Sinister

Along with Christopher Young, Scott Derrickson manages just as with The Exorcism of Emily Rose to create an impressive atmosphere – this time in a very distinctive way with the help of "music" (or rather, a cluster of sounds that are supposed to be some kind of soundtrack), the effects of which are hellishly depressing and not only fit the film as such, but even surpass its purpose in the end – and for a very simple reason: aside from the fact that it fashions the atmosphere (and at times even creates it from scratch), which is more than half the experience here, it really works as a stand-alone means of creating an uncomfortably vague tension (which with music alone is very impressive). The other aspects of the film are probably worth mentioning as well – Sinister is obviously a horror film, but a certain whodunit plot and a little family drama have a firm place in it. I'm not a horror fan or anything like that, so I won't analyze the scariness or believability of the story here, but a wise friend once told me that a good horror movie (depending on how we imagine or define good horror for ourselves, of course) is all about the characters. Ethan Hawke is quite believable in his performance as a father who internally struggles with his own selfishness and strong recklessness in his own desire for recognition (fame), while on the other hand trying to love and provide for his family as much as he can (I would add that I don't consider this to be the film's fulcrum, of course, but rather an integral part of the whole). While I'm not really a fan of the horror genre, what I do appreciate about this film is that it's suspenseful, scary, atmospheric, and has an interesting occult feel to it and an impressive ending (not unexpected or shocking, but impressive for sure) in which you also get to see a demonstration of the painter's distinctive artistry. A very pleasant surprise and proof that Scott Derrickson is simply a whiz at atmospheric scares. (14/12/2012)

I was really looking forward to Sinister because my favorite reviewers usually give it 4 stars and add positive comments, where the word "atmosphere" is often mentioned. After watching it, I am mostly puzzled and have a mediocre impression of it. The only thing I can fully appreciate is the sound work. If I saw the movie in a decent mood at the movie theater, it is quite possible that I would lean towards giving it three stars. The rest is somewhat routine, predictable, and not innovative within the genre, although decently crafted. It did not impress me. It did not even come close to evoking the emotions that, let's say, watching The Ring once did. Simply put, a horror that does not evoke tension does not work as it should. Overall impression: 45%. (14/10/2018)

A very traditional horror premise in a perfect package. Basically, it’s very similar to last year’s Insidious, but slower, quieter, more depressive and more unsettling. Whereas Insidious relies mostly on shocking jump-scares and a dreamy horror atmosphere in the climax, Sinister slowly and gradually reveals the mystery of several murdered families, makes clear that the horrible demon is very near, and makes the fear crawl under your skin. In short, it’s not a gratifying horror ride like last year’s gem by Wan, but it can arouse unpleasant feelings very successfully. Demons, so hot right now :) Certainly, one of the best horror movies of the year, and when it comes to pure genre, probably at the top. It’s (unfortunately) not very often that we get such pure movie terror. Thanks HCE for letting us enjoy it in Czech cinemas this time. (01/11/2012)

Mr. Boogie and his collection of home movies, like “mowing the lawn" and “barbeque" in action. A wild soundtrack, then primarily an excellent atmosphere and a twist for all mystery fans. The couple of references to Stephen King are also very fine, the same applies to the actors. Ethan Hawke acts precisely in between nice guy/madman who never gives up and his wife and kid are also really fine. The high point of the picture of course was watching the movies filmed on Super 8. P.S.: The extended version is sometimes seriously better than the original. (11/11/2012)

I was looking forward to another ghost horror movie modeled after Insidious but in the end, I was slightly disappointed. Basically, it’s not so much about the idea which is great, nor is it the filmmaking that’s obviously well-made. But it’s worse with its individual moments that didn’t make sense to me. The film just doesn’t explain some things to the viewer, so the film throws the viewers right into the center of the action and wants them to fight with it by themselves. Ethan Hawke moves into the house with his family and as it’s customary, finds old videotapes from the Super8 camera in the attic, which is the start of it all. The film doesn’t explain to us why they move into the new apartment or what he actually does for work. Even after the end of the film, I didn’t really understand what his character was actually doing. Did he write books based on real unresolved cases? It must be added that he did not write a single word for the entire film. Hard to say. However, the processing and the idea are good. There is nothing wrong with that. The rest is debatable. (26/10/2015)