13 ghosts revived

Rating: 8/10 (11 December 2012)

This is a fun Horror movie. It's not a comedy, as some would have you think. It has some black humor, but doesn't go overboard like "Evil Dead" it has more of an unintended comedy vibe. The funny thing is to see accomplished blockbuster names like Chris Hemsworth in a horror flick after he has starred in Big Budget movies. It's usually the other way around. It's still charming to him play the same Thor character just with short hair. That's the comedy of the film.
Others would say the whole "Big Brother" live audience vibe also feels clichéd. I hate that word just as much as "Torture Porn" Horror movies have rules about the roles each youngster should play and this film follows them well. Enough said.
I did want to compare this one to 13 Ghosts, not because it was bad, but because we get cameos from every Horror icon from the past 30 years and even some new ones. Not the actual faces, but very close. The way they are presented really had me hoping Mathew Lillard would reprise his 13 Ghosts role. Those who see the movie will understand my comment. I mean , how in Hades did anyone manage to cage them up like that? I would have enjoyed this film even more if the "Black Zodiac" persona's were integrated into the story line.
To break it down. First half of movie is a cool Zombie/slasher flick set in a cabin, second half invites the Action element and payback is a bitch into full gear. The enjoyment factor is high. I recommend it if you like a little variety into your horror movies and are able to keep the comedy effect to a low. Much more enjoyable if you keep your head straight and see it a a Action/Horror with unintended humor.
Again I say that "Black Zodiac" should have been in this movie. Would have been a nice mix with the whole ending scenario. The ending was the weakest link for me. I think Mrs. Weaver was miscast. She can do a great villain(Wicked witch in a snow white) remake, but not on this film. I think the Wicked Witch actually makes a cameo appearance in there as well.
There is a lot of CGI , but it's most definitely needed in a film like this and really only introdiced in the second Action/Horror half. The kills are gruesome enough, but CGI, so be warned if you dislikes these effects. I'm not crazy about it myself, but I saw no other way of making the chaotic action scenes come to life.
The acting was good. Chris Hemsworth is very entertaining reprising his Thor role as a teenager. He goes a bit over the top, but I expect this from an already accomplished actor. The "stoner" character Fran Krantz, is hilarious. He is stoned throughout the film yet completely aware something in that cabin isn't right? I didn't care too much for the female characters. The "Slutty" role wasn't hot enough and her encounter with a wolf head comes out as more disturbing then sexy. The other female lead; Kristen Connely was a bit chaotic. Not really good nor bad. Her character isn't even really a virgin and it seemed like she phoned in her performance. The "Brain child", That's the title he is given in the movie seems like just another pretty boy filler. Think Peter Barton in Friday the 13th. He is just there for body count purpose and aside from one act of chivarly doesn't get too developed at all, before he finally "bites" it.
Final grade. I gave it an eight. It stays loyal to Horror movie rules and adds a bit of action fun into the mix. I would have loved to see more Big names in Body count roles like in Scream movies. That's always fun to watch.