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Film Review: 'The Visit'

Amanda Suarez |
September 12, 2015 | 3:55 p.m. PDT

Staff Reporter

Something's wrong with Nana in "The Visit" (Universal Pictures).
Something's wrong with Nana in "The Visit" (Universal Pictures).
It's usually a bad sign when you walk up to the ticket office to buy a movie ticket and notice that the horror movie you want to see is rated PG-13. Still, I didn't let it stop me when I went to see "The Visit" on opening weekend and you shouldn't either.

This movie, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, is entertaining from start to finish. Not once will you fidget in your seat or find yourself checking your Twitter feed.  It combines some “mockumentary”-type cinematography and mixes it with regular camera shots.

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"The Visit" focuses on two children, Rebecca (Olivia DeJonge) and Tyler (Ed Oxenbould), who are meeting their mom’s parents for the first time. It’s revealed early on that their mother Paula (Kathryn Hahn) had a strained relationship with her family after running off with her now ex-husband. At the time, he'd been her high school teacher and her parents (understandably) did not approve. Rebecca, a film student hopeful, decides she'll turn the entire experience into a documentary, and, hopefully, mend the broken ties between her mother and grandparents.  

Things quickly become more comical than scary with the introduction of Rebecca’s brother Tyler, a 13-year-old wannabe rapper who adds comedic relief through his hilarious talks of having three girls “on deck” and his improv rap sessions. He’s actually pretty good; the kid can bust a rhyme.  

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Upon arrival, they meet the grandparents John (Peter McRobbie) and Doris (Deanna Dunagan), otherwise known as “Nana” and “Pop Pop.” It seems a little strange that they have nicknames for grandparents who they’ve never actually met. Nana and Pop Pop almost immediately start behaving strangely... Maybe a little too suddenly. It would have been nice for them to at least feign normalcy for a little bit. Without giving too much away, let's just say Nana bakes up a storm and Pop Pop seems to be very preoccupied with the shed out back. Becca and Tyler are warned that there’s mold in the basement and they’re not to go down there. Bedtime is also at 9:30 p.m. sharp, to the disgust of both teenagers. Of course, they venture out into the hall to explore and that's when things get creepy.

There were a few classic horror movie moments in "The Visit" where the characters just did not act reasonably, almost frustratingly so. Some moviegoers in my theater started shouting at the screen. Nonetheless, the movie had enough thrills to keep you on the edge of your seat and tuned in. There are jump scares -- of course -- and even a "Paranormal Activity"-esque night cam. Despite its cliches, you can't predict what these crazy seniors are going to do next, and it just gets creepier and creepier as Becca tries to figure out what happened between them and her mom.  

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"The Visit" is not as horrific as it would like to think it is. The comedy, especially from Tyler, held much of the film. Ed Oxenbould is definitely someone to watch out for in the future. What was really missing was the classic horror movie gore and disturbing aspects, though it had the opportunity to capitalize on all of these things. 

The movie is worth checking out, though. It’s worth the ridiculous ticket prices, I have to admit. I laughed, I screamed, and I was entertained the entire time. It's not terrifying by any means, but it's good fun. If you’re looking for something to do this weekend or next, go visit "The Visit."

Reach Staff Reporter Amanda Suarez here.



 

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