The Strangers (2008)

Directed by: Bryan Bertino
Format: Theater
Starring: Scott Speedman, Liv Tyler, Gemma Ward, Kip Weeks, Laura Margolis

There are different brands of terror. One horror movie might thrill you because the events are realistic. Another may be full of ghosts and the supernatural, making you wonder what's out there in the shadows. Do you sleep with the lights on? Are you looking over your shoulder? Sometimes horror films aren't even terribly frightening, aside from the occasional start or gallons of gore. So, why is it that people seek out the frightening side of film? Despite my experiences with real-life terror, I'm still a horror film junkie. Why? For me, it's akin to the thrill of riding a roller coaster or the desire to sky-dive. I seek that rush of adrenaline with every theater ticket. But, I sit there, heart pumping, knowing that I'm not in any actual peril. Oh, and don't forget gore...lots and lots of gore....

In The Strangers, James Hoyt (Speedman) and Kristen McKay (Tayler) are staying the night at the Hoyt's family cabin. It's less than a relaxing getaway for the young couple, however, as instead of celebrating their engagement, they're awkwardly trying to reconcile after Hoyt's proposal falls flat. In the middle of their reconciliation, there's a strange knock at the door. A young woman stands outside, asking for someone. They send her away, telling her she's got the wrong address. After James leaves to buy a pack of smokes, Kristen is alone in the house and hears the knock again. Even though she's clever enough not to open the door, someone sneaks in the house while her back is turned. James returns and finds an hysterical Kristen, claiming that there's an intruder and people lurking outside. At first he tries to tell her she's imagining things, but when he finds his car demolished, he realizes they're in real trouble.

There isn't anything hokey or bizarre about The Strangers. Having been "inspired by true events", the plot is a realistic one. Special effects extend only to blood and injury, not amazing CGI ghouls and ghosts. At the beginning of the movie, two missionary boys happen upon the scene of the crime and it's obvious that something terrible has happened. So, no surprises there. Despite being forewarned of the ending though, you can't help but wonder if the couple makes it out alive. In theory, you should be in for a gripping story and all the more so because of its roots in reality.

Liv Tayler is not someone I would have expected to see in this film. However, she pulls off the role quite nicely. She remains terrified, but still competent. Tayler is very convincing. Speedman is passable as the rejected propositioner and is believeable as a frightened, but protective boyfriend. The other actors do a good job holding up their end of the script, but don't have very involved roles. It's Tayler and Speedman carrying the show.

I have to say that, although the trailer gave me chills, The Strangers was lacking something special. I'd like to be able to pinpoint that absent aspect, but I can't quite seem to put my finger on it. The movie had the makings of a truly terrifying 90 minutes, but didn't pull it off. There are a few brief scares, but they fall into the relm of the predicatable. When Hoyt's friend arrives on the scene, it's all to easy to guess what's going to happen. An eerieness is missing. There was more tension in the plot before the indruders even made an appearance and all of the truly creepy scenes are already included in the advertisements. Even the blood looks fake.

Another thing I noticed in The Strangers, were inconsistencies. Honestly speaking, I don't normally pick up on the little mistakes in movies until after a second or third viewing. But in this movie, I did. Firstly, there's the scene with Liv in the kitchen. She's smoking a cigarette and senses danger. So, she turns around and - viola! - disappearing cigarette. No smoke, no ashes, nothing. Secondly, at one point, a character is bound at the wrists (you'll see this in the trailer). In a following scene, no cuts or marks appear where they should be. How many people viewed this film prior to release and didn't catch those things?

So, to sum up, I was very disappointed by my experience with The Strangers. Looking back, I would have chosen any of the other options in theaters right now. Kung-Fu Panda would have been more worth my time. Unless you're exceedingly curious (even after my review), I don't recommend the rental either. Sometimes it's true what they say - your imagination is scarier than the real thing.

Overall Rating: 2 stars
Hottie Rating: 1 star (That's all you get, Speedman)

Alternate Recommendation: Straw Dogs
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