Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Movie review: Before I Wake

 
 Still recovering from the death of their young son, Mark and Jessie welcome orphan Cody into their life with the hope he will help them move on even as they give him love and a home. Soon they realize something strange is happening and Cody has abilities they never anticipated.

Thomas Jane (Mark), Kate Bosworth (Jessie), Jacob Tremblay (Cody), Annabeth Gish (Natalie), Topher Bousquet (Canker Man), Dash Mihok (Whelan), Jay Karnes (Peter).

Before I Wake launches by showing us where Mark and Jessie are in their lives and, due to the death of their son, why. The couple is then presented with the opportunity to adopt Cody, a young boy left alone after the death of his mother. Their first night with Cody the couple are amazed by multicolored butterflies throughout the house, which dissolve when Cody wakes. Things only get stranger as Mark and Jessie realize the depth of his abilities and how they can impact reality.

Acting was reasonably good with Jane delivering as usual. Bosworth was enjoyable and seemed to work well with others. Tremblay was solid and delivered his unusual role well. Bousquet, Mihok, and the remainder of the cast were solid.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good with most of the film taking place on just a few sets. Effects were nicely done and added good depth to the film. Dialogue was okay and moved the plot along at a decent pace. Sound and soundtrack are mediocre.

Overall Before I Wake is at best a mediocre horror flick with a storyline that feels recycled from other films. And frankly, the film does a poor job of bringing the horror. Instead we find a more emotional journey with bits of horror that tease us to keep watching for more. Those hoping for an intense horror flick will likely be disappointed.

With some violence and disturbing images, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 7.30.18
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Thrillers, Supernatural Thriller

copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel

No comments:

Mine mine mine!!!!

Blog disclaimer and copyright information. . .

-I hope to make this blog revenue generating in the future and as such any posts found here may be paid posts. If you want to pay me to post for you, let me know!
-Content may change over time resulting in inaccuracies. I also make mistakes, some will be here.
-I have no control over what is at the other end of any links you may find here.
-Film pictures, dvd covers, film banners or whatever you like to call them are copied here from widely available public locations. I did not create them nor do I own them.
-Any files, programs or downloadables are provided only for convenience and fun. I in no way warrant, represent, or otherwise imply they won’t cause you problems. Use at your own risk! If your computer blows up I don’t want to even hear about it.
-Reviews posted here are my opinion and meant as informational for prospective viewers and are not meant to malign, defame, or otherwise harm anyone or anything. They also are not meant as advice or counsel , not necessarily factual or absolute, and the author will not be held responsible for the results of their use.
-Comments are NOT the opinion of this author, nor is he responsible or liable for the comments or their results. I will try to moderate them in a reasonable (to me) manner.
-Translation of any portion of this blog may result in other than desirable language for which the author is not responsible. Furthermore, I’m not an English major so there will be bad grammar and punctuation found here. There may also be language that is intentionally objectionable to support my opinions. Tough.
-Copyright: All reviews and opinions expressed here by the author are owned by the author. Please enjoy reposting and/or linking, I ask only that you give proper credit and inform me you have used my content for your own pleasure and devious purposes.
-Legal limit on damages: .02 cents, U.S. (Yes, I will give you my 2 cents worth if you abuse me in court).