I've thought about writing this article for some time now but I think it is now time to discuss my opinion on the film, Sinister.
The first time I saw the film was at a midnight showing at our local theater with two of my good friends. They are both very much into horror as I am so I knew it would be a good time and we were all stoked about seeing the film. I had very little knowledge about the film going into it aside from a review on it listening to a radio show earlier that day.
As the film begins you're automatically shown the first super 8 family video, which we later find out is called "Family Hanging Out" and is followed by the title of the film. There's no music playing or talking, you're just set up with this image. It's a messed up and creepy way to start a movie and it draws you right in.
A fun fact about this movie, it was all based around a dream the writer had after he saw "The Ring". In this dream he found a film in his attic. This film contains the hanging of an entire family exactly like the first scene of the actual Sinister film. Also, a bonus fact, the tree they are hung from and is through out the film is actually fake.
I've heavily recommended this movie to close friends and friends I know that are into the horror genre. There are however flaws that most horror movies these days fall victim of. The dreaded predictable jump scare and a creepy long black haired villain that looks like he's from a black metal group.
What I Enjoy:
The reason I give so much praise to this film is mainly because of the soundtrack. Without the music being so eerie, the film would fall short. The music is incredible and goes perfectly with the other feel of the film. My favorite scene that is a perfectly example is the Super 8 film entitled "BBQ".
If you have seen this film, you know that the Super 8 home made shorts make this movie as well. The scene that got me in the theater the most was the lawnmower scene. A video so simple that leaves you imagining the rest. I remember as the lawnmower was going in this scene and knowing exactly what was about to happen and still jumping. That makes a good movie.
Aside from the disturbing content of the videos and the creepy music, I feel as though this movie is not a complete carbon copy of most movies these days. It's not a remake. The story is somewhat original. The "plot twist" is kind of given away after the cop character looks up background information for the main character but besides that, I enjoy this film for what it is.
Flaws:
My opinion is that this film is great until the Buguul character or "Mr.Boogie" is introduced. It's a bit too clique. It does make the film come full circle into the incite of why the videos were made and why but in the same way, it does make it a tad lame. This also goes for the "ghost children" scene. The one where they're kind of dancing around Ethan Hawke. That's basically the largest flaw that I have with the movie. Although Mr. Boogie shows up around the middle of the film so I guess it's not a small one by any means.
All in All, this film has a character flaw and that's about it. I love showing this film to those who have not seen it and hearing their opinion of it. If you have not seen it yet, it's definitely worth a watch.
8/10
