Review of Grave Encounters (2011) by Sean L — 15 Aug 2012
Found footage screamers have been around long enough to develop their own unique set of stereotypes, and this one carries an armload of them. In following a small group of boldly stupid reality TV producers, out to capture cheap footage of supernatural events, it uncovers the requisite amount of creepy crawlies and recycled scares by way of night vision lens and shaky hand-held camera.
It deserves credit for finding a great setting (an abandoned mental institution that might be a cliche if it weren't so effective) and for resisting the urge to go completely over the top during the closing scenes.
Too many good setups of this kind are blown on an indulgent final act, (Paranormal Activity, I'm looking at you here) so it's nice to see one that's able to keep its chills relegated to short, efficient bursts.
The entire cast is thoroughly unsympathetic, though, and their intrepid leader is the worst of the worst. May not tread any new ground, but it also doesn't stumble over any tripwires.
This review of Grave Encounters (2011) was written by Sean L on 15 Aug 2012.
Grave Encounters has generally received mixed reviews.
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