Josh, Renai, and their children have just moved into a new home when their son Dalton falls into a coma. As strange things begin to happen, then turn dangerous, the family moves again believing their house is haunted. But then the manifestations follow they realize there is something more happening. Struggling to find out what is happening the couple find their problems have only just begun.
Patrick Wilson (Josh), Rose Byrne (Renai), Ty Simpkins (Dalton), Lin Shaye (Elise), Leigh Whannell (Specs), Angus Sampson (Tucker), Barbara Hershey (Lorraine), Joseph Bishara (Demon), Philip Friedman (Old Woman).
Insidious looks mild enough at first but ended up being a nice surprise. After some mild plot setup, character development, and the requisite drama the film started flowing with some excellent BOO scenes and freaky action scenes. Before long we have forgotten the slow start and are glued to the screen trying not to miss anything. Excellent use of background objects in the film are fun and add good depth. See if you can spot the boy in the background, or the Saw references which should be no surprise as this film had the same Director, James Wan. The film finishes with a mild but nicely done ending.
Acting was pretty good with Wilson delivering a bit better than usual. Byrne added good energy and seemed to have nice chemistry with Wilson. Simpkins did very well considering his age, and Shaye was a good addition along with Hershey. The remainder of the supporting cast did well and brought good depth to the film.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were nicely done but the star in this one is the special effects. Action scenes along with creature effects were very nicely done. Rather than just throwing effects at the screen a lot of things were added subtly to the background forcing your attention to the film. Dialogue and sound were well done but the soundtrack was just plain irritating. Fighting cats would have sounded better.
Overall Insidious is a nicely done horror flick that will give younger viewers a good scare without keeping them up all night. Good choice for family movie night if you all enjoy horror flicks.
Including violence, frightening images and concepts, and some foul language this should be fine for kids 15 yrs old and above.
Insidious is no longer showing in any Littleton Colorado movie theatres.
Released: 2011
Reviewed: 8.13.11
Star rating: 4 out of 5
copyright ©2011 Dave Riedel
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