When A Stranger Calls (2006)
Here Is What You Need To Know:
There is so much I don’t get in this film people. First of all, why in the name of God, do we need a remake of a film that pretty much everyone knows the ending to? You have to be like, what 15, to not know what the deal is with this film, I thought it was sort of a joke. But just incase you somehow missed how this film ends I won’t give it away. Here’s the deal. A) Babysitter B) Big House C) Scary stuff happens D) A phone E) Creepy sounding guy keeps calling F) A “twist ending,” well kinda of a twist ending, like 30 years ago anyway and G) “Have you checked the children?” Whatever!
What Was Cool:
The house and surrounding area are really what keep the audience from pulling out a gun and shooting themselves in the head and then having their ghost come back and kill anyone that might have been watching this film with them. Lance Henriksen is great as the “mysterious guy” on the phone, but he can only do so much.
What Was Stupid:
Most of the movie is just boring people, boring. When the action finally starts, its pretty fast paced and intense, but you are likely not to care one hoot (to borrow a old person phrase).
Camilla Belle plays the lead Jill and the casting couldn’t be much worse. Not only can see NOT act, but she is really rough on the eyes. Even if I was into manly unibrow gals, this would be a tough sale. I mention this mostly because of the stupidity of it all. The studio tried to pitch this girl as a sex symbol, she isn’t and I have my doubts they will ever be able to convince guys that she is. I would love to know how she got this job…
There is some really, truly irritating, repetitive product placement in the film as well that will likely drive you insane by the end.
The Film's Real Genius or Geniuses:
Apparently, there is a sequel in the works. Oh goody, whomever is behind that is a true genius.
Overlooked Performance/Accomplishment:
The architect that built the house that was used, or if it was a set, well then, those people are just amazing.
Story D-
Use of Science D (A few logic errors involving technology, here and there.)
Acting D
Portrayal of Women D (Okay, sure the heroine is running around kicking butt, but is she stupid as a brick or what!?)
Visuals and Special Effects C
Visuals-Set Design/Props B
Wardrobe/Costumes C
Style/Sex Appeal F
Enjoyability Grade D-
Home Theater/HD Factor C
Gut Check (Level of Studio Executive Guts) F
Overall Innovation F
Overall Grade D-
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