Movie Monday - The House of the Devil

The House of the Devil (2009)

[Jocelin Donahue; Tom Noonan; Mary Woronov; Greta Gerwig; AJ Bowen; Dee Wallace]

Plot: A cash-strapped college student takes a babysitting job during a full lunar eclipse. She soon discovers that her employers are hiding a wicked, sick and twisted secret. Then she is in for the fight of her life

This is the movie that had horror blogs all a buzz not long ago. I agree that it is a good horror flick, but it might not appeal to the ADD-crowd.

The story starts off quietly, and keeps a slow pace almost until the very end. Don't expect a thrill-a-minute movie here. This one builds slow. And I am okay with that. I liked getting comfortable in the subdued, almost boring life of our lead babysitter.

It takes a wee bit of the suspension of belief to get us, and our heroine, into the situation where all Hell breaks loose. But when the film does kick in, the scares and thrills are good, albeit quick.

Minor plot holes aside, the late 70s/early 80s atmosphere is done well. I actually like the retro, no cell phones, time frame for movies like this. You could really be isolated back then, without all the technology we take for granted these days.



And the lead actress, Jocelin Donahue, does her job very well. She is likable and cute, but has an independent spirit. And, as all 'final girls' need be, she is a fighter. All we want in our horror-movie leading ladies, yes? I see big things in her future.

I guess, with all the build up this film has had, I was just hoping for it to be... more. That said, I can enjoy it for what it is. And I am sure I could go back to this one without those high expectations and enjoy it again. In fact, I look forward to a return trip to this House.

Recommended for horror fans, as well as those just looking for a good, old-fashioned, scary movie.