By snoadmin
Nothing beats going to see a scary movie with your friends. There is always anxiety of finding out what’s behind that dark corner, even though viewers know something is going to jump out at any moment.
Guillermo Del Toro’s “Don’t be Afraid of the Dark” is an adaptation of the 1973 television movie of the same name. The new film centers on Sally (Bailee Madison), and the trouble she encounters when moving into a home that is being renovated by her father (Guy Pierce), and his interior-decorating girlfriend (Katie Holmes).
The trouble begins while Sally explores the creepy new mansion and encounters a hidden basement in the garden. Strange noises in the night and voices calling her name soon evolve into violent attacks on Sally by mysterious creatures, as well as the other people in the house.
Although Guillermo Del Toro did not direct this film, as the writer of the screenplay, one can certainly see some of Del Toro’s signature “creepiness” interlaced throughout the film. The opening credits are accompanied by Tim Burton-esque music, and the entire movie has an old-timey horror flick feel, much like “Insidious” or “Drag Me to Hell.” Though there isn’t much background on the characters, the movie doesn’t need it.
Madison does a phenomenal job communicating Sally’s anguish in her most vulnerable state, and anchors the movie. Holmes’ capability to develop her character, in spite of the lack of story background was the most surprising. Holmes is able to get the audience to sympathize with her and the way her character tried to help Sally.
Pierce’s character is purely two-dimensional. The way the screenplay was written is supposed to focus the audience’s attention on Sally, with the other characters serving almost as minor set pieces in each scene.
These characters could not be thrown in a more perfect backdrop: A gloomy middle-of-nowhere Rhode Island surrounded by a foggy lake and the ironclad gates of this grand estate loom in the distance. The house plays a vital role in the movie and is everything one can expect from a modern haunted mansion. With a beautiful entranceway, a grand staircase and multiple rooms.
Overall, “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” packs a great bag of scares, as well as a new outlook on some old stories.
Disclaimer: The Daily 49er is not responsible for Postings made on www.daily49er.wpengine.com. Persons commenting are solely responsible for Postings made on this website. Persons commenting agree to the Terms of Use of the website. If Postings do not abide by the Rules of Conduct or Posting Regulations as listed in the Postings Policy, the Daily 49er has all rights to delete Postings as it deems necessary. The Daily 49er strongly advises individuals to not abuse their First Amendment rights, and to avoid language suggestive of hate speech. This site also encourages users to make Postings relevant to the article or other Postings.
