(2013) ***
Newlyweds Cory and Sarah decide to spend some time in their vacation home and they bring Cory’s sullen son, Liam, along for the trip so he can acclimate to his father’s new bride. Soon after arriving it becomes clear that people have been squatting in their home. There are dishes in the sink, holes in the walls and Liam’s (giant) stuffed animals are missing. A conversation with a local cop proves to be useless as they are reassured that the squatters are (probably) long gone. After going to bed that night Liam goes missing. It becomes a race against time as Cory and Sarah frantically search for Liam. Soon the cop is killed, Sarah is injured, and it is revealed that the squatters have cut off the heads of Liam’s stuffed animals and are wearing them as (terrifying) masks.
Aping ‘The Strangers’ and ‘You’re Next’, Torment never rises above its derivative roots. The masks are terrifying and there is actually a (somewhat convoluted) motive (unlike the nihilistic ‘The Strangers’) however the film is never able to stand on its own or make any memorable distinctive mark. This isn’t to say that the film is not enjoyable; however there are no real surprises. Clocking in at 70 minutes this is perfect Horrorthon fodder.
4 comments:
Let me guess - Liam resents the fact that his father is getting remarried and is annoying about it? Bah, I still feel that the home invasion genre still has much to offer but this doesn't sound like it's worth going out of my way to watch. My favorite home invasion movies are Kidnapped and High Tension.
Sounds mediocre, I've grown tired of mediocrity. I want something that surprises me and challenges my intellect.
I think I'll stick with You're Next and skip this one.
I'm in the "skip it" group.
Post a Comment