Reviewing Director Robby Henson's House so You Don't Have To

Jack Singleton (Reynaldo Rosales) and Randy Messarue (J. P. Davis) are the best selling authors of millions upon millions of horror novels but once they are in the midst of a real terrifying experience their writing experience cannot help either of them. Two couples find themselves in a darkly lit bed and breakfast that appears to be more of a prison than a homestyle retreat. With the owners hell bent on making these visitors stay, permanently both couples must find a way out of this nightmare. As Singleton and Messarue realize that this hotel seems eerily similar to a collaboration that they both wrote they must use their wits to find a way out of this mazelike "House (Real)."

A stalker by the name of Tin Man (Michael Madsen) is soon chasing four friends; up and down stairs, into meat lockers, and through dozens of bedrooms, but this is about more than killing, much more. Since, God promises to let them live if they produce a dead body by the next morning; friends turn on each other to find a way out of the horror. With flashbacks from the past resurfacing and each character fighting to stay alive solace can only be found in each other (Real)!

Release Date: November 7, 2008 (limited).

Starring: Michael Madsen, Bill Moseley, Allana Bale, Leslie Easterbrook and J. P. Davis.

Director: Robby Henson.

Previews: 'I walked into the movie expecting to give it one star, or lower. Instead, it was just mediocre.' Austin Kennedy, Sin Magazine (Rotten).

"Thankfully, the villains...keep things entertaining when they're on-screen, but too often take a backseat to tediously obvious flashback sequences." Luke Y. Thompson L.A. Weekly (Rotten).

And now for the review...

"House," is not a complete right off, but when the story does not really know where it is going and the characters mostly look dumb struck this is movie that does not really need a viewing. Although, if you are a die-hard horror fan and looking for a below the radar type of movie, then "House," might be the movie for your. The dark lighting of the picture take away from movie environments and the use of flashbacks break-up the story to such a degree that pacing shows affect. On the other hand, it is great to see actor Bill Moseley and Leslie Easterbrook team up again from "The Devil's Rejects," fame, but rarely are they on the screen together. As well, the music or score is unrememberable, but the sound effects do link up and do not show obvious dubbing (House).

To describe "House," with a few words it would be; frustrating, thoughtless, unfrightening, disappointing and funny. Nevertheless, "House," is rarely boring. The intensity once under way does not back down til the end. The plot, without giving away spoilers is somewhat original, and does not completely fall flat. As well, the ending is unconventional, while being a bit of a let down. Some of the scenes that stand out include an initial dinner setting, a father/son hunting scene flashback, and a gunfight in a garage. Many of the other scenes involving running or dodging axe swings are forgettable as they add little to the story (House).

If you are shopping around in a discount bin at your local movie storie then "House," might be worth a pick up if it is under three to four dollars (how often are movies under five dollars). Otherwise, use this review as a warning to leave this film alone and spend your time viewing something much more worthwhile films like; "Eden Lake," "Mr. Brooks," or even the vampire flick "Let the Right One In." You will be glad you did.

Preview for "House,":


Sources:

House at RealMovies.com


House at Rottentomatoes.com

House. Dir. Robby Henson. Perf. Michael Madsen. 2008. DVD.

Posted in: 2008,Allana Bale,bill moseley,horror,house,J. P. Davis,Leslie Easterbrook,Michael Madsen,november,review,robby henson,trailer