Review of The Babadook (2014) by James A — 02 Oct 2016
Where do I even start?
I think my biggest problem with this movie is the big hype raving "It's too sophisticated for jump scares!".
Don't get me wrong, a horror film does not need jump scares in order to be scary. But the cinematography had set the movie up for jump scares which then didn't deliver, leaving me frustrated. Jennifer Kent simply does not know how to direct. Then there was the part at the end: a beautiful Raimi-esque shot from the point of view of the monster ...only Jennifer Kent decided to put her own spin on it and have the monster RUNNING AWAY from Amelia. How ridiculous is that?! It just looked stupid.
The movie sets are brilliant: the house is dim and bleak, the animations from the pop up book look neat. Essie Davis is clearly a skilled actress and she gives a performance that ranges from sympathetic to disturbing to heroic. But the story and the shots and the blocking... it's just bad.
This review of The Babadook (2014) was written by James A on 02 Oct 2016.
The Babadook has generally received very positive reviews.
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