Directed and Written by : M. Night Shyamalan
Starring : Olivia DeJonge, Ed Oxenbould, Deanna Dunagan, Peter McRobbie, Kathryn Hahn
Release Date : September 9, 2015
There's a lot of negativity towards M. Night Shyamalan because of two specific reasons. He always relies on a plot twist in his stories, and he has made a string of movies that a lot of people seem to hate. "The Visit" does indeed have a plot twist, but to my surprise, I actually did not hate this movie. What a twist! I wouldn't say it's necessarily a great movie, but it's not bad either. I would argue that this might even be the best movie he's made since 2000's "Unbreakable." I did not even mind the two camera documentary found footage style of the movie either, and that's quite a feat to accomplish.
If there's one thing that might throw people off with this movie though, is that there are two very distinct tones to it. There's the mysterious and suspenseful aspect to it, but there are several moments of lightheartedness and comedy as well. I didn't mind it at all, and if anything else, I thought it's sense of humor was a good comforting contrast to the uncomfortable and creepy scenes this movie did have. The mystery of what's going on with the grandparents will keep the viewers watching, and the funny scenes are entertaining enough to keep people's guard down until that next jump scare moment.
What helped make this movie worked really well is the cast. Olivia DeJonge as the confidently smart young film maker, and Ed Oxenbould as the comedy relief rapping younger brother, make a fantastic team for us to follow. Peter McRobbie as the unassuming Grand Father is good as well, but it's Deanna Dunagan as the unpredictable Grand Mother that absolutely steals the movie. The elderly may seem frail and just too old, but this movie shows that they can still be scary and terrifying when they need to be.
As with many movies such as this, it's hard to talk too much about "The Visit" without spoiling the story. The movie's surprises are what makes it worth checking out.
lovedit ENJOYED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible
