Review of The Forest (2016) by Andrewmiles — 25 Feb 2016

The Suicide Forest. Sounds intriguing right? After hearing the plot to this movie I was instantly drawn into this possibly great horror/thriller film. Despite this very interesting plot I walked into the theater with very low expectations.

That mindset proved helpful from the second the movie began. Not only was the opening scene shaky but my friend sat in old ketchup. I could tell this movie was doomed. Let me go into more detail about the film. The main character Sara must venture to Japan in hopes of finding her twin sister Jess who mysteriously disappeared in the "Suicide Forest". With the help of a local guide and another mysterious traveler, Sara and her new friends endeavor into the forest. To the movies benefit the Suicide Forest does in fact exist which gave it a very eerie and realistic feel. After endless jump scares which only had an impact because of the booming sound in the theater, I realized I had wasted my money.

Now I realize the movie was not all about jump scares and more of a psychological fear but it was extremely predictable. At times the movie honestly felt like a Scream movie when the main character makes the obviously poor decision to do exactly what everyone warns her not to do. As an avid movie goer I don't usually regret a ticket purchase, this was certainly a first.

Overall this movie had great potential. I do give credit to the actors for doing their best with poor directing choices. This movie was definitely not for me, and I doubt it was for many people. It's always disappointing to have a movie with such potential just rot away in the box office. Personally I hope someone tries this again, but with a much more interesting style. The average movie fan may be scared because of the jump scares, but I do not recommend this to the avid movie goer.