Most people don’t really know that THE UNINVITED is a remake of a well known Korean horror film called A TALE OF TWO SISTERS. Most hardcore horror fans know this, but the average person who saw this film in theaters probably had no clue. Cinematically A TALE OF TWO SISTERS is the better film out of the two with it’s stylistically feel and the approach in which director Ji-woon Kim took in making this well known Asian masterpiece. However when it comes to which film can be considered more entertaining; I would have to say that THE UNINVITED takes the cake. However, it’s no way superior to it’s predecessor.
THE UNINVITED is about a young girl named Anna ( Emily Browning) whom has been away from her family after suffering a break down after her mothers death. She spent quite some time in a mental hospital and when she finally returns home things have changed a lot. Her father (David Strathairn) is now dating their former house keeper Rachael (Elizabeth Banks) and he seems keen on marrying her. Anna’s sister Alex (Arielle Kebbel) is the only person that Anna can connect with and the two of them bond with each other right away upon Anna’s return. Anna and Alex both think something’s up with Rachael and that the fire that killed their mother must have been set by Rachael because of the relationship she now has with their father. Anna keeps getting flashbacks that she can’t explain and then she begins to see ghostly apparitions of her mother. When other people begin to disappear or die, those ghost begin to visit Anna as well. Following these signs Anna and Alex begin to research Rachel’s background and uncover the truth behind her past. They will soon find out the shocking truth behind what really happened the night their mother was killed.
The script for the film is nothing special but it gets the job done. It can be slow at times, but the story tends to rely more on making the audience feel uncomfortable with it’s tense scenes and suspenseful storyline. The character development is not half bad, but it’s main focus is more on Anna and Rachel than it is on any of the other characters. There is also a confusing sub plot that only really rears its conclusion at the end of the film, but it’s also one that will leave the audience scratching their head. It’s one of those sub plots that only makes sense if your really paying attention to the film, so don’t get up to go to the bathroom or you might miss something.
The films has decent acting and production value. Emily Browning gives a solid performance as Anna, and so does Arielle Kebbel as her sister Anna. I was kind of skeptical when I heard Elizabeth Banks was going to be playing the stepmother in this film as I’m more used to seeing her in comedic roles. I was surprised that she actually did do well playing such a hated character. David Strathairn’s was alright as the father of the two girls, but his role was kind of limited to him acting like a father who could care less about the way his daughters felt about his new love interest. The rest of the sporting cast was decent which included actors such as Maya Massar, Kevin McNulty and Jesse Moss.
Don’t expect a film filled with blood and gore like the original film. This film relies more on the suspense rather than killing us with over the top gore. Sure we still get some dark ghostly images and a nice blood trail towards the end of the film, but the effects are limited. The locations and small town sets are very well constructed, and while the film takes place in a nice lake house in the middle of nowhere, the scenic panorama although breath taking adds to the eerie feel of the film.
The DVD has a few special features such as Deleted scenes, and an alternate ending. it also includes a featurette titled Unlocking the Uninvited. It’s not a disc that is packed with features, but the film itself is not half bad. Overall, I enjoyed the film for what it was. It had some nice intense moments and a story that kept me interested. Its not the best film you’ll ever see, but it hold its own. While I prefer A TALE OF TWO SISTERS, THE UNINVITED is probably the better bet for a younger audience to view. It’s story is fairly simple and it does pack a few predictable scares. But nonetheless it’s an alright film that does have an enjoyable plot.
– Horror Bob
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