SHUTTER (2008)
Official Site:
Cast: Rachael Taylor, Joshua Jackson Rating: MA15+ for Strong Suicide Scene, Horror Violence Tagline: The most terrifying images are the ones that are real!. Theatrical Release: May 15, 2008 DVD Release: January 22, 2009 BOX OFFICE: Initially planned for March 26 release, it was delayed until May 15. Opening with a #5 rank, the film averaged $5,919 at 72 sites with an opening of $426,148. 2nd weekend saw a 43% sale decrease. 3rd weekend sawn an unusually stable 11% decrease, which cracked the film to over $1 million. The film went on to have a mediocre gross of $1,335,104, but was more successful than other horror's that year that were released more widely. DVD Special Features:* Audio Commentary* Deleted / Alternate Scenes* 7 Featurettes |
Plot Synopsis, Review
Newlywed, Ben and Jane move to Japan for Ben's photography work, but when a mysterious image keeps appearing in Ben's photos, Jane takes some to a spirit photographer who informs her that a spirit is attached to them. Now, Jane must find out why the spirit is attached to them before it's too late.
Watchable. The film has an interesting premise, even if it doesn't live up to the expectations you would have, it still maintains consistency in keeping you watching, and keeping you guessing. While it's initially mood was FUN, it quickly turned errie as we got deep into the plot, and deep within the characters shoes. It had cheap set-ups, that rarely made you jump, but while they were expected to happen, you weren't to know when exactly. The ending was a little bland I thought, the small twist was an eye-opener but I think it failed because the character of "Ben" wasn't likeable in the first place. As far as Asian remakes go (The never ending catalogue), this doesn't stand out as the best, but doesn't sink as low as others
The plot was definately intriguing, and the film is a US remake of an Asian film. The character building was satisfying, giving a likability to "Jane", but not so much "Ben". I think the alternate ending (on the DVD) was better, giving us closure on "Jane", and the simplicity of it was also a slight let down.
The acting was good. Aussie "Rachael Taylor" starred as "Jane", and was great at being worried and normal, but when it came time to be frightened, I feel she wasn't quite as good. "Joshua Jackson" played "Ben", the arrogant husband, in which he played greatly.
Overall "Shutter" has some key scenes of brilliant character building and tension, but the cheap scares and simple ending was a let down. My rating is 2.5/5.
Watchable. The film has an interesting premise, even if it doesn't live up to the expectations you would have, it still maintains consistency in keeping you watching, and keeping you guessing. While it's initially mood was FUN, it quickly turned errie as we got deep into the plot, and deep within the characters shoes. It had cheap set-ups, that rarely made you jump, but while they were expected to happen, you weren't to know when exactly. The ending was a little bland I thought, the small twist was an eye-opener but I think it failed because the character of "Ben" wasn't likeable in the first place. As far as Asian remakes go (The never ending catalogue), this doesn't stand out as the best, but doesn't sink as low as others
The plot was definately intriguing, and the film is a US remake of an Asian film. The character building was satisfying, giving a likability to "Jane", but not so much "Ben". I think the alternate ending (on the DVD) was better, giving us closure on "Jane", and the simplicity of it was also a slight let down.
The acting was good. Aussie "Rachael Taylor" starred as "Jane", and was great at being worried and normal, but when it came time to be frightened, I feel she wasn't quite as good. "Joshua Jackson" played "Ben", the arrogant husband, in which he played greatly.
Overall "Shutter" has some key scenes of brilliant character building and tension, but the cheap scares and simple ending was a let down. My rating is 2.5/5.