The Platform (2019) TVMA - 3½ Stars

This movie originally titled "El Hoyo", starts out like a train wreck, so very weird and wrong but you just can't look away. I instantly felt a familiarity to a similar style of filming like with the first Saw movie. Your first glimpse into this prison is watching a man wake in a poorly lit room where you can almost smelling the stench. There is no rhythm or reason as to why you are which sets up a psychological journey into your own mind of understanding the visual. "There are three kind of people in here. The ones above, the ones below, and the ones who fall." With not a large budget for special effects, the movie sends a huge message. You're instantly drawn in to feeling screwed as you watch human greed and selfishness at it's primeval finest.

Goreng, (Ivan Massagué) wakes up in a tiny small cement room known as "the pit." A vertical prison with two inmates per floor, and a slab of food is lowered per floor giving inmates a two minute window to grab food to eat. As the platform gets lower, less and less food is available for the starving people below. What will this do to Goreng's mind.

Director: Warner Bros Pictures
Writers: David Desola, Pedro Rivero
Producers: Raquel Perea, Carlos Juárez, David Matamoros, Elena Gozalo, Ángeles Hernández

Vacancy (2007) R - 2½ Stars

I guess the conecpt of the movie idea was okay, just not well executed. It seemed like the whole town is a bunch of dummies that don't pay attention. It just wasn't very believable.

David (Luke Wilson) and Amy Fox (Kate Beckinsale) are driving along when their car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. There is only one motel near by so they settle in for the night to make the best of it. There is a VCR in the room with a bunch of tapes so they decide to put one in and see what's on it. The tapes consist of low budget slasher type movies that seem strangely familiar. As they are viewing, they notice the films were shot in their room. The setting is exactly the same and now they realize they are being video taped for some sickos next movie. David and Amy must now find a way to get out of the room before they become the killers next fright flick.

Sony Pictures
Director: Nimród Antal
Writer: Mark L. Smith
Producer: Hal Lieberman

I viewed 9/19

1408 (2007) PG13 - 3½ Stars

Mike Enslin (John Cusack) is writing a book "Ten Nights in Haunted Hotel Rooms." He mostly writes about disproving paranormal events. If he can't see it for himself, he'll let his audience know. Room 1408 at the Dolphin hotel is he next challenge to take on. The hotel manager, Gerald Olin (Samuel L. Jackson), insists the room is not available but Mike finds a convincing argument to allow him to stay in 1408. Things just keep getting stranger till Mike is actually getting scared. He thinks to himself if he can last the night, he will finally have something to write about sending his book to the top of the best seller list.

In the room he can no longer escape from he's being driven mad from and angry crowd of "dead" beats. Even when he finally thinks he has survived the night and escaped the room, he wakes up finding himself still there.

Dimension Films/MGM
Director: Mikael Håfström
Writers: Larry Karaszewski, Scott Alexander, Matt Greenberg
Producer: Lorenzo Di Bonaventura

I viewed 11/07

Captivity (2007) R - 2½ Stars

This movie had the potential, maybe, of being better. I sort of liked the end result of the plot but it just didn't have it going on. It also has a lot of gross parts which don't turn me on.

A psycho stalks and captures model Jennifer Tree (Elisha Cuthbert), but instead of killing her, he physically and emotionally tortures her. As she's beginning to think there's no way out, she hears someone in the room next to her. It ends up being a man Gary (Daniel Gillies) who seems to be in the same predicament as she is. When the two are able to communicate, and eventually put together, she no longer feels so alone. Little does she know he is in on the game.

Freestyle Releasing, After Dark Films
Director: Roland Joffé
Writers: Larry Cohen, Joseph Tura
Producers: Mark Damon, Gary Mehlman, Sergei Konov

I viewed 11/18

28 Weeks Later (2007) R - 2½ Stars

The rage virus in London destroys the entire town but there are survivors. Don Harris (Robert Carlyle) and his wife survive the zombie like creatures only later to become one and the outbreak begins again. Will the entire town be nuked to put an end to the virus once and for all.

Not very scary and not real exciting to me.

20th Century Fox Distribution
Director: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo
Writers: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, Alex Garland, E.L. Lavigne
Producers: Alex Garland, Allon Reich, Andrew Macdonald

I viewed 10/17

Buried (2010) R - 3½ Stars

Being semi claustrophobic, I wouldn't last 5 minutes under these conditions. Perhaps that's why this movie made me totally uncomfortable, leaving a knot in my neck. It's pretty hard to make a good movie with just one on screen actor but if you crave edge of your seat thrillers, you'll love this one.

You'll find there are many things you think he should be doing in this situation and at least for me, I found myself yelling at the screen. Also, there are way too many calls and videos sent from just one bar of phone charge left. Perhaps the bag should have shown a spare cell phone battery inside and when he finds the cell phone number, why does he only leave a message for his wife? So don't spent too much energy over analysing what he should or should not be doing, instead sit back and enjoy this intense and horrifying thriller.

Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds) is a truck driver in Iraq and he's just awakened to find himself bound and buried alive in a coffin. Reaching around in the dark, he finds a lighter to scope out his dyer situation. A sudden ring finds he's also been left with a cell phone. An Iraqi voice on the other end tells him 5 million dollars will get him out. With 90 minutes of time, a limited supply of oxygen, and trying not to panic, Paul must blindly call numbers to find someone to locate and free him.

Awards:
2010 - National Board of Review - Best Original Screenplay
2010 - National Board of Review - Best Independent Film

Projectes Mevi, The Safran Company, Versus Entertainment, Dark Trick Films, Lionsgate
Director: Rodrigo Cortés
Writer: Chris Sparling
Producers: Peter Safran, Adrian Guerra

The Reaping (2007) R - 3 Stars

Katherine Winter's (Hilary Swank), whole life was with the ministary. But after her husband and daughter are killed in Sudan through a sacraficial event, she stops believing in God. Now, a university professor and theology scholar, she believes more in studying facts rather than beliefs. She has traveled the world investigating all sorts of phenonomin like bleeding palms and weeping statues.

After the town of Haven, Louisiana has been swarmed on by locust and seen their rivers turn blood red, they believe a revisiting of the Biblical ten plagues has been thrust upon them. They also believe that a child Loren McConnell (AnnaSophia Robb) is the work of the devil and most want to destroy the girl in order to bring peace back to the town. However Katherine's tries to save the young "choosen" girl as she can be the one to defeat Satan's work.

Warner Bros Pictures
Director: Stephen Hopkins
Writers: Jacob Aaron Estes, Carey Hayes, Christopher Markus
Producers: Robert Zemeckis, Herbert W. Gains, Susan Levin

I viewed 11/17

9/11 The Falling Man (2006) NR 4 Stars

Very good documentary, tastefully done, about the worst day in modern U.S. history and in particular, one of it's most controversial photos published after the attacks on 9/11/2001.

The media quickly filled the newsstands with images of devastation and destruction of the terror attacks. It also filmed and published controversy images of people seemingly jumping to their deaths. One photo in a series taken by photographer Richard Drew, who just happened to be there, was labeled "The Falling Man." With it's powerful imagery, Drew captured the quiet and calmness of one man alone who felt there was no other choice. Many images were taken that day of people jumping/falling to their deaths but this one stood out symbolically. But after it's appearance in the next mornings news, it was "quickly airbrushed it out of history" due to it's gut wrench emotion no one wanted to continue to feel. The photograph was stifled and never seen again about being published on 9/12.

I remember viewing that photo and it was very hard to look at yet I couldn't look away. The images were quickly replaced with images of the heroic side of America coming together in the face of disaster. To prove you couldn't keep America down. But it's hard to imagine looking out of a window so high in the sky and thinking, yep I'm jumping. One can only imagine those horrific last moments of these victims lives.

The documentary follows one journalist who is committed to finding out the identity of this one brave man who seems so calm looking falling to his death. Like many others that day, who felt the better choice was to jump rather than burn, one can only imagine being faced with their options. But while trying to identify the man, one family's religious beliefs are shattered when the journalist tells them he believes it's their beloved father, brother and husband. They are unable to rest knowing his soul would go to hell by taking his own life. When it is finally revealed it is not their beloved, they can finally accept his death in peace. Even though the film finds a pretty good idea of who this man is, the film establishes the strength of the photo speaks for itself of the terror of that horrific day.

Like the tomb of the unknown soldier in, the picture represents everyone who lost their lives that day especially those who had felt they had no other option but to jump.

Awards:
2007 New York Festival - Best Documentary - Henry Singer

Darlow Smithson Productions
Director: Harry Singer
Writers: Tom Junod
Producers: Harry Singer, Sue Bourne, John Smithson

I viewed 5/16

Red State (2011) R - 3 Stars

Here's a freaky one for you starring John Goodman. A religious group of gay haters congregants three young boys who were looking for sex on the Internet. This grandpa preacher thinks he can save their souls by killing them. For me it was sort of a small glimpse into religious Wacko fanaticism as you watch these believers defend their holy grounds along with their preacher and an arsenal of weapons. The ending is not what I had expected. Not great, but worth a watch if you have Netflix.

Three young teenagers Travis (Michael Angarano), Billy-Ray (Nicholas Braun), and Jarod (Kyle Gallner) make an online date with an older woman (Deborah Aquila) who after some lewd conversation agrees to take on all three boys. The excited boys show up at the woman's trailer and offered beer to drink to set the mood. The beer is tainted knocking all three teens out. When they awaken, the boys are tied up together in the hands of Pastor Abin Cooper (Michael Parks), who accuses the boys of homosexuality since they were willing to have sex together with this woman. Pastor Cooper and his daughter Sara (Melissa Leo), as well as the entire congregation are convinced the boys need to die to rid the Satan within them. Government agent Joseph Keenan (John Goodman), has to treat these religious fanatics have now become terrorists and must be eliminated.

Awards:
2012 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards - Best Supporting Actor Michael Parks
2011 Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival - Best Actor - Michael Parks
2011 Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival - Best Film - Kevin Smith

Harvey Boys, SModcast Pictures

Director: Kevin Smith

Writer: Kevin Smith
Producer: Jonathan Gordon

I viewed 8/15

The Reef (2010) R - 3½ Stars

The suspense in this movie is pretty good. I could feel my blood pressure raise more than a few times. Based on a true story, the movie offers you a good thrill ride. Though I would have liked to have gotten more acquainted with the characters before they were thrown out to sea, you really begin to feel their fear yelling to yourself, "Swim, you fools swim!"

A brother and sister, plus their significant others, Luke (Damian Walshe-Howling), Kate (Zoe Naylor), Suzie (Adrienne Pickering), Matt (Gyton Grantley) and Warren (Kieran Darcy-Smith) head off to explore Australia's Great Barrier Reef. When the boat tears a hole in the bottom of its haul, it capsizes leaving it's five travelers in the water. Now,the group has to decide if  they stay with the boat hoping to be rescued or put themselves in shark infested waters,  to swim to a shore more than 12 miles away they can't even see?

Lightning Entertainment, Screen Australia, Image Entertainment
Director: Andrew Traucki
Writer: Andrew Traucki
Producers: Andrew Traucki, Michael Robertson

I viewed 7/12

Splice (2010) R - 3 Stars

I was in need of a good Sci-Fi so I rented Splice hoping to be a little horrified and/or amazed over the concept of this movie about playing God. This was not the movie to do it. The sad part is the movie leaves itself open for a sequel. Not sure we need to see it all over again. First off, I would have liked to had a little more information on how Ginger and Fred, the blob like organisms, were created. I felt we are rushed in too quickly before building a story line to get us there. But then as I was thinking about that, the writers probably didn't want to tell us too much or it would have been even more unrealistic. I did however like the splice "D's" very intriguing face.

Genetic engineers, Clive (Adrien Brody) and Elsa (Sarah Polley), have created a hybrid creature that could revolutionize modern medical science. Fame and glory are bestoyed upon them until they add human DNA into the mixture. Dren (Delphine Chanéac), is born and as she evolves they soon learn trying to play God can be a mistake.

Gaumont, Copperheart Entertainment, Dark Castle Entertainment
Director: Vincenzo Natali
Writers: Doug Taylor, Vincenzo Natali, Antoinette Terry Bryant
Producer: Steven Hoban

I viewed 10/10

Apollo 18 (2011) PG13 - 2½ Stars

I have mixed emotions about this film. On one hand, I love thrillers that involve monsters and for that fact alone, the movie intrigued me to pay close attention. On the other hand, even though some of the shots are re-created of the moon fairly well, you have to say WTF to the tease on the box that the movie was made from actual footage. Though the movie did give me the heebee jeebees a few times, I was disappointed when the "evil" appeared as I had envisioned it a whole lot differently. This film could have been so much more as the story line is an interesting topic but I feel the creators blew it by trying to promote it as actual footage rather than focus on special effects. The effort should have been made jazzing it to more of a "War of the Worlds" epic. It's a decent attempt at capturing the era, just not executed very well. Anymore said would be a spoiler to those who want to see it. I guess I have to put it in my based on a true story category as that's what the box says.

Found old footage from NASA's 1974 top secret Apollo 18 mission, is exposed to show why the United States has never made another trip to the moon. Astronauts Ben Anderson (Warren Christie), John Grey (Ryan Robbins) and Nate (Lloyd Owen) set out for what they are told is a top secret mission back to the moon. Instead, they find out just why we have never been back.

Dimension Films, Bekmambetov Projects Ltd. (BPL), Apollo 18 Productions
Director: Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego
Writer: Brian Miller
Producers: Michele Wolkoff, Timur Bekmambetov, Cody Zwieg

I viewed 1/12

Contagion (2011) PG13 - 3½ Stars

Scary look at our world's bacteria and germ problems and how what we do can effect the entire world. Through something as simple of a bat eating a banana, the world's immune system becomes compromised, with millions of people dying. Contagion gives a reasonable account on what the world is faced with in the fear of a pandemic viral outbreak. Rumors spread fast throughout the Internet, people panic and rules are broken all to save personal life yet we still don't take proper precautions to keep ourselves safe.

With an all star cast, the movie could have been so much better if the focus was more on the horrible deaths and lives upended globally. At the beginning it's very scary watching how fast a virus can infect the world and the lives it takes. For me, it would have been much scarier and more realistic if the focus showed more of the taking of lives, showing how tragically a virus can spread and it's horrible consequences. With our recent epidemic of Swine flu, effecting the entire world, the movie is probably loosely based on that fear brought to the surface showing how easily this can happen. Luckily we live in a modern world with modern technology to work on solutions faster, but the threats of bacterial contamination producing deadly viruses are real and should be in our faces more often.

Dr. Leonora Orantes (Marion Cotillard), Dr. Ellis Cheever (Laurence Fishburne), Dr. Ally Hextall (Jennifer Ehle), and Dr. Erin Mears (Kate Winslet), are up against the wall when an unknown lethal airborne virus is discovered and people around the world are dying within 24-48 hours of contact. Beth Emhoff (Gwyneth Paltrow), is a business woman traveling to Hong Kong in the wrong place at the wrong time. She comes in contact with a virus newly formed after her company recklessly bull dozes banana trees down in a community of bats. As she returns home, her husband Mitch Emhoff (Matt Damon), hopelessly watches her agonizing death that quickly spreads to their small son. Though Mitch appears to be immune to the disease, the world is at a standstill awaiting a solution from administrators at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. With the government not telling all, people have turned to the Internet and battle with false information and reporters like Alan Krumwiede (Jude Law), trying to make a name for themselves.

Participant Media, Imagenation Abu Dhabi FZ, Warner Brother Pictures
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Writer: Scott Z. Burns
Producers: Steve Soderberg, Ricky Strauss, Stacey Sher

I viewed 1/12

Final Destination 5 (2011) R - 3 Stars

Even though you know what to expect from the Final Destination series, it's always fun to see what they come up with next. I actually like this version (#5) more than some of the others I've seen as it tied together another episode at the end. Fairly gross in it's special effects, it's really not for younger children. This time, co-workers are on their way together to a corporate retreat when their bus must stop on a suspension bridge while construction takes place. One of the boys, envisions the bridge collapsing and gets a few of them out of the bus only to find out his vision was correct.

Sam (Nicholas D'Agosto), is aboard with some of his other co-workers, Peter  (Miles Fisher), Molly (Emma Bell), Isaac (P.J. Byrne), Candice (Ellen Wroe), Olivia (Jacqueline MacInnes-Wood), Nathan (Arlen Escarpeta), and their team leader Dennis (David Koechner), along with the rest of the crew, headed for a corporate retreat. As the bus makes an unexpected stop over water on a suspension bridge, Sam begins to envision the worst case scenario about the bridge collapsing, plummeting the bus to a gruesome encounter with the ocean below. As things begin to happen exactly as Sam has imagined, he grabs his ex-girlfriend Molly's hand as he explains to the rest they must get out of the bus. A few follow his lead as they watch the bridge finally crumble, sending the rest of the crew to the ocean floor. Agent Block (Courtney B. Vance), investigates the coincidental vision of Sam and tries to make sense of how he knew in advance. Sam, and the others, soon learn there's no way to cheat death.

New Line Cinema, Practical Pictures, Parallel Zide
Director: Steven Quale
Writer: Eric Heisserer
Producers: Warren Zide, Craig Perry

I viewed 1/12

Shuttle (2008) R - 3 Stars

For a B movie, I actually found myself involved in the journey of two single girls, kidnapped by a shuttle driver, fighting for their lives. I think the female characters were decent and I felt myself feeling identifying with them as I have felt vulnerable when traveling taking a shuttle late night by myself. The girls have no idea they have just stepped into a human trafficking ring. Now, they struggle to stay alive as thy are selected to become slaves in another part of the world.

Jules (Cameron Goodman), and Mel (Peyton List), have just returned from a girls getaway on a late flight and where most people have already gone home. The wait for an airport shuttle in the rain and find drivers competing with the prices for their patronage. Matt (Dave Power), and Seth (James Snyder), are also at the airport trying to put the moves on the young girls. They all decide to join the same shuttle to get to know each other. The driver (Tony Curran), seems very friendly and helpful and another man, Andy (Cullen Douglas), is a passenger already aboard the bus. As the small groups heads off into the wet night, they have no idea whats in store for them just around the next corner.

Zero Gravity Management
Director: Edward Anderson
Writer: Edward Anderson
Producers: Allan Jones, Mark Williams, Todd Lemley

I viewed 5/11

Kalifornia (1993) R - 3½ Stars

I love, love, love any movie Juliette Lewis is involved in, She is a great actor and her roles usually get under my skin. A very different side of Brad Pitt and he's fantastic playing a psychotic Early, Adele's deranged boyfriend. He really compliments her well. Laughlin and Kessler are also great as the somewhat naive but trendy couple on a road trip. The movie gives me the creeps and for that alone I think it's well worth the ride. On the violent side, not for all audiences.

Carrie Laughlin (Michelle Forbes) and Brian Kessler (David Duchovny) are boyfriend and girlfriend looking for a new adventure. Carrie is a freelance photographer and Brian is a writer and the two decide to take a trip, touring sights where famous murders have taken place in order to document them. Their journey takes them cross country but with the prices of gas, they offer a ride to a couple to share the expenses with them.

Enter Early Grayce (Brad Pitt) and Adele Corners (Juliette Lewis). Early is an ex con who is on the run for just murdering his landlord. Adele is a ditz and copy's the glamour look and behavior of Carrie to the point of obsession. Carrie and Brian soon realize their next chapter could be about themselves as they share this ride through hell.

Gramercy Pictures
Director: Dominic Sena
Writers: Tim Metcalfe, Stephen Levy
Producers: Gregory Goodman, Steve Golin, Sigurjon Sighvatsson

I viewed 4/07 and 11/11

Circle of Eight (2009) NR - 1 Star

Can someone please tell me why movies like this are made? These eight people are all dead and still invade the apartment building they died in due to a fire. All thanks to Jessica, who can't seem to make the right decision to break the cycle of their souls lingering around the hallways. Why make half of the characters a bit on the freaky side and the rest all yuppy's living in a scummy run down building. They all should have been freaks. And just one day after New Years countdown, Jessica is already back moving in. Confused, you're not alone. Almost like a bunch of your friends got together and made a film for a school project.

Jessica (Austin Highsmith), moves into the seemingly fair shaped Dante apartment building where a twenty something crowd resides. She quickly is advised by the manager Ed (John Bishop), of the rules and how to make nice with the other neighbors. Jessica notices one creepy tenant Randal (DJ Qualls), holding a camcorder and filming her every move. Out of the dark halls, appears a very artistic Evan (Ryan Doom) to somewhat save her. She also meets Elaine (Katie Lowes), Bale (Josh Kelly), sexy India (Natashia Williams), and Pretty boy Damon (Jesse Johnson). As Jessica becomes more adjusted to her new home, she finds her neighbors are brutally dying all around her. The more she tries to make sense of it all, the more she discovers her connection to the Dante.

Bronson Avenue, Milchan / Van Eyssen, Paramount Pictures Digital Entertainment
Director: Stephen Cragg
Writers: David Brewman, Brian Horiuchi
Producers: David Van Eyssen, Alexandra Milchan

I viewed 4/11

Paranormal Activity 2 (2010) R - 2½ Stars

While I actually liked the first "Paranormal Activity" better, this one also makes you walk away with that creepy feeling, looking behind your back. I thought the first one was scarier perhaps because the concept of how it was filmed was new. For me, this one takes way too long to get into the film and other than the kitchen scene with the wife, it isn't that scary. Supposedly this one is really the prequel to the first though I somehow missed the connection. It is however suspenseful as you scan each image looking and waiting for something to happen or become out of place.

One thing I never understand is at the first sign of something strange, especially when you have it on film, call 911 and they will answer and say, "What's you're emergency!" These people all seem to love pretending the problem doesn't exist and instead walk into it open armed. Tell ya what, if I was sitting in my kitchen and that happened to me, I'd be out of the house so fast and I'd never return without 20 people with me in the daylight only. So having said that, if you're dying to see a paranormal activity on film, rent the first one.

Kristi (Sprague Grayden), and Daniel Rey (Brian Boland), have recently been married and just had their first son Hunter (William Juan Prieto). Daniel already has a teenage daughter Ali (Molly Ephraim), from his first marriage and now they all live in a nice upscale home in Los Angeles. Martine (Vivis), is the nanny and house keeper and she senses something lurking in the home. She's constantly smudging the home of it's evil spirits which costs her job as Daniel doesn't like all this nonsense talk of ghosts. Katie (Katie Featherston), is Kristi's sister who comes by from time to time with her boyfriend Micah (Micah Sloat), to help her sister out. As the girls are looking through an old photo album they come across a photo of when they were young. It instantly brings back bad feelings of fear the sisters have choose to block out of their lives. But as strange events begin to take place inside the home, their entire family is rudely awaken to the fact they're not alone.

Blumhouse Productions, ROOM 101, Inc., Paramount Pictures
Director: Tod Williams
Writers: Tom Pabst, Michael R. Perry, Christopher Landon
Producers: Oren Peli, Jason Blum

I viewed 2/11

The Final Destination (2009) R - 3 Stars

While this isn't the type of movie I normally reach for, it was a better horror movie than a lot I've seen. The director seems to have a knack for making the death scenes pop out in your face. I hear the 3D version amplifies this effect.

A teenage boy has a premonition that he and his friends will be killed watching a car race. He urges them to leave before the accident occurs but now discovers each will meet their own demise, exactly as it should have been in the first place.

Nick O'Bannon (Bobby Campo), and his girl friend Lori (Shantel VanSanten), are attending a car race at McKinley Speedway with their friends Hunt (Nick Zano), and Janet (Haley Webb). While sitting in the audience, Nick gets a strange premonition that an accident will happen causing many injuries in the area they are sitting. As he notices other people in the audience like the racist Carter Daniels (Justin Welborn), and his wife Cynthia (Lara Grice), the cowboy Jonathan Grove (Jackson Walker), a mechanic Andy Kewzer (Andrew Fiscella), his girlfriend Nadia Monroy (Stephanie Honore), MILF Samantha Lane (Krista Allen) and her husband (Phil Austin), all interacting around him, he gets a vision that one of the cars will loose a wheel, hurling it straight into the crowd. He convinces his friends and the security guard George Lanter (Mykelti Williamson), to leave just in the nick of time. But two of the survivors end up dying and Nick starts retracing the time frame of the event to see who's may be next.

Practical Pictures, Parallel Zide, Soundelux, New Line Cinema
Director: David R. Ellis
Writer: Eric Bress
Producers: Craig Perry, Warren Zide

I viewed 10/10

Case 39 (2010) R - 3 Stars

Case 39 shows the power of letting something get inside your head. You can become your own worst enemy driving yourself crazy with illusions of fear. In this "Orphan" styled case, the fear is the devil himself packaged with large blue eyes and a sweet tender voice. Seen so many times before, its a decent, but still yet another, thriller about the devil lurking close by. My favorite scene takes place inside a bathroom.

Emily Jenkins (Renée Zellweger), is a social case worker with a big heart and a full agenda. Her boss Wayne (Adrian Lester), just handed her yet another file; case #39. She tosses it aside but can't help opening the cover. A tiny 10 year old girl named Lillith Sullivan "Lily" (Jodelle Ferland), cries out to her from the behind the manilla file. Emily makes an appointment to meet with the family. While being interviewed, Lily confides to Emily that she fears her parents are plotting her demise. Emily gives Lily her personal number to call at the first sign of trouble.

Emily is awakened by a call from Lily saying her parents have drugged her and planning to send her to the fires of hell. Having met the suspicious parents earlier, she grabs her coat and races to Lily's home also notifying Detective Barron (Ian McShane), her friend in the police department. As they arrive, the parents have Lily taped inside the oven trying to set her a blaze. The parents are taken into custody and Lily is allowed to go home with Emily where she can live in a safe environment as the wait for a proper loving home to accept her. Soon after Lily moves in, trouble starts with Lily's suspicious behavior. Emily's small circle of friends, like almost boyfriend and co-worker Doug (Bradley Cooper), and other case loads, are tragically popping up dead. She must now open dark secrets of her past, facing her own fears if she is to stand up to this tiny package of joy.

Misher Films, Anonymous Content, Paramount Vantage Pictures
Director: Christian Alvart
Writer: Ray Wright
Producers: Kevin Misher, Steve Golin

I viewed 1/11