While the subject of Thai spirit houses makes for an interesting story line, that is the only positive thing I have to say about this movie. The creative team appears to have done their job - the camera shots provide a lot of visual interest and seem to have been well planned, the dialogue itself isn't bad - the actors are simply failing to make the script convincing.
It's difficult to find a likable character - Julie is childish and insipid and Jim is condescending and abrasive. All of the actors seem to be playing a separate game of "who can be the most stereotypical?".
The director threw in some sex scenes that do nothing to further the plot, they are just *there*. It also glosses over the human trafficking crisis in southeast Asia with a flashy visit to the red light district - which again, it doesn't do much to further the plot, just adds another element to make the characters even more unlikable.
Altogether it's a sad repeat of more of the same - a horror film with a promising premise but is dragged down by the actors and by thinking that a little T&A will make the viewers ignore the trainwreck happening on screen.
4/10 stars - Plus points for some beautiful camera shots and an interesting antagonist, minus points for bad acting.
Movie Superlatives
Most Unbelievable - When Julie makes out with Jim mere hours after he's locked lips with a sex worker. I don't care how close to death you just were, you'd better wash him with a strong disinfectant first.
Most Realistic - Brit guy v. American guy slapfight.
It's difficult to find a likable character - Julie is childish and insipid and Jim is condescending and abrasive. All of the actors seem to be playing a separate game of "who can be the most stereotypical?".
The director threw in some sex scenes that do nothing to further the plot, they are just *there*. It also glosses over the human trafficking crisis in southeast Asia with a flashy visit to the red light district - which again, it doesn't do much to further the plot, just adds another element to make the characters even more unlikable.
Altogether it's a sad repeat of more of the same - a horror film with a promising premise but is dragged down by the actors and by thinking that a little T&A will make the viewers ignore the trainwreck happening on screen.
4/10 stars - Plus points for some beautiful camera shots and an interesting antagonist, minus points for bad acting.
Movie Superlatives
Most Unbelievable - When Julie makes out with Jim mere hours after he's locked lips with a sex worker. I don't care how close to death you just were, you'd better wash him with a strong disinfectant first.
Most Realistic - Brit guy v. American guy slapfight.