DVD Review: The Uninvited |

I’m not ashamed to admit that horror movies, well, scare me. No, I’m not talking about the Jason’s or the Freddie’s, those movies were mere child’s play. No, I’m talking about the movies that provide scenes of undead kids bursting out of dark corners, from under beds, inside of closets, movies with that eerie creepy factor, the ones that have you looking over your shoulder while watching. So yes, I was a bit reluctant when offered the chance to review this film. I’ve not always been afraid of horror flicks, naaa, that fear didn’t come to light until I had the pleasure of viewing The Grudge. After that film, I really wanted nothing more to do with horror flicks. Thankfully, The Uninvited came no where near providing the creepy factor that The Grudge did so I was able to watch the film in it’s entirety which in turn allowed me to provide you with this lovely review.

The Uninvited begins with the films main character, Anna (Emily Browning) a mental institution occupant, speaking to her psychiatrist. Feeling that Anna is ready to enter society he releases her, allowing her to move back home with her father (David Strathairn) and older sister, Alex (Arielle Krebbel).
On the drive home, Anna learns that her father is now seeing the nurse that was in charge of Anna’s now deceased mother. Suspecting foul play in the death of their mother, Anna and Alex begin snooping into the past of their fathers new girlfriend, Rachael (Elizabeth Banks). At this point, Anna is beginning to suffer from haunting visions that lead her on a desperate plight to prove that her soon to be step-mother is indeed a killer.

So, remember when I said that I did not like horror flicks, Ok, I said I was scared of them, same difference. Anyway, this film did provide the creepy factor at times, especially when there was interaction between Anna and Rachel, but it wasn’t creepy enough to fill me with the dreaded fear the way The Grudge did. Nervous anticipation maybe but not fear. Despite a few jump out of your seat moments I felt that this film was carried more by it’s overall plot rather than anything resembling creepiness. Instead, you’ve got something resembling a murder mystery of sorts wrapped in the shell of a ghost story.

While more of a suspenseful horror flick than overall scare the crap out of you horror I’d say the strongest point of The Uninvited are the actors. Elizabeth Banks portrayed a range not seen in any previous film that she has been a part of. You just knew she had an evil inside of her like none other. David Strathairn, a favorite actor of mine, delivers an acceptable performance. I feel he was a bit under used in the film and when he shows up he really leaves no real impression. The real scene stealers are Emily Browning and Arielle Kebbel, their onscreen chemistry was rather amazing. Both delivered excellent performances, causing the viewer (me) to feel sympathy for each of them.

Overall, this was a really great film. There was something else besides the suspenseful plot and strong acting that made this movie really worth while. That something else would be the twist that had me thinking back to the twist of one other movie, The Sixth Sense. It was on the same level.

The Uninvited is definitely worth watching. It’s PG-13 horror(??) at it’s best.

The Specs
The Uninvited
Street Date: April 28, 2009
Running time: 87 minutes
Rated: PG-13

Cast:
Elizabeth Banks – Rachel
Emily Browning – Anna
Arielle Kebbel – Alex
David Strathairn – Steven
Jesse Moss – Matt
Director: Thomas Guard, Charles Guard
Genre: Horror

The Uninvited is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround and English, French and Spanish subtitles.

DVD Features
Unlocking The Uninvited
Deleted Scenes
Alternate Ending

Official Movie Web Site: http://www.uninvitedmovie.com/