"Mama" surprises with great scares and superb performances

Rating: 7/10 (23 January 2013)

The Guillermo del Toro produced "Mama" is an overwhelmingly creepy film, rich in fine acting and startling visuals. It tells the tale of two young girls who, after having lived alone in the woods for five years, are rescued by a young couple. What was keeping them alive? We soon find out, as a very protective ghostly Mama reveals herself at the family's house, and quickly begins trying to take "her" girls back where they belong. This is a solid ghost story, atmospheric and frightening, but softened by an overuse of unnecessary CGI and far too many cliché genre inclusions. But the amazing performances, especially those of the two young girls, summon this thriller back from the dead and into the realm of Good Movies.
-Thomas Bond