Sinister: A Comparative Scorecard

Sinister advertising brags that this is another movie from the same guys who brought us box-office horror hits Paranormal Activity and Insidious. What this really means is that Jason Blum is the producer and if you liked those movies, you should buy a ticket for this one. So I did (with very high expectations). And on that invitation to compare, here we go.

IDEABAA

EXECUTIONAAB-

ORIGINALITYB-AB

SCARINESSAAC

SCOREWhat score?A+A-

VILLAINB+AB

ACTINGCB+A-

COMMENTSThis film is an example of a tired idea with skilled, yet simple, execution. What also makes it work is the way it plays off of the fear of the unknown. However, the "demonic haunting" parts could have been played up a whole lot more.The first thing you notice about this film is its brilliant score, reminiscent of horror classics. It's also got near-flawless sci-fi logic and a monster we still fear when he is revealed. It's become one of my favourites.What saves this film is stellar acting from Ethan Hawke in the lead. However, while the villain's mythology intrigues, the more we know, the less we're afraid. This film's execution unfortunately dampens a clever idea.

FINAL GRADEBAB

While Sinister wasn't nearly as terrifying as I hoped and expected it to be, it was still a well-crafted horror movie (well, except for the crucial element of genuine scares). Lesson learned: I'll try not to set the bar too high next time. But it's kinda tough when Blum's next film, Area 51, is about one of my greatest fears of all.