Mini-review: Annabelle (2014)

Annabelle
Directed by John R. Leonetti

A horror movie that's probably only mildly creepy to audience members between the ages 3-9 (the rest should find it just plain silly). A not-really-follow-up to The Conjuring, but based on a sub-plot from the film surrounding a seemingly possessed doll -- the image of which being by far the "scariest" thing in the movie. About as creepy and atmospheric as a stack of pillows near a fireplace, and just like that statement, this movie may leave you thinking "um, what?" but you won't have any reason to be afraid of it.

Mini-review: Haunt (2013)

Haunt
Directed by Mac Carter

Usually when I give a low rating for a movie, it's because of all the things it does wrong -- and to an extent that's the case here. But here it's largely due to the complete lack of *right*: nothing about this movie is even remotaly original or memorable in any way. The acting is mediocre, the music is forgettable, there is no atmosphere to be heard or, the jump-scares are ineffective and this same basic story has been done to death a thousand times over. Just don't waste your time with this unless you think great horror is lack of build-up followed by things occasionally jumping out at you for about an hour and a half.