The Remains (2016) Directed by Thomas Della Bella
It's always a shame to see a movie that does a lot of things right, yet doesn't manage to work out as a very good movie. This movie is a perfect example of that, in my opinion.
It's true that the movie in its core and essence really isn't anything all that special. I mean, it features a very basic sort of plot and has a lot of the familiar genre clichés in it as well. Yet it's a pretty good looking movie, that also never comes across as one that got made by people why didn't had a good idea of what they were doing. The acting, the directing, the cinematography, the effects, it's all quite professional and pretty good but the movie obviously is not without its glaring mistakes and weaknesses either.
First of all, yes, it's a pretty big problem for the movie that it's such an incredibly clichéd and standard one, that tries very hard to be like any other modern popular horror movie, such as "The Conjuring" and "Insidious". It brings absolutely nothing new to the table and it's disappointing how the movie isn't even trying to do anything creative or surprising with its main concept and story lines. It makes the movie predictable but not just that, the execution of all of its predictable elements remain lacking as well.
There basically never is a good or effective enough buildup to anything. Not to its mystery, not to its drama and most definitely not to the horror either. It relies too much on its atmosphere and an handful of jump-scares but that of course isn't enough to make a great horror with. And I say an handful of jump-scares, which in this case is literal. There is far too little happening in this movie, especially in regard to its horror. As a matter of fact, if I were living in that house I probably wouldn't even call it haunted but 'odd' instead. Nothing too extreme or scary is ever happening in it (not until the very end anyway). A direct result of its poor buildup and handling of things.
Story-wise, a lot of things just don't add up. There are lots of loose ends and because the movie relies mostly on clichés and things we already are, oh so, familiar with, the movie never seems to feel the need to delve into things and explain every aspect. Because of this the things that happen toward the end of the movie also feel too sudden and far too random. As a matter of fact, if it weren't for the ending I would have giving the movie a slightly higher rating Up to that point the movie was a very standard and average one but at least it was one that was a better looking and slightly more professional feeling movie than just the average genre attempt.
Things were really looking good and promising for this movie but in the end it unfortunately is nothing more than an extremely formulaic haunted house flick, that does absolutely nothing surprising or anything to scare you out of your wits.
4/10
Watch trailer
It's true that the movie in its core and essence really isn't anything all that special. I mean, it features a very basic sort of plot and has a lot of the familiar genre clichés in it as well. Yet it's a pretty good looking movie, that also never comes across as one that got made by people why didn't had a good idea of what they were doing. The acting, the directing, the cinematography, the effects, it's all quite professional and pretty good but the movie obviously is not without its glaring mistakes and weaknesses either.
First of all, yes, it's a pretty big problem for the movie that it's such an incredibly clichéd and standard one, that tries very hard to be like any other modern popular horror movie, such as "The Conjuring" and "Insidious". It brings absolutely nothing new to the table and it's disappointing how the movie isn't even trying to do anything creative or surprising with its main concept and story lines. It makes the movie predictable but not just that, the execution of all of its predictable elements remain lacking as well.
There basically never is a good or effective enough buildup to anything. Not to its mystery, not to its drama and most definitely not to the horror either. It relies too much on its atmosphere and an handful of jump-scares but that of course isn't enough to make a great horror with. And I say an handful of jump-scares, which in this case is literal. There is far too little happening in this movie, especially in regard to its horror. As a matter of fact, if I were living in that house I probably wouldn't even call it haunted but 'odd' instead. Nothing too extreme or scary is ever happening in it (not until the very end anyway). A direct result of its poor buildup and handling of things.
Story-wise, a lot of things just don't add up. There are lots of loose ends and because the movie relies mostly on clichés and things we already are, oh so, familiar with, the movie never seems to feel the need to delve into things and explain every aspect. Because of this the things that happen toward the end of the movie also feel too sudden and far too random. As a matter of fact, if it weren't for the ending I would have giving the movie a slightly higher rating Up to that point the movie was a very standard and average one but at least it was one that was a better looking and slightly more professional feeling movie than just the average genre attempt.
Things were really looking good and promising for this movie but in the end it unfortunately is nothing more than an extremely formulaic haunted house flick, that does absolutely nothing surprising or anything to scare you out of your wits.
4/10
Watch trailer
