Movie review: The Chosen

When young Angie is inhabited by a demon her family struggles to find a solution and send the demon back to hell. The way out; sacrifice other blood family members in her place. But who to choose?

Kian Lawley (Cameron), Elizabeth Keener (Eliza), Angelica Chitwood (Caitlin), Chris Gann (Uncle Joey), Dayna Devon (Aunt Jean), Wiley Oscar (Jehoshua), Mykayla Sohn (Angie), Casey Knight (Randy), Emily Killian (Megan).

The Chosen starts off well enough with character introductions and plot setup before moving to the main storyline. As the plot evolves there are a few twists thrown in to keep things interesting, and leaving some of the family history out definitely keeps us guessing. Regardless, this one had the B-movie smell all over it and never did wash it off. Despite some misdirection, the story finally finishes where most of us thought it might after watching the first 20 minutes.

Acting was rough in this one. Lawley was okay but could definitely use some polish. Keener did not feel authentic in any way and added little to the film. Chitwood was okay but probably wouldn't hold up in a larger role. Gann was a mess and obviously out of his comfort zone. Sohn and the remainder of the cast were mediocre.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were pretty good. Though most of the film took place in a single home, it felt realistic and fit the film. Action scenes and CGI were fairly well done and enjoyable. Dialogue was thin, campy, and found to be lacking. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

Overall The Chosen is an entry level horror flick suffering from poor writing and casting. Technical work was decent but just couldn't overcome some of the other problems. Those who enjoy rough, unique, B-movie horror should enjoy this one.

With mild sexuality, blood, some foul language, and disturbing situations this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 8.3.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Thriller, B-movie, Supernatural horror

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel