Solid Work From the Saw Boys

Rating: 7/10 (12 July 2011)

A family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child (Ty Simpkins) in a realm called The Further.
This film is marketed as being from the creators of "Paranormal Activity", which makes sense given the subject matter -- but this is really the brainchild of the "Saw" boys -- being directed by James Wan and written by Leigh Whannell (who also appears as a character). For an added bonus, horror veteran Lin Shaye is here in one of her best roles.
This film is legitimately creepy. I am not big on "jump" or "bus" scares, and even less of a fan of computer animation, but this film just impressed me. There were so many shots that made it worthwhile, with quick flashes of a shadowy figure -- just enough to get the imagination to conjure up something more. The best balance for horror is the use of the seen and the unseen in a certain mixture -- not sure precisely how much, but the makers of this film clearly do. I think "Insidious" was overlooked by many and that is just a shame.
The advertising consistently used quotes from reviews to insist this film is the best thing since either "Poltergeist" or "Exorcist". I assume anyone who reads that thinks it's an exaggeration. But do not think it exaggerates too much -- these are not just cherry-picked quotes. While putting "Insidious" in the same league as either of those two films is hard to do, it is not far behind... in fact, I would not even mind saying it gives "Poltergeist" a run for its money...
While I hope "Insidious" does not turn into a franchise (we are all a little burned out on "Saw", "Paranormal Activity" and "The Collector"), as it stands, this film is a winner. It takes the haunting subgenre of horror and completely turns it on its head... for the better.