This film definitely keeps your attention, which is important for any film; however, I'm a viewer who often looks for a greater theme.
I really enjoyed the fact that the film takes place in the 70s, establishing a particular tone. Also, the setting, which is supposed to be Colorado, is in fact North Carolina, and adds to the eeriness in Stephen King fashion.
In short, the plot revolves around a brother and sister who are in middle school and live with their alcoholic father. One day, a classmate goes missing and it's correctly presumed that he's been kidnapped. Shortly thereafter, other kids begin to disappear, including the protagonist brother. The kidnapper is a mysterious masked man, who lures the kids with "magic tricks." While Finney, the protagonist brother, is held captive in a basement, he uses a disconnected phone to supernaturally communicate with the other victims. Will the ghosts on the other line help him escape? Watch the film to find out.
I'd like to know if other viewers at least expected the kidnapper to provide a motive, or some kind of moral to the story was supposed to ultimately be revealed. Honestly, I kind of wanted a bit of both. I think King and Shyamalan would have at least sought out some deeper theme, but hey, maybe there is one, and I just happened to have missed it. Maybe it's all pretty clear and I just felt a little underwhelmed.
Nonetheless, if you're looking for an engaging horror/thriller, I'd give it a watch.
I really enjoyed the fact that the film takes place in the 70s, establishing a particular tone. Also, the setting, which is supposed to be Colorado, is in fact North Carolina, and adds to the eeriness in Stephen King fashion.
In short, the plot revolves around a brother and sister who are in middle school and live with their alcoholic father. One day, a classmate goes missing and it's correctly presumed that he's been kidnapped. Shortly thereafter, other kids begin to disappear, including the protagonist brother. The kidnapper is a mysterious masked man, who lures the kids with "magic tricks." While Finney, the protagonist brother, is held captive in a basement, he uses a disconnected phone to supernaturally communicate with the other victims. Will the ghosts on the other line help him escape? Watch the film to find out.
I'd like to know if other viewers at least expected the kidnapper to provide a motive, or some kind of moral to the story was supposed to ultimately be revealed. Honestly, I kind of wanted a bit of both. I think King and Shyamalan would have at least sought out some deeper theme, but hey, maybe there is one, and I just happened to have missed it. Maybe it's all pretty clear and I just felt a little underwhelmed.
Nonetheless, if you're looking for an engaging horror/thriller, I'd give it a watch.