Review of Event Horizon (1997) by Thequietgamer — 04 Oct 2016

Space is just a great setting for horror. The sense of isolation and "how do I get home?" mentality add an atmosphere of hopelessness to already bleak circumstances. The futuristic technology that comprises the scenery of these dark, cold ships can be haunting in ways that those creepy mansions just can't. Event Horizon has all of that, but while other sci-fi horror flicks take the standard alien(s) approach, this one goes for a more paranormal angle.

Does this allow Event Horizon to change the game and bring a new level of horror to outer space? No, not really. When it comes to actual horror, this movie just isn't scary. That's mostly because it can be kind of dumb. However, even the face of it's occasional ineptitudes in writing, it's great premise and liberal amounts of blood and WTF moments make it quite a bit of fun.

The cast is on point as far as performances go. Granted the characters they're playing aren't much to speak of, but they give it their all with what they were given. It's also a really gorgeous film. Director Paul Anderson's visuals as far as the ship goes are gorgeously futuristic and unnerving. This is one creepy ship. Not all of the CGI has aged well, but the practical effects still look really good. The blood and gore is still pretty nasty to this day.

So how about that plot? Well, like I said the characters aren't well written individuals. Just faces to suffer through the events. The events themselves are pretty entertaining. While you basically get the core idea of what's going on, there are other elements happening that go unexplained. The whole thing ramps up at such a ridiculous pace that the lack of explanation is only more noticeable. By the time the blood really starts flowing all of the crazy crap happening onscreen starts to seem just so dumb. The movie starts off with this kind of creepy vibe reminiscent of the Alien series and makes you think that things will get scary. However it's not long before you realize that it just won't and will end up relying on blood and creepy spaceship imagery to deliver it's thrills.

While all of that is a disappointment, the movie is still able to deliver it's thrills. Just not the scary kind. It's an out there and visually stunning ride. One that's stupid crazy enough to keep you watching. Anderson may not be able to deliver the writing or frights necessary to make a truly great horror film, but he's able to make an absurdly fun one. You may be required to check your brain at the door, but if you just want to see some nasty stuff happening in the truly creepy expanse known as outer space, then give Event Horizon a shot. It's one trip through the galaxy that's way more fun than it should be, lack of scares and all.

8.