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There really is nothing more scary then random violence. Just the thought that someone can target you and throw your world into a violent chaotic nightmare is a realization that in and of itself will have you staring at the ceiling at night.
It is exactly this fear that THE STRANGERS plays on and plays very well.
Easily one of the most unsettling and disturbing films I have seen in a while THE STRANGERS while hard to turn away from does find itself falling victim to a lot of the same pitfalls that befalls a lot of genre fare.
The story opens with a couple of neighborhood boys stumbling upon the bloody aftermath of a night of terror and we are then transported back to the night before and watch the incidents play out. Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman star as the couple that THE STRANGERS target and they more then pull off their respective roles. The real star of the film though is the high tension and sense of fear that director Bryan Bertino manages to place into almost every frame of this film.
The impending dread just oozes frame the screen and even though you know that this one is going to end bad for all involved you just can't look away from the screen.
There is very little dialogue in this one. Lots of screaming though and even more startled, confused looks of terror. One of my pet peeves with horror films is the old "startled and confused victim's do all the wrong things and play into the hands of the bad guys" routine and THE STRANGERS is just chock full of those kind of moments. A lot of things don't make a lot of sense but in the end none of that really does matter as the tension builds and builds and you just can't help but get sucked into the action on the screen.
Another of my pet peeves is the "jump start ending". Just can't let it end gotta for that one last scare and in this one that ending really does kind of end up ruining the film just a bit.
Even the "actual" ending seems forced and used only to set up the inevitable sequel that I am sure is already in the works. The ending that is hinted at at the beginning of the film would have been much more effective and not reeked of that "sell out, just in it for the franchise" feel that I ended up leaving this screening of the film with.
With that said though I really would recommend viewing the film. It is well made and effective on a ton of other levels that make those couple of "downer" points I made seem pretty small and insignificant.
Focus on the good, forget about the bad and settle in and enjoy and tightly wound, nerve racking little slice of horror that will have you making sure your doors are locked before you go to bed.
Here's all the official stuff on the DVD release which hits stores this Tues. Oct. 21st.
OVERVIEW:
Lock the doors. Ignore the knocking. Donβt let them inβ¦no matter what. Inspired by true events, this heart pounding, nail-biting frightener mercilessly explores our most universal fears, where simply opening the door to a stranger leads to a grueling night of terror one could never imagine. Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman star in this relentless suspense thriller that will keep you up at night and make you never want to answer the door again!
SYNOPSIS:
The horrifying events that took place in the Hoyt family's vacation home 1801 Clark Road on February 11, 2005 are still not entirely known. Champagne. Rose Petals. Candlelight. It was supposed to be a night of celebration for Kristen McKay (Liv Tyler) and James Hoyt (Scott Speedman). But after leaving a friend's wedding and returning to the house, everything had collapsed for the happy couple. Then came a 4 a.m. knock on the door and a haunting voice. "Is Tamara here?" Writer/director Bryan Bertino explores our most universal fears in The Strangers, a terrifying suspense thriller about a couple whose remote getaway becomes a place of terror when masked strangers invade. The confrontation forces Kristen and James to go far beyond what they thought themselves capable of if they hope to survive. The Strangers comes to DVD October 21st!
BONUS FEATURES: The following bonus features appear on the DVD and Blu-rayTM :
* DELETED SCENES
* THE ELEMENTS OF TERROR - A look at the production process of The Strangers. The influence of locations, sets and sounds to create fear are discussed by the crew, with anecdotes from Liv Tyler about the physical challenges of being terrorized.
BONUS FEATURES- EXCLUSIVE TO BLU-RAY
BD-LIVE: My Scenes Sharing β Create your own movie clips, then view and share your favorite clips with your best buddies at any time!
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