Throw that old "Halloween Sound Effects" tape in the stereo, hit the lights, and press play. If the cackling witches, the rattling of chains, or the man screaming in complete agony lift a few of your hairs on the back of your neck, then you can save your $8.50, the price of admission for "When a Stranger Calls."
In the film industry's latest attempt at resurrecting the genre, they dialed the wrong number. In this botched delivery, Simon West ("Lara Croft: Tomb Raider," "Con Air"), directs the remake of the 1979 film "When A Stranger Calls."
Young actress Camilla Belle ("The Ballad of Jack and Rose," "Practical Magic") stars as Jill Johnson, a babysitter who is relentlessly harassed by an unknown man. This film is another example of why the whole scary-voice-on-the-phone-with-a-sexy-babysitter scenario doesn't work.
The short spooky sequence set around the typical carnival during the opening credits brings hope that we may at least enjoy the guilty pleasure of a slasher film. Unfortunately, the first 10 minutes are misleading and the movie falls face-first as soon as the phone starts ringing.
The movie follows high school student Jill, who is dropped off at a doctor's secluded and elegant home to watch his children. As a storm begins to set in, so do the horrible acting performances.
Jill receives a series of what are supposed to be terrifying phone calls, but due the atrocious acting, it's uncertain if Jill even fears what could be potential womanslaughter.
The horror sequences are downright disgraceful. A shadowy figure chases two kids and a babysitter around a spacious and luxurious house, making for an ineffective horror sequence.
If it were not for the cheap thrills produced by sound effects and music, there'd be no cause for the audience to feel the slighted jolt of fear.
The only thing done right was the location of the house, making the audience feel encapsulated in the isolated environment.
Viewers that have seen its predecessor will most likely be disappointed. The updated version of the film does not do justice to the original. In the 1979 production, the children are murdered, and the "stranger" is arrested and sentenced to prison. Seven years pass by as he escapes from jail and goes after Jill and her family.
The new ending lacks substance, as it just leaves the viewer without any sense of closure. As the screen fades to black and the credits start to roll, so do the eyes of the audience members, left muttering, "That's it? That's the end?"
If West was really striving to frighten the moviegoer, he should have made more of an effort to create innovative scare tactics. By shooting a remake without any originality, they are just perpetuating a trend of regurgitation.
Instead of frightening viewers to death, "When a Stranger Calls" bores them to death. The trailer to this film is more compelling than the film itself.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
