More boring than scary...

Rating: 5/10 (11 January 2008)

The Orphanage does many things which have been around Hollywood for some time. Like Hostel, it slaps a big-shot director's name all over the movie, even though Del Toro did not direct it. In this case, that technique is a ploy to get you to see the film. It's a needed ploy, because the film isn't good enough to carry itself.
I stray away from comprehensive plot reviews, but basically the movie involves a wife and her husband who movie to a building that used to be an orphanage with their son. Without going into too much detail, the son goes missing after an interaction with his imaginary (or are they?) friends. The trailer tries to give a good idea of what the film will be like, but ultimately shows you the ideas for the film you wish would have been made.
There were a few scary parts in the movie, but they were few and far between. I was more bored than in suspense during the movie. While I was watching it, I was just reminded of scenes and ideas from better (read better, not even necessarily good) movies. I'd say watch Hide and Seek, The Shining, or The Omen (original, remake is completely worthless) before going to see this film.
The worst part is that this film toys with you. There are some twists, but not in a "I can't believe they did that!" way but in a way that just leaves you feeling cheated. Sometimes films are just for a certain type of person. I just don't know who I'd recommend to go see this.