Regardless of being Chuck Russell’s return to the style, Witchboard is a generic, CGI-laden movie that seems like a shallow copy of higher movies.
PLOT: Emily and her associates discover a Witchboard within the woods. Utilizing it ends in lethal penalties. They need to cease it earlier than it’s too late.
REVIEW: Few movies within the horror style are extra entertaining than The Blob and A Nightmare On Elm Road 3: The Dream Warriors. They carry a fantastic mixture of over-the-top violence with humor. So I used to be ecstatic to see author/director Chuck Russell make his return to the style for the primary time in almost 25 years. Setting his sights on updating the 1986 movie Witchboard, which itself was a play on the favored Ouija board, this appears prime for the fashionable period. So, it’s upsetting for me to say that 2024’s Witchboard is a little bit of a large number.
When you’re hoping for some type of replace to the 1986 story, you’re in for disappointment as a result of we’re as an alternative given a narrative a couple of lady discovering the board and turning into possessed. Okay, that truly makes it sound extra like the unique, however add in a complete subplot of opening up a restaurant and a mysterious benefactor. There have been instances once I needed to verify and ensure I wasn’t watching a Blumhouse title. From the tasteless characters to a really stereotypical story, every part about Witchboard feels generic.
Madison Iseman has come and gone from the style through the years, and she or he works effectively as lead, Emily. I’m curious how others will react to her as she primarily is why her associates are roped into this. I all the time battle to care about that type of character. Her full ignorance of the state of affairs may be very irritating. The Witchboard is clearly influencing her however it additionally makes it onerous to root for her since she comes throughout as type of silly. And the inclusion of her former drug supplier didn’t make issues any higher. Once more, actually onerous to root for. However Iseman herself does a fantastic job. Aaron Dominguez is our actual lead, and he’s first rate sufficient. His love for Emily comes by means of, even when I’m typically going, “What on earth does he see in this girl?” His character may be very one-dimensional.
The true standout is Jamie Campbell Bower as Alexander Babtiste. As confirmed by his efficiency as Vecna in Stranger Issues, Bowers has a voice that may pierce your soul. His position may be very stereotypical, however he provides it a lot life. He’s sadly underutilized, particularly within the movie’s finale. He can really feel a bit one-dimensionally evil, however it labored for me. Whereas he’s solely briefly within the movie, Ozark‘s own Charlie Tahan appears as the most relatable character in the film. The only person who, the moment he sees the Witchboard, is immediately against it and wants it as far away as possible. If only they’d listened to the poor man.
As a substitute of utilizing a easy ouija board, I preferred the inclusion of a newly designed board. Whereas it wouldn’t shock me if, like the unique, it was carried out for copyright causes, it has a cool design. New Orleans serves because the setting for this model of Witchboard, giving it a correctly witchy aesthetic. The town has an extended historical past of witchcraft so it is sensible to set the movie there.
The CGI blood can get a tad out of hand, and I grew to become more and more pissed off the extra it was used. There are even easy moments when one thing bodily may very well be used, but they go the digital route, which is a bit disappointing. That’s to not say every part is CGI, as there’s a fantastic throat slash and different moments. In addition they mix parts to nice impact. The movie actually isn’t afraid to get moist. However I used to be typically flabbergasted on the sheer quantity of CGI violence. Is it actually that tough to combine some Karo Syrup and crimson meals coloring? And the kills are sometimes very uninspired; they simply occur for shock worth and with out a lot thought. I hoped for some Rube Goldberg-style kills however got here out sorely upset.
Witchboard may be very foolish and clearly meant to be seen with a crowd. It’s extra formulaic than I used to be anticipating, however Russell delivers some nice Closing Vacation spot-y kills. There aren’t any characters to connect to as they’re busy making unhealthy choices however the villain is eclectic and enjoyable. I’m certain with one other viewing, and rooting in opposition to these youngsters, may have a greater return on time funding. However boasting this degree of expertise and getting this outcome, means this movie is healthier off on the shelf.
WITCHBOARD IS CURRENTLY PLAYING AT FANTASIA FILM FESTIVAL.
