Review of The Gallows (2015) by Bailey C — 13 Jul 2015

The Gallows was, for me, supposed to be an exciting opportunity to see a relatively new horror movie with a few friends so we can chat together, laugh together and have a few scares. The reality of seeing this movie, however, was a little different: this is the result of taking the found footage-style film making that has dominated the horror industry for the last 10-odd years and stretching it to the breaking point. The "jump scares" are many but are set up and executed at such a mind-bogglingly slow pace that to honestly receive a thrill from this movie is nearly impossible. In fact, the theatre erupted into applause and fits of laughter when the movie ended and we all walked out in stitches as an immediate result of how mediocre the movie really was.

Never before in a movie have I struggled so hard to retain interest and to stay awake from beginning to end. If anything, it is a noble achievement to have survived the entire film without falling asleep. Though I was on the brink of boredom the entire time.

Is this movie any good at all? If it's your first horror movie or if you're someone who is easily scared then perhaps this would be perfect for you. If you're a paranoid child who participated in the Charlie Charlie challenge a few weeks ago, then definitely see this movie because that entire campaign was nothing but mindless propaganda for this film. For anyone else, however, this movie is better left alone. Sorry guys, but this genre is overly stretched and exhausted and needs to be left behind once and for all.