Regardless of being Chuck Russell’s return to the style, Witchboard is a generic, CGI-laden movie that looks like a shallow copy of higher movies.
PLOT: Emily and her associates discover a Witchboard within the woods. Utilizing it ends in lethal penalties. They should cease it earlier than it’s too late.
REVIEW: Few movies within the horror style are extra entertaining than The Blob and A Nightmare On Elm Avenue 3: The Dream Warriors. They convey a fantastic mixture of over-the-top violence with humor. So I used to be ecstatic to see author/director Chuck Russell make his return to the style for the primary time in practically 25 years. Setting his sights on updating the 1986 movie Witchboard, which itself was a play on the favored Ouija board, this appears prime for the fashionable period. So, it’s upsetting for me to say that 2024’s Witchboard is a little bit of a large number.
Should you’re hoping for some form of replace to the 1986 story, you’re in for disappointment as a result of we’re as an alternative given a narrative a few woman discovering the board and turning into possessed. Okay, that really makes it sound extra like the unique, however add in an entire subplot of opening up a restaurant and a mysterious benefactor. There have been occasions once I needed to verify and ensure I wasn’t watching a Blumhouse title. From the tasteless characters to a really stereotypical story, all the things about Witchboard feels generic.
Madison Iseman has come and gone from the style over time, and he or she works properly as lead, Emily. I’m curious how others will react to her as she primarily is why her associates are roped into this. I at all times wrestle to care about that form of character. Her full ignorance of the scenario may be very irritating. The Witchboard is clearly influencing her but it surely additionally makes it laborious to root for her since she comes throughout as form of silly. And the inclusion of her former drug supplier didn’t make issues any higher. Once more, actually laborious to root for. However Iseman herself does a fantastic job. Aaron Dominguez is our actual lead, and he’s respectable sufficient. His love for Emily comes by means of, even when I’m typically going, “What on earth does he see on this woman?” His character may be very one-dimensional.
The true standout is Jamie Campbell Bower as Alexander Babtiste. As confirmed by his efficiency as Vecna in Stranger Issues, Bowers has a voice that may pierce your soul. His function may be very stereotypical, however he offers it a lot life. He’s sadly underutilized, particularly within the movie’s finale. He can really feel a bit one-dimensionally evil, but it surely labored for me. Whereas he’s solely briefly within the movie, Ozark‘s personal Charlie Tahan seems as probably the most relatable character within the movie. The one one that, the second he sees the Witchboard, is instantly towards it and desires it as far-off as attainable. If solely they’d listened to the poor man.
As an alternative of utilizing a easy ouija board, I preferred the inclusion of a newly designed board. Whereas it wouldn’t shock me if, like the unique, it was achieved for copyright causes, it has a cool design. New Orleans serves because the setting for this model of Witchboard, giving it a correctly witchy aesthetic. Town has an extended historical past of witchcraft so it is smart to set the movie there.
The CGI blood can get a tad out of hand, and I turned more and more annoyed the extra it was used. There are even easy moments when one thing bodily may very well be used, but they go the digital route, which is a bit disappointing. That’s to not say all the things is CGI, as there’s a fantastic throat slash and different moments. In addition they mix parts to nice impact. The movie actually isn’t afraid to get moist. However I used to be typically flabbergasted on the sheer quantity of CGI violence. Is it actually that troublesome to combine some Karo Syrup and pink meals coloring? And the kills are sometimes very uninspired; they simply occur for shock worth and with out a lot thought. I hoped for some Rube Goldberg-style kills however got here out sorely disillusioned.
Witchboard may be very foolish and clearly meant to be seen with a crowd. It’s extra formulaic than I used to be anticipating, however Russell delivers some nice Remaining Vacation spot-y kills. There aren’t any characters to connect to as they’re busy making unhealthy choices however the villain is eclectic and enjoyable. I’m positive with one other viewing, and rooting towards these children, may have a greater return on time funding. However boasting this degree of expertise and getting this outcome, means this movie is healthier off on the shelf.
WITCHBOARD IS CURRENTLY PLAYING AT FANTASIA FILM FESTIVAL.
