SHUTTER is a yet another remake of an Asian horror film, this time the 2004 Thailand film of the same title, or as it’s re-titled here on DVD in the U.S.A. as SHUTTER: THEY ARE AROUND US. The 2004 Thailand film did very well in the Asian box office, and of course that garnished interest to the producers in Hollywood as a film that should become yet another horror remake here in the United States. Since the success of THE RING and THE GRUDGE, and with Cult following with films like a TALE OF TWO SISTERS and OLDBOY here in the U.S (Both of which are getting remakes of their own). It’s not wonder that every Asian horror film is getting gobbled up by for DVD releases or remake status here in the U.S.A.; SHUTTER is another example of that supply and demand for these films and yet we get a some what alright remake.
SHUTTER stars DAWSON’S CREEK star Joshua Jackson as photographer Benjamin Shaw, during his wedding to his new bride Jane, (Transformers Rachael Taylor); on a car ride back to their place they hit a girl standing in the road and get into a car accident when their car hits a tree. However when they come too, they can not find the girl or any body on the road. They go home to find that there is also find that there is something wrong with their wedding pictures where it seems streaks of light and odd things are in the photos. The couple soon moves overseas to Asia where Ben has landed a slew of gigs photographing models for big accounts. However things start to go weird when ghosts start showing up in the photos and scary things start to happen throughout the studio and their apartment. Jane begins to investigate and eventually will uncover the truth behind why their is a spirit trying to reach out and scare her and her husband. The film takes a giant twist at the end that is sure to surprise anyone watching this film.
Most of the reviews I’ve read about SHUTTER were pretty negative, however I found it to be decently written and thought the plot moved along at a decent pace. Sure it was your basic generic Asian ghost story remake and yes the films ghost looks a lot like all the other female Asian ghosts we’re used to seeing. But the script was not half bad and the character are pretty evenly developed, and the films dialogue is decently written.
In terms of directing, acting and production value; in these categories of filmmaking the film once again is nothing great, but not half bad either. The real star of the film is Rachael Taylor who any male will have trouble keeping their eyes off of her. Not only is she one good looking chick, she does a fine job with her performance in this film. Joshua Jackson, who probably the best actor to come out of DAWSON’S CREEK is also very good in his performance as well. Pretty much the rest of the cast was decent and helped round out the rest of the film. All of this of course can be credited to director Masayuki Ochiai who did a somewhat decent job putting this film together.
As for the production value; the film is put together fairly well. It does have that Asian horror film look and the sets and locations are decorated as so. The film does have your basic visual ghost effects as well as plenty of digital gore and spooky looking ghosts and dead bodies. It’s pretty much your basic Asian horror film feel, very simular to the likes of THE RING, THE EYE and THE GRUDGE.
Overall, I found SHUTTER to be a decent film, it’s not a bad film, but it’s nothing great either. For people who are a big fan of Asian horror films, and Asian horror film remakes, it’s a decent film that you’ll probably enjoy on an entertaining level. I found it to basically be an OK horror film that’s nothing perfect but it’s got a decent story and is at least somewhat suspenseful and entertaining.
– Horror Bob
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