Movie Reviews

The Visit - 9/11/15

M. Night Shyalaman. If any of you are still reading this after that first sentence, I thank you. Over the past few years, that name has become almost as infamous in film as Michael Bay. From the same man that brought masterpieces like 'The Sixth Sense' and 'Unbreakable,' he also gave to the world films like 'The Happening' and, ugghhh, 'The Last Airbender,' what many consider to be one of the worst adaptations in cinematic history. Today, however, we have, 'The Visit,' a found-footage horror-comedy that centers around two kids that meet their grandparents for the first time ever in a remote, countryside house. However, things soon become evident that something isn't quite right with Nana and Pop pop. So, does this film signal the return of what was once a great man, or is this one visit we shouldn't make anytime soon? Well......

The Plot: The story presented by the film is a basic one; kids go to meet grandparents, but grandparents are actually very creepy. I won't spoil the ending, but throughout the film, the basic plot actually helps the movie, as the smallness of the story makes the thriller element all the more potent. And it doesn't hurt that the film is a found-footage type, making the fear element all the more 'in-your-face' personal. The final element that I'll talk more about in a bit are the two main characters that the audience relates to, the kids, since they know as little about their grandparents as we do. Making the main characters in a thriller-movie young children is a good move, we're likely to be more afraid for them than we would be afraid for a middle-aged couple. Again, the plot isn't big in scope, but that's actually a good thing, as it gives plenty of room for the tone and setting to work their magic on the viewer.

The Characters: The good thing about having a small cast is that there is plenty of room to establish character and to develop said characters. The two kids, Rebecca and Tyler, actually come across as likeable, with their own interesting personalities. It's actually Rebecca's love of filmmaking that allows the audience to see the film in its found footage-format. And these two kids are the main source of the film's comedy, which is both a good and bad thing, as there are some moments that feel just a little bit forced. But the characters that really steal the show are Nana and Pop pop. I never knew elderly people could be so scary. There were some legitimate moments where my heart just stopped because of the performances those two were giving off.

Final Verdict: So, should you see this movie? YES YOU SHOULD. If only to convince yourself that Shyamalan still has it in him. I agree with what a lot of people and critics are saying in that this movie is a real return to form for the man. The price of admission is defiantely worth it. I'm not saying this movie is perfect, but you won't be dissatisfied.

Grade: B.