An under-appreciated film

Rating: 9/10 (3 August 2009)

When I first saw the previews for Orphan, I immediately decided I would not be seeing it. However, my mother asked me to see a movie with her recently and we don't spend much quality time together lately, so I agreed. Orphan has received some mixed reviews but I was very impressed. Some would think this is just another "disturbed child" movie, and they'd be wrong.
Three things stood out most for me. First, the acting in this film is excellent. The main cast gave superb performances, especially Jimmy Bennett, Aryana Engineer and Isabelle Fuhrman. These children played their parts with perfection and have very promising acting careers ahead of them.
Second, I've noticed that most horror/suspense films employ a tired formula. Characters tend to be very naive and lacking in common sense. But director Jaume Collet-Serra seems to have taken a more realistic approach, allowing the characters to be intelligent and resourceful without losing their vulnerability to the plights of the story.
Lastly, this film is not what you would expect. (POSSIBLE SPOILER?) Orphan starts out as just another "troubled child" movie, but contains a shocking and incredible plot twist that certainly deviates from the norm.
To sum up, this is not a film you should write off at first glance. I guarantee it will surprise and entertain you.