Day 17: Talk on the phone. Finish your homework. Watch T.V. Die …in The House of the Devil.
The House of the Devil is a slow, slow burn. Unfortunately, when it does pick up it has already been so long since anything exciting has happened the climax seems thrown in there at the end. As if the first hour and a half is one movie and the finale is separate. I wanted more build to that climax, there were honestly maybe only one or two clues before our Samantha is actually in danger. When the danger does happen it happens way too quickly, 0 to 100 in less than a minute. One positive takeaway would be the 1980’s representation. The editing, typography, and soundtrack work as an excellent homage.
-Christopher Patterson
This movie is supposed to happen in the 80’s so the entire movie has an 80’s feel, even the credits. It’s a slow movie but I think it keeps the viewer interested enough to keep watching by building the suspense. There is satanic rituals in this movie, which I don’t like, but it isn’t throughout the movie. The only thing I didn’t like about this movie is the climax is so short. I felt like they could have drawn out the chase scenes, but I think they did want the movie to have a “slasher” feel to it. I’m not sure why this movie didn’t get more recognition when it came out. because I hadn’t heard of this movie till I saw it on this movie review.
-Charlie-
The House of the Devil was one that snuck past me. I think I stumbled across this one on Shudder a couple years ago. The poster and title caught my attention. Anything dark and culty in a haunted house will get my money, for better or for worse. Ti West, our homie responsible for The Innkeepers (mega fun) and Cabin Fever 2 (Not a favorite) both wrote and directed The House of the Devil. The 80’s throwback feel coupled with the suspense of the creepy home owners built this movie up to deliver a crazy intense ending that I can honestly say I didn’t see coming! If you’re a fan of creepy, occult 80’s movies, I’d recommend this one in a heartbeat.
-Josh T. Romero