Insidious

Starring: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins, Lin Shaye, Angus Sampson, Barbara Hershey
Directed by: James Wan
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Horror, Thriller
2011

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A father (Patrick Wilson) and mother (Rose Byrne) suffer as their child lays in a coma. However, they soon begin to suspect the reason isn't medical- but supernatural.

Review:

Tim:
Insidious is a surprisingly effective horror movie that proves to be more intelligent and scary than you might expect. At first glance, this just seems like another horror movie, similar to the dozens that roll out every year. It certainly has a few cliche moments that remind you of the limits of the genre, but it also proves to be better than the average horror film. I enjoyed the movie.

My favorite aspect of the film is that it just feels unique. I love the alternative explanation offered, rather than simply talking about ghosts or demons haunting a person or a house. I love that this film took a different approach- one that does allow the film to stay recognizable, but offers it own interesting take. That made the movie feel different and refreshing, and it made a big difference on the overall quality.

I thought the cast was decent. Rose Byrne was very, very good as the mother dealing with supernatural visions as her child lays comatose. I thought she gave a strong, believable performance, and she made me nervous for her character in the film. That's what a horror movie heroine is supposed to do. I was less impressed with Patrick Wilson. He didn't do anything particularly bad, but I didn't exactly love his performance, either. It was too bland and forgettable. I loved seeing Barbara Hershey in the film. Her presence was a big boost, and it also gives it a hint of classic horror movie love (see The Entity).

I did feel pretty frightened at various points of the film. It does a good job of creating a creepy atmosphere. It reminded me of White Noise in some regards, although that movie was far, far scarier. I was surprised how much is eventually revealed in this film. Some of the revelations prove to be a bit silly (the Darth Maul looking guy wasn't nearly as scary when you saw him clearly), but for the most part, the movie does a good job of creating a suspenseful experience.

I went back and forth on the final rating for Insidious. I love the unique approach, the scary moments, the casting of Rose Byrne, and the effort this movie took to set itself apart as an intelligent horror movie (for an example, see that once the family gets a hint that they may be haunted, they actually move!). I didn't like that despite the unique twist, this movie does too often drop into your typical haunted horror movie. It gives the audience too much of what it expected to see when the bar was set very low. Still, I have to give this film credit. When so many horror movies disappoint, this is one that I enjoyed watching. I like this movie, and I think it's a definite success.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Paranormal Activity, The Entity, White Noise, Poltergeist