Comments on: The House of the Devil

By: charlotte simmons

charlotte simmons — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:24:34 +0000

I’m surprised by all the gushing reviews for this movie. I am watching it right now, having rented it from IO for a whopping $6.45. Wooden acting, stiff dialogue, clear absences of a competent editor, and meaningless scenes create a boring movie. It seems that the creators of this movie fancy themselves as independent film types. Nothing could be further from the truth. I already mentioned that the script was stiffly written. “Ah, I see you’ve met. Excellent.” The lack of editing creates a slow pace that drags on and on. The star, who resembles Karen Allen, is lovely to watch but not exactly inspired, or a good actress.

Do yourself a favor- wait for it on HBO, but don’t pay to see this movie.
Rating: 1 / 5

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:45:47 +0000

I am only reviewing the movie here since the Blu Ray is not out yet. All I need to say is that this movie was fantastic.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: C. Parker

C. Parker — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:52:35 +0000

This movie was awful, and I am a fan of the horror genre. It was boring to the point where I nearly turned it off, and kept checking to see how much time was left. All of the action was in the final 15 minutes, and at that point it was too late. It was poorly produced, and the acting was so horrible I thought it was a joke.

trust me – do not waste your money on this movie, it was terrible!
Rating: 1 / 5

By: Automated Message

Automated Message — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:57:09 +0000

While not as boring a “horror” movie as, say, “Let the Right One In,” be assured that “House of the Devil” will have you nodding off like a champ by, say, the 42-minute mark. Oh, and that thing about the movie being based on a true story is a complete joke.

On top of that, by now everybody who does not have their head up their poop chute should know that satanic cults are nothing more than fat guys eating cheese curls in their basement, listening to Slayer and playing D&D — and maybe plotting new ways to blow up fish in the family aquarium when mommy’s not in on the game.

But, boy howdy! If I didn’t adhere to a strict 1- or 5-star rating policy (because life is black and white, never gray), I would probably give this movie 2 stars just because of Jocelin Donahue, the hottest new actress to come along in years. Seriously, folks. I can’t wait for her to act in a real film. If you’re reading this, Jocelin, holler at me!
Rating: 1 / 5

By: David J. Price

David J. Price — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:30:13 +0000

The movie indeed sets a very eerie tone and menacing feel much like many of the 1980's horror films.

However, the pacing of the movie is problematic at best and the overall symmetry of the narrative is not proportionally attributable to a well developed narrative structure.

The early development is almost too overdone with the mundane with the payoff not being substantive enough for the time invested on the former. Narrative questions remain and the lack of exposition does not add to the sinister but to the underdeveloped.

The acting was very well done in general but the overdose of suspense in this case (yes, I know that is rare these days but suspense overdone is just as bad as a lack thereof) took away from the execution of the climax to the extent that the built up tension ultimately did not even matter.

To only utilize Dee Wallace as essentially an extra is a sin, you should know better, shame on you!

Rating: 2 / 5