review by Aaron T. Rex Pro
The House of the Devil 2009
Rewatched Jul 10, 2012
Aaron T. Rex’s review:
I don't need weird deformed people doing messed up stuff in my horror films. Just don't like it. That being said, I can appreciate that the film is well made and the first half was pretty good. Good acting as well. Just not for me.
@Adam Cook: You definition of "forever" is my definition of perfect pacing.
@FilmApe, I like both of those films so I guess that's a good sign.
@Adam - it succeeded in creating tension and atmosphere for me with that first hour. After that I agree though, I was quite disappointed.
you=your
@FilmApe: I don't have a problem with a slow build in horror if it delivers on the atmosphere and characters which, for me, this did not . The fact Ti West is being hailed as the saviour of horror is incredibly worrying for me because I have seen nothing from him so far* to suggest he is either an original voice or can actually deliver something that is terrifying.
*I still haven't seen The Innkeepers though.
@Adam Cook: Anytime anybody is being referred to as the savior of a said genre it is over praise. I like Ti West because he takes the time to flesh out his main characters, not because he is some master of the horror genre, dishing out nightmares for everyone watching his films. Samantha in THOTD could have been attacked by a giant chicken and I would have been scared for her, simply because I feel a genuine connection to her character. Basically what I am tying to get across is that for me Ti West is a director I respect because he cares more about the journey than the destination.
I would be extremely interested in your thought on The Innkeepers. The consensus seems to be that it is worse than THOTD, though I do not subscribe to this way of thinking.
I loved this film but i think it is a love it or hate it kinda thing.
@grooveman, have you watched The Innkeepers? And if so, did you like it?
I'm with Filmape on the Ti West love. I also would be interested to hear Adam's thoughts on The Innkeepers.
@Aaron. I loved it. I'm actually hopefully going to re-watch it today.
Cool, I'll have to check it out soon myself.