Rating 15
Length 1h39
Release 27.5.2009
Director Sam Rami
About When loan officer Christine Brown refuses an old lady an extension on her loan, the lady places a curse of the Lamia upon Christine. Once cursed, Christine’s life is turned into a living nightmare.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Netflix
Trailer:
Trick
- The plot of this film hangs on Christine being cursed, which is all good if she’s deserving, but she really isn’t. It’s so stupid that it’s because of being denied a third loan extension.
The way its framed, no wonder people see it as a misogynist commentary of women seeking promotion and their inability to be cut throat.
Then when you consider how utterly soft the character of Christine is, it just doesn’t make sense and equally, to make her mean enough to be cursed you would then not root for her. - The CGI really hasn’t aged well at all. It’s that shiny sore thumb that sticks out against the practical effects.
- The running ‘gag’ of having something going into, or coming out of Christine’s mouth gets old, fast. I was done from the moment the Gypsy sucks on Christine’s chin. Nope, nope, nope! Not needed.
- I’m not so sure the prologue was necessary.
Treat
- Justin Long is brilliant in this as the supportive, but sceptical, boyfriend. Particularly that final scene, its brilliant to see him in something that’s not a comedy.
- Dileep Rao was a welcome addition to this film. While the only other film I’ve seen him in is Inception, I am surprised to have not seen him in more mainstream movies.
- The ending is rather brave and breaks the norm for a hero. It is not a successful ending for Christine. People may not like this, but I found it refreshing and ensures it remains as a stand alone.
Final Thoughts
Bit too off the wall with its gore and physical horror for my taste, but it’s a good effort.
The Queens of Geekdom 