Crazy Eights

(2006)***1/2

"Between 1954 and 1976, nearly 600 children were voluntarily submitted for participation in a number of behavioral studies. The experimental facilities were privately funded and tucked away in secluded regions of the south" ~ This is the title card at the beginning of this film and I just couldn't wait to see the place.

Don't you just want to know what is lurking in the dark?

Six of these children, now adults are reunited at the funeral of a friend (number seven). They decide to go on a venture to the facility where they lived to try and fill in the gaps from their past. I think you can see where this is going, right? Where is number eight? I mean you gotta know there is a number eight since it says it right in the title for christsakes. Okay so the setup is predictable, the venture to the secluded old abandoned facility, predictable. The inevitable venturing off of party members only to be pecked off one by one, predictable. Let's face it, as horror efficienados we have seen this plot over and over again. So why do filmmakers keep doing it? Because when it's done well, it works. The facility is scary as hell, the actors display genuine care for each other and their long term bond is successfully conveyed. I do so love a creepy old abandoned medical facility, even better if it's haunted. If you like sliding into your favorite chair and settling into a familiar plot done up right with good actors, decent fx and a great set then by all means give this film a go.