The Visit (DVD)

M. Night Shyamalan is very much a "hit or miss" filmmaker for me. I've loved some of his work, and hated some of his work. Even among those I haven't liked, though, I've often found that he excels in building a suspenseful story, but loses his footing in the final act when he shoehorns some twist (often seemingly just for the sake of having a twist--any twist--regardless of whether the story requires it).I have similar thoughts about the found footage format of filmmaking. It's been used to tremendous success in a handful of cases, but is now often overused as a crutch by filmmakers who can't be bothered to tell a story through a more traditional structure.And so it was with cautious optimism that I tried The Visit, a found footage horror/thriller from the aforementioned writer/director.As the film opened, my optimism seemed to be rewarded. Though the "found footage" camcorder-style cinematography was initially a bit rocky, the viewer quickly acclimates to it and it becomes a quite effective medium. Similarly, the suspense starts to build--very gradually, but right from the start. The viewer is never quite sure whether the odd things they're seeing are truly frightening or whether they're just the product of some eccentric characters.That uncertainty helps to build the film's suspense. And it does it in spades. Even when nothing overtly threatening is happening, the viewer can't help but feel that something wrong is lurking just off screen, waiting to erupt at the slightest provocation. Indeed, for pure suspense and tension throughout, The Visit is one of the most successful films I've seen in a good long while.Much of that tension is likely due to the exemplary performances by the entire cast. Child actors often fail to deliver the gravitas a serious horror movie requires. That goes doubly so when the film not only stars some children but features a remarkably small cast LED by those children. However. this particular cast--adult and child alike--delivered flawless performances. Say what you will about some of M. Night Shyamalan's writing decisions, but one of his greatest strengths seems to be in casting and directing young performers. His skill and their skill alike are on full display here.But the million dollar question when it comes to a Shyamalan film is whether it manages to stick the landing or not. And I will admit that some of the suspense falters just a little bit in the final act. However, a slight faltering is not a catastrophic failure. In The Visit, the ending just seems "right" for the story the precedes it, and succeeds in wrapping up a truly excellent film.

This movie is so terrifying it's a much see!!!!

I liked it, it was enjoyable and creepy. Acting was very good all around.

This movie will leave you disturbed, and it really is the mothers fault, but you will have to watch it to find out why.

Oh I waited and waited to see this and I was not disappointedI watched the trailer and thought oh cool, as I love scary, edge of your seat movies. I bought the digital version and watched it carefully.M. Night Shyamalan did not let me down!I do not want to give away too much but give you a taste:2 children area allowed to go visit their grandparents that they have never met. Their mother had left when she was young after a fight over her boyfriend (soon to be husband ) took place.Years later the kids go to visit and although things seem OK at first and a lot of their strange behavior is believed to just be part of growing old...soon They discover there is more to grandma and grandpa..( I do not want to give away too much there)Points of interest: There are a lot of references to other movies made, and if you are like me a movie freak, you will catch them. If you use the digital download and stream it, Amazon offers links and snippets of FYI as the movie goes.This was (Olivia DeJonge) Becca's first time in a major role, not sure if she really ever acted before in anything. But I know M. Night Shyamalan said she was his star when he first met her.Con: There is a lot of humor in the film and not all of it really adds to the mood. I understand trying to keep it lighter but at some points it sort of took away the immersion of the film's feeling.Some continuity issues with weather but then again I am sort of a stickler for details.While I understand her letting her kids go to the grandparents I can not imagine not checking with them to make sure they made it and things were ok, (the grandparents). As a mother I would never send my children anywhere without dotting every I and crossing every T.I was left with a few questions but I can live with them I suppose.Pros: Not all the best scenes were not in the trailer. Some of the scenes shown in trailer were not what I suspected. There was a twist I was not expecting and as an avid movie freak that is always a plus.Over all I enjoyed it and can over look the few annoying things. Normally I would buy a disk so I could watch it over but I think this one once is enough not much to discover that I have not already seen in the first viewing.Not his best film but I appreciated what he tried to bring to the screen and I was entertained- So 3 stars from meDisclosure: I Have NOT received this product on a promotional discount for my honest review, I am not asked or promoted to give a positive review. Just know you may or may not agree with me. The reason for this disclosure is 1 honesty and 2 it is in required by the Federal Trade Commissions Guidelines on Testimony and Advertising.

Don't rent it, buy it! It is hilarious, spooky, startling, creepy, gross and fun.My 15yr old saw this one in the theater and told us it was funny..? He has some strange takes on movies and we new it was a horror but he didn't really describe it that way and I wouldn't either. We rented it not really sure what to expect after his vague review and explanation that ended with "..you just have to see it to understand..?" and now I do.The main themes have some very scary points to them especially for parents, including some that become very touching and sad. There are several scenes that are creepy and jumpy and for the most part the movie is in your head. The main characters are mostly believable but the support characters are a little over acted. The build up strays a little with strange reoccurring plot hints that do not really develop the suspense and in the end added to the predictable ending. It's the oddities of the behavior that wrap it all back together into an enjoyable flick.This is one of the most believable self shot horrors I have seen since Blair Witch. Great story and characters with fun surprises along the way. Even though the twist starts to become predictable near the ending it is not a letdown by any means.I have a hard time with movies where kids get hurt but this was okay. Not too much adult content or language so I would say okay for teens.