Post by Mr.HoRrOr on Feb 3, 2012 19:11:08 GMT -5
Plot:After the tragic death of his wife and child, famed American author Joseph Crone travels from the United States to Barcelona Spain, to reunite with his enstranged brother Samuel and Richard...his dying father. However, fate has a different plan for Joseph as his life becomes plagued with strange happenings, and the constant sightings of the number 11. Curiosity quickly turns to obsession, and Joseph soon realizes that this number holds a horrific meaning not only to himself but possibly to all of religion! Isolated in a foreign country with only the support of his companion, Sadie, Joseph soon realizes that 11/11/11 is more than just a date, it's a warning!
Cast:
Michael Landes
Timothy Gibbs
Wendy Glenn
Lluis Soler
Angela Rosal
Brendan Price
Salome Jimenez
Benjamin Cook
Montse Alcoverro
My Thoughts:They're coming for you Joseph!
Review:"11-11-11" is one of Director Darren Lynn Bousman's many genre films. Like "Mother's Day" the remake though. It never got a ton of promotion prior to its release. "Mother's Day" is due out this year. And still, there's hardly anything of value circulating about it. "11-11-11" "was" released into theaters on November 11th, 2011. Problem is, not many people were told about it. The film was buried like a dead goldfish in someone's backyard. Not sure why though.
I doubt it was screened for a glut of critics. And after seeing it, maybe people wouldn't have quite jived with the movie. It's a complicated tale at times. Blasphemous at others. And in some ways, pretty clever also. But for today's short-attention-span audiences. Most people would've seen it as just another "holy-roller" horror film. And I'm pretty sure the catholic church would've been none too pleased about the picture.
And then FOX News would've done their usual song and dance. And from there it's off to the races! So, "11-11-11" follows a novelist named Joseph Crone. He's what most religious people would call a skeptic. A non-believer. He really doesn't buy into religion. And actually, thinks it's more harmful to people than helpful. And this belief gets even stronger when he loses his wife and child in a fire. But soon, he feels called upn to go to Spain and re-connect with his family.
Mostly, his brother. Who is a handicapped priest. And his father, who's dying. But while he's there. He and his family come under attack by dark, sinister forces. Who seem to have their eye on Joseph as the main cog in some sort of otherwordly prophecy. But how? And why? When you talk about horror films that are really "catholic". "11-11-11" falls into that category. It has the gothic-looking backdrops of Spain. The whispering monsters lurking in the darkness, the flashbacks, and of course the obligatory priest.
Played by one Michael Landes (Final Destination 2). In this films case, that is a strength. Whereas in other horror films it'd be a weakness. "11-11-11" utilizes its mystery elements really well. It never really tells you what is happening. Or what's going to happen. It simply allows you to sit and watch this situation get stranger, and stranger. But while you know something bad is gonna jump off eventually? The film also manages to keep the sense of dread..."creeping".
It's never blatant or "in your face". But you can always sense that it's..."there". And that there's a lot of sinister elements surrounding this situation. And at times, the movie manages to be scary by surprising the viewer with a handful of unexpected moments. This isn't a "scary" movie though. Persay. It's not going to give you sleepless nights or horrify you with visual effects. But it's more one of those films in the vein of "The Omen". You have the whole "dark conspiracy" elements going on. Only...you are never clear on the "source" of the darkness. Which is this films bread and butter.
There's no monster here. Or serial killer, or zombie, or demon, or anything. The movie just moves along without giving the audience a main bad guy or group of antagonists to focus on. And this makes the final act, all the more strong, solid, and powerful. When all is finally revealed. And while the twist of the movie can be labeled as slightly predictable and a tad bit cliched? I also saw it as pretty smart, dark, twisted. And most of all, "evil". The way this movie finishes up is really just that.
It's not an ending where folks watching are gonna expect it. See it coming, or be satisfied with. It's really a finale that kind of adds a dose of reality to the average horror film. That not everything can end "well", or good, or "positive". And in a way, it's a microcosm of the character Joseph. And how his lack of faith and habits of condescension towards the church, might have been his ultimate undoing. And all of this manages to tie into the date "11-11-11".
Which the films mentions about a few hundred times. But kind of slacks off on explaining mythology wise, until late in the final act. Which doesn't hurt the movie too much. But the vague explanations early on. Would've been better suited if replaced with more robust dialogue about the feared "date". In the end, "11-11-11" won't win any awards for being really entertaining or scary. But its gothic sceneries, and very dark approach to storytelling make it worth seeing atleast one time.
Positives:The performances were decent. The backdrop to where the film takes place tie in really well with the overall dark mood and tone of the story. And the ending is really solid.
Negatives:Too much vagueness about the "11-11-11" date early on in the film. Not a major negative, but that little bit of story needed some more fleshing out.
Overall:Three stars out of four.