Review of Friend Request (2016) by Johnny T — 04 Jan 2017

A schlocky and charmless horror film with demonic overtones, Friend Request doesn't have the wit to develop what might have been an interesting idea. It's slickly made but shoddily scripted, with sub-reality TV dialogue ("This chick is just damaged") and a range of unengaged, soapy performances. While social media is increasingly coming under the microscope for engendering insecurity among young people, cinema is yet to deliver a truly chilling meditation on its insidious impact. All in all, there really isn't anything new in this film. Rather, it's a very standard horror film which attempts to be modern by incorporating social media deeply into its lack-of-plot. CGI wasps and coloured contact lenses aren't as terrifying as director Simon Verhoeven seems to think, and all the loud bangs in the world can't hide the lack of tension. Although there are some fun jolts and gruesome shocks to be had, Friend Request struggles to find anything new to say, feeling instead like something you'd half-remembered from a decade ago. The dread this could engender is not too strong and although there is some gore, it is not horribly horror-ific and is probably best suited to teen horror newbies. Genre aficionados might find it rather tame. Friend Request is a thoroughly unpleasant and somewhat laughable horror movie with a warning to young folks at its core: be careful whom you friend on Facebook.

VERDICT: "Not So Hot" - [Negative Reaction] These films are truly terrible films. They are not the worst things ever made, but they are definitely awful and should not be seen by anyone. (Films that are rated 1.5 or 2 stars).