Review of The Tall Man (2012) by Ricky R — 19 Oct 2012

Billing The Tall Man as a horror film is a major mistake because it is anything but. Sure, it begins as a horror film does but after the initial thirty minutes of thrills and chills it evolves into something beyond the genre scope, the story fleshing out to be something much deeper than a routine cat and mouth thriller.

This is a movie that has an unexpected pulse beneath its thriller exterior, something that lends it a little extra emotional oomph. Jessica Biel undeniably shines in her role as the victim that gets the film flowing.

At the film's center is a social commentary that, at times, is a bitter pill to swallow. Until the film creeps to its conclusion, this commentary seems unappologetically one-sided. Therin lies one of the film's biggest problems.

While Biel does a stellar job, the film should have actually focused more on Jodelle Ferland's character, as it certainly would have added a little extra depth to an already deep movie. As a thriller, it works well.

As an emotional drama, it also delivers. Saddly, for those who expect a horror film, this will ultimately disappoint.