates havoc on the living in order for them to solve the mystery of their death. Part of the fun for those types of movies is in trying to figure out how and why the person died in the first place. With the right execution and direction, these movies can be creepy, gruesome and satisfying. “Ouija” is none of those things.

Produced by Michael Bay, Blumhouse Pictures and Platinum Dunes, “Ouija” is another Hasbro toy-inspired movie. Of all the board game-turned-movie scripts, “Ouija” seems like it would be the most fun, but not here, the move falls as flat as the game board itself.

In “Ouija” a young lady named Debbie—is she in college or high school—mistakenly plays with a Ouija board by herself, unleashing a presence who has nothing better to do than kill young adults for reasons vaguely explained. The ghoul’s first victim is Debbie and apparently afraid of a lawsuit, the ghost makes Debbie’s death look like a suicide. Her friend Laine (Olivia Cooke) is distraught and wants answers, asking her friends to play with a Ouija board in the dead girls house. Laine expects the planchette (the spade-shaped pointing device) to spell out answers to Debbie’s death, but what they contact is anything but happy to see them.

After their night of witchboarding, suddenly those involved with the séance begin to die “accidentally”. It is now up to Laine to figure out why and how to stop it. The “Final Destination” series ran this formula into the ground, but at least they did it with an edgy suspense and a flair for misdirection. “Ouija” neither builds suspense, nor does it deliver a creep factor.

Another thing “Ouija” does is get rid of the parents. After Debbie’s wake, her parents, instead of grieving at home like any normal family, must leave on a trip, leaving Laine to tend to the house. Of course this is a set-up just to get the main players in the house alone without the complications of extra logically-thinking characters.

Olivia Cooke (The Quiet Ones, The Bates Motel) in the lead role as Laine, is a capable actress, who in the right lighting looks exactly like Rose Byrne, the mother in the Insidious movies. Cooke has a permanent look of fear and curiosity on her face all throughout the movie, but she manages to generate the only feeling of sympathy from anyone watching who cares. This movie falls on her shoulders, and she carries it very well.

Perhaps trying to capitalize on the success of the Insidious franchise, “Ouija” has Lin Shaye (Insidious 1 & 2) make a cameo as one of the sisters involved with the history of the malevolent spirit. Through an obvious twist, things only get worse for Laine.

“Could this have been a better movie?”

None of this is really scary. Except for some string section orchestral assisted jump scares, and bass heavy “whoomps!” at “surprise” moments, the movie only mildly comes away with being something better than a Veronica Mars paranormal mystery.

What works in “Ouija” is the special effects. I say that because this movie will certainly be played at tween sleepovers around the country with its PG-13 rating. Perhaps to a small clan of pajama party 12-year-olds, the movie might meet its intended audience. To them, the effects will be horrifying, especially in scenes where twine and curved needles are involved.

“Ouija” is a movie that has many ideas, but doesn’t quite make them stand out. The concept is never quite heavy enough to bolster one’s suspension of dis-belief, and therefore the movie suffers from being stuck in between two worlds; tolerable viewing and good horror. The latter should outweigh the former.

“Oujia” is directed by Stiles White and stars Olivia Cooke, Shelley Hennig, Ana Coto, Daren Kagasof, Bianca A. Santos and Douglas Smith. With special appearance by Lin Shaye.

You can order you copy of “Ouija” at Amazon.com.

 

 

 

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New Poster Reveal For Nicolas Cage’s Survival Creature Feature ‘Arcadian’ [Trailer]

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Nicolas Cage Arcadian

In the latest cinematic venture featuring Nicolas Cage, Arcadian emerges as a compelling creature feature, teeming with suspense, horror, and emotional depth. RLJE Films has recently released a series of new images and a captivating poster, offering audiences a glimpse into the eerie and thrilling world of “Arcadian”. Scheduled to hit theaters on April 12, 2024, the film will later be available on Shudder and AMC+, ensuring a wide audience can experience its gripping narrative.

Arcadian Movie Trailer

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has given this film an “R” rating for its “bloody images,” hinting at the visceral and intense experience awaiting viewers. The film draws inspiration from acclaimed horror benchmarks like “A Quiet Place,” weaving a post-apocalyptic tale of a father and his two sons navigating a desolate world. Following a catastrophic event that depopulates the planet, the family faces the dual challenge of surviving their dystopian environment and eluding mysterious nocturnal creatures.

Joining Nicolas Cage in this harrowing journey are Jaeden Martell, known for his role in “IT” (2017), Maxwell Jenkins from “Lost in Space,” and Sadie Soverall, featured in “Fate: The Winx Saga.” Directed by Ben Brewer (“The Trust”) and penned by Mike Nilon (“Braven”), “Arcadian” promises a unique blend of poignant storytelling and electrifying survival horror.

Maxwell Jenkins, Nicolas Cage, and Jaeden Martell 

Critics have already begun to praise “Arcadian” for its imaginative monster designs and exhilarating action sequences, with one review from Bloody Disgusting highlighting the film’s balance between emotional coming-of-age elements and heart-pounding horror. Despite sharing thematic elements with similar genre films, “Arcadian” sets itself apart through its creative approach and action-driven plot, promising a cinematic experience filled with mystery, suspense, and relentless thrills.

Arcadian Official Movie Poster

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‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ Is a Go with Enhanced Budget and New Characters

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Winnie the Pooh 3

Wow, they’re churning things out fast! The upcoming sequel “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3” is officially moving forward, promising an expanded narrative with a larger budget and the introduction of beloved characters from A.A. Milne’s original tales. As confirmed by Variety, the third installment in the horror franchise will welcome Rabbit, the heffalumps, and the woozles into its dark and twisted narrative.

This sequel is a part of an ambitious cinematic universe that reimagines children’s stories as horror tales. Alongside “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and its first sequel, the universe includes films such as “Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare”, “Bambi: The Reckoning,” and “Pinocchio Unstrung”. These movies are set to converge in the crossover event “Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble,” slated for a 2025 release.

Winnie the Pooh Poohniverse

The creation of these films was made possible when A.A. Milne’s 1926 children’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh” entered the public domain last year, allowing filmmakers to explore these cherished characters in unprecedented ways. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and producer Scott Jeffrey Chambers, of Jagged Edge Productions, have led the charge in this innovative endeavor.

The inclusion of Rabbit, heffalumps, and woozles in the upcoming sequel introduces a new layer to the franchise. In Milne’s original stories, heffalumps are imagined creatures resembling elephants, while woozles are known for their weasel-like characteristics and a penchant for stealing honey. Their roles in the narrative remain to be seen, but their addition promises to enrich the horror universe with deeper connections to the source material.

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How to Watch ‘Late Night with the Devil’ from Home: Dates and Platforms

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Late Night With The Devil

For fans eager to dive into one of this year’s most talked-about horror films from the comfort of their own home, “Late Night with the Devil” will be available for streaming exclusively on Shudder starting April 19, 2024. This announcement has been highly anticipated following the film’s successful theatrical release by IFC Films, which saw it earning rave reviews and a record-breaking opening weekend for the distributor.

“Late Night with the Devil” emerges as a standout horror film, captivating audiences and critics alike, with Stephen King himself offering high praise for the 1977-set film. Starring David Dastmalchian, the movie unfolds on Halloween night during a live late-night talk show broadcast that disastrously unleashes evil across the nation. This found footage-style film not only delivers scares but also authentically captures the aesthetic of the 1970s, drawing viewers into its nightmarish scenario.

David Dastmalchian in Late Night with the Devil

The film’s initial box office success, opening to $2.8 million in 1,034 theaters, underscores its wide appeal and marks the highest opening weekend for an IFC Films release. Critically acclaimed, “Late Night with the Devil” boasts a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 135 reviews, with the consensus praising it for rejuvenating the possession horror genre and showcasing David Dastmalchian’s exceptional performance.

Rotten Tomatoes score as of 3/28/2024

Simon Rother of iHorror.com encapsulates the film’s allure, emphasizing its immersive quality that transports viewers back to the 1970s, making them feel as if they are part of the eerie “Night Owls” Halloween broadcast. Rother lauds the film for its meticulously crafted script and the emotional and shocking journey it takes viewers on, stating, “This whole experience will have viewers of the Cairnes brothers’ film glued to their screen… The script, from beginning to end, is neatly sewn together with an ending that’ll have jaws on the floor.” You can read the full review here.

Rother further encourages audiences to watch the film, highlighting its multifaceted appeal: “Whenever it is made available to you, you must attempt to view the Cairnes Brothers’ latest project as it will make you laugh, it will creep you out, it will amaze you, and it might even strike an emotional cord.”

Set to stream on Shudder on April 19, 2024, “Late Night with the Devil” offers a compelling blend of horror, history, and heart. This film is not just a must-watch for horror aficionados but for anyone looking to be thoroughly entertained and moved by a cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre.

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