The Orphan Never Grows.

Rating: 3/10 (8 August 2015)

Orphan (2009): Dir: Jaume Collet-Serra / Cast: Isabelle Fuhrman, Vera Farminga, Peter Sarsgaard, Aryana Engineer, Jimmy Bennett: Another retread formula horror film with about as many scares as an episode of The Rugrats. It regards where one comes from, or in this case, where Esther came from when adopted by Kate and John Coleman. They already parent two children but after losing a third they decide to adopt. Horrid incidents follow and suspicions of Esther become clearer. Begins well but plays off in typical horror film fashion until a violent climax. Director Jaume Collet-Serra is backed by effective production that is eerie at best. His cast are subdued by characters carefully fitted into horror movie clichés. Isabelle Fuhrman plays the maddening kid who will tamper and torment while playing off as innocent. Her final scene isn't so much a defeat as an admittance to absurd screen writing. As the parents, Vera Farminga is the target of misplaced evidence that has her believed as abusive. Peter Sarsgaard as her husband is required to be in denial. Neither one could find their way out of a closet with the door wide open. Aryana Engineer plays the mute daughter whom will also be subject to torment. Jimmy Bennett plays their tormented son. There is nothing scary about this bore. It can only be described as disturbing and mediocre at best. Score: 3 / 10