Saturday, February 3

Movie Review: Red Lights (2012) + Blog All About It



This month's prompt was RED for the Blog All About It challenge. I randomly put the word in my search bar on Netflix and watched the first movie listed. This is what I watched....






Film Title: Red Lights
Length: 1 hour & 54 mins
Released: 2012
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Netflix


SUMMARY:

Psychologist Margaret Matheson and her assistant study paranormal activity, which leads them to investigate a world-renowned psychic who has resurfaced years after his toughest critic mysteriously passed away.








TRAILER:



Review:

I really had no idea what to expect with this film. It was a random pick from Netflix. I quickly glanced at the summary and the cast listed, but I just clicked play before I could change my mind or overthink anything. What I do for challenges eh?

A good cast and the acting was decent. The girlfriend was a little annoying and at first, I didn't understand her part to play until the end. 

The beginning was super slow and it took me a while to really get into the story. I think what really peaked my interest was Silver. A blind and dangerous psychic that scared Madame Critic - aka Doctor Matheson to the point she didn't even want to bother trying to debunk him. Her fear drove her assistant to want to debunk him. I found this an interesting twist. 

Silver was interesting. I had NO idea if he was real or fake. I wanted to believe that someone COULD be that good, but I also was team Critic because there are a lot of fakes out there and I feel they should be exposed for what they are. I found myself not sure who to root for. 

I will say for certain I learned a lot about how to spot a phony! Learned some magician tricks. So good. 

The first hour of the film had me yawning here and there. It did not get really good until the last 50 or so minutes. I'm glad I stuck it out until the end. 

The end has a HUGE twist but I never, ever saw it coming. After reflecting though....it all makes sense. This movie really misdirects you so you overlook the obvious answer. Kuddos writers, kuddos indeed. I was confused though about one thing. I feel like they didn't really come out and answer the question. I can't say...but I should look up some other reviews and etc to see if maybe I am dense and missed the answer. I feel like the big question was overshadowed by the twist. Mmmmm

Anyways. I know all of that looks like a rambling mess..but if you watch this I think you'll understand my confusion. 

But yes. Not a bad film. Certainly slow due to character and story building. The ending was a shocker but when you reflect some and they show you flashbacks...then you realize how foolish you were to have missed it. A good film for a rainy day. I would suggest this for a Halloween-time movie. 

In the end, I shall stamp this with 3 stars. Pretty good, but not amazing. Worth the watch if you want to think and be puzzled. 





13 comments:

Blodeuedd said...

I am not a fan of super slooow

Anachronist said...

Sounds nice, even if a bit sluggish...

Carole Rae said...

B, yesss slow stinks

Ana, sometimes slow can work if done well

Book Maniac 12 said...

I love your post, Carole! It's interesting to see that everyone has taken such different takes on just one word. Your take is definitely unique and interesting!
bookmaniac12.blogspot.com

Barb said...

I've always wondered about this one but I'm kind of glad I skipped it. Don't know if I could have made it to the end!

Sophia Rose said...

Clever way to use the prompt. You're braver than me just to dive in, but looks like you found a good one once the slow part finished. Love the twists in thrillers.

Carole Rae said...

Sasha, I agree! It is interesting to see!

Barb, I don't blame you. It is a gamble this one

Sophia Rose, thanks! I try to be brave here and there and just watch or read something

Gaele said...

Interesting approach - although you are braver than I - I don't like atmospheric scary movies --

Carole Rae said...

Gaele, I try to be brave here and there trying weird films.

vvb32 reads said...

That trailer looks good though. I might try this one.

Carole Rae said...

You never know!

Melody May said...

I love how you did your Red theme. That's pretty inventive. This wouldn't pop up on my things to watch, and being a slow start I don't think I would have hanged. I"m glad you hung in with the movie.

Carole Rae said...

Melody, yess slow, but it was kinda worth it in the end.