| Overall Grade: |
C+ |
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| Story: |
C+ |
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| Acting: |
C |
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| Direction: |
C |
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| Visuals: |
B |
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Amusing isn't necessarily the equivalent of great
by Steve (movies profile)
Sep 21, 2009
The best outcome of viewing Amusement, is that it is pretty amusing, as its title promises. However, that is probably one of the very few things you'll get out of the film. From the convoluted premise to the one dimensional characters, Amusement is a slight disappoint. Although, as my grade implies, it wasn't by no means atrocious or disposable, but it just wasn't sufficient enough and not enough spark or energy, made the film come to life. Aside from a suspenseful twenty minute vignette and some decent gore shots, the film is a letdown, because of the potential and the opportunity that was mostly wasted.
First off, let's start with the positives, which are actually not scarce. The film actually is unique, even though overcompensated and convoluted. The film's two opening vignettes are surprisingly strong and the gradual build up of suspense and tension, is great. The film is also inclusive to a few genuine scares and also offers some grotesque shots. The cinematography is certainly a bonus and the film has a nice, polished look. The film runs at a reasonable pace and for the majority of the film, it satisfies. While the film may run tedious at points, even those pick up momentum eventually.
Now, let's get to the adverse effects, which are numerous. The performances in this one were stale. Aside from one decent lead protagonist, the acting isn't special, nor does it intend to be. It is a straight-to-video flick, so good acting is typically unexpected, but the choices made in the film are beyond ridiculous. The film also has a substantial amount of plot holes, which are always welcome in crazy, twisted premises. The direction is also mediocre. The film never knows which direction to go into and falls into places, I wouldn't imagine or the film would dare to go. The story also felt uninspired and while unique, it is rather unimpressive and rather laughable. The film also ends abruptly. Not to the point where the film could have been extended to twenty minutes, but where the film could have been more self-explanatory, by solely the ending alone.
Is Amusement a recommendation? No, but it isn't terrible either. If you don't have anything to do on a late Saturday night, you could do worse, but I'm sure that there is some other film out there that is more worth your time. In terms of straight-to-video films, this probably the best out there, but I still know why the film didn't make it to the big screen. Amusement is surely amusing, but that's pretty much the only pay-off of the film. So, that's the verdict. The film is good for a tedious Saturday night with nothing to do, but that's pretty much the only intention for the film. |
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