Whannell changes it up a bit with good results

Rating: 8/10 (26 December 2012)

Let me start by saying I'm a huge fan of Leigh Whannell and James Wan teaming up. Both Saw and Dead Silence were tremendously entertaining films with great atmosphere and stories. I knew I had to check out Insidious but I was skeptical because I feared they might have delved too far into the supernatural side of things. In fact they have for my liking but that's OK because they've put an original spin on it, as they're talented at doing, and that pulls it through.
The acting was solid enough. Rose Byrne and Patrick Wilson carry the story through without ever making you think 'wow!' Lin Shaye could've been better cast in my opinion. Her delivery in some of the explanation scenes wasn't eerie enough for my liking. And the characters of Specs (played by Whannell) and Tucker were too lighthearted for my liking and took away from the creepy atmosphere the film was working so hard to create.
Insidious for me was a cross between The Exorcist and The Cabin in the Woods. It reminded me of The Cabin in the Woods because it created a story which seemed to allow for any creature of any type and appearance to pretty much jump out of anywhere at anytime. Lots of fun to make a film with that being the case I'd imagine. And the similarities between this and The Exorcist need no explanation.
One flaw for me was that I never really felt the characters were in enough danger. The 'rules', if you'd call them that, laid out allow too much comfort for the characters. Things were constantly jumping out, but it never felt like once they'd jumped out they were actually going to do anything overly menacing.
A good film for those who like to get the heart racing a bit. If you liked Saw and Dead Silence expect things a little bit different, but still up to the same quality and standard. I read in the trivia section Leigh Whannell made a conscious effort to avoid clichés and he did this well. Everything here is pretty original and you certainly won't find yourself groaning at any "never saw that coming" moments. Also, as these film-makers have treated us to in the past, you'll get a nice little surprise at the end. Enjoy.