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#1
11-27-2002, 11:10 PM
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"They"-thoughts and reviews
"They" has to be one of the freakiest films of the year! This is one of those films there just isn't enough of, sorta like "The Ring," "Signs," and "The Sixth Sense." "They" explores some of the most simple roots of pure terror: night terrors, such as when you lay in your bed at night in silence and fear scared that somebody might be behind your closet door, as it remains ominously partly open, leaving darkness in the space. Or when you feel you are being watched. Or when you walk into a dark room fearing a possible presence. Stuff like that. You know what I mean. We all feel that way sometimes. The story concerns 3 College-age young adults as they discover that those old "night terrors" that scared them when they were kids have come back after them. And what would those night terrors be? Well, "they" would be creatures of the night. That's all I'll say. You could say that this is the PG-13 rated horror/thriller variation of "Monsters Inc." But, don't worry. These definately aren't furry, lovable creatures. They come into view when you at least expect it giving you some pretty good scares. And the PG-13 rating? This film deserves it. It doesn't have any serious R-rated elements. Just pure terror and suspense. Oh, and for those of you who didn't like "The Ring," for what you say, "a lame plot," don't worry, the plot here is more grounded to reality, so you should accept what you see. In contrast, the only fault, as indicated by Arrow in The Head, is perhaps, a not-too-worthy script, that is a bit stupit at times. But, don't let that stop you from seeing it. As good as Arrow is, I think he underrated it for that, too much.
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#2
11-28-2002, 09:04 AM
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Well, I was ready to go out to see it last night, but for some reason it was only playing in ONE theatre in all of Ontario (and that was in Niagara Falls!!!
I don't know what the fuck is wrong with those simpletons at Dimension Films. They've been fucking up ALL of their releases lately. BELOW gets the shaft, THEY can't be found anywhere (for me at least), and I wonder if EQUILIBRIUM (one of my most anticipated films this year) will ever see the light of day thanks to those jackasses. Hey Dimension! Wake the F^@K UP and get your shit together!
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#3
11-28-2002, 12:54 PM
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#4
11-28-2002, 10:37 PM
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I happened to catch one preview of "Equilibrium," and it looks promising. The preview was extremely vague, but all I can make out is some sorta sci-fi/action flick. My prediction review (from the preview) is 2.5/4. I'll more likely give it a 3/4 when I see it. That tends to happen a lot.
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#5
11-29-2002, 10:01 PM
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"Equilibrium" is based on a Philip K. Dick story. Harry at AICN gave it a very good review......but that might not mean much.
And yes, Dimension sucks (and for many different reasons). They are *the* most inept major film studio in Hollywood (and THAT`S saying something).
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#6
11-29-2002, 10:08 PM
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It's a shame some of you were unable to see "Below" in theaters. But, look at the bright side. Considering it was released in limitedly in theaters, and only made around $1 Mil or $2 Mil while it was briefly in theaters, then chances are, it will come out on video/DVD early in 2003! That is good news, because, lucky for me, "Below" was playing at my local theater and it was pretty good. It was very spooky. Just be patient, and you'll eventually get to see it.
Now, what about Equilibrioum? What is it actaually about?
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#7
11-30-2002, 06:14 AM
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I get so annoyed at how Dimension just drops some of their most promising movies in under 1,000 theatres and doesn't push them at at. "Equilibrium" is an example. Here's the trailer: http://www.presqaco.host.sk/trailers/exclusive.html
Now does that look like a movie that should be dropped in 800 theatres?
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#8
11-30-2002, 02:05 PM
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 THEY (2002) If you threw Pitch Black, A Nightmare On Elm Street, Final Destination, and The Ring in a blender you'd probably end up with something like "They." It's a moody little horror film for mature audiences. It may look like a teen horror flick but it actually takes a more serious tone and I see adult audiences enjoying this more than teens. The main place this movie scores is with the directing. I loved the lighting and the uneasy feeling the movie gives off, especially during the final few minutes. It really made my heart beat and I felt uneasy. The many jump scenes were also a nice touch, whether they worked or not. Some worked for me and some didn't, but it all depends on the person. Laura Regan really surprised me as Julia. Before seeing the movie I wasn't expecting much from her. From the trailer I thought her acting seemed kind of weak but I'm glad I was proved wrong. She actually gave a very good and likable performance. She's also quite cute which also surprised me because from the trailer I didn't find her that attractive. Marc Blucas does an alright job but he doesn't have much to do except play the token boyfriend that we've seen a number of times before. At least I can say his acting has improved a little since his days on TV's "Buffy The Vampire Slayer." Ethan Embry and Dagmara Dominczyk also do fine with what they are given, although I have seen better performances from Embry in the past. Unfortunately, even with the many high points of "They" it's not without its faults, the main one being the script. I would have liked more background info on the characters, especially Julia (Regan). To me it seemed like Terry (Dominczyk) was one of the most developed characters. I really enjoyed the story she told about what happened the night "they" took her. Where she ends up and what she does is pretty creepy and managed to stay with me the whole movie. The other main flaw of the script is that too many questions are left unanswered. Now I'm not someone who needs everything explained to them but I'd at least like to know what the hell "they" want by the time the movie is over. Overall, despite some flaws I really enjoyed "They," it's a well crafted thriller with some very good directing from Robert Harmon and one hell of an eerie score. This clever horror thriller is sure to become one of the years most underrated. It should however develop a cult following, especially once it hits video. It's a love it or hate it kind of film that I don't think a lot of mainstream audiences will like. I think the ending alone will turn a lot of people off, I on the other hand loved it. Along with "The Ring," "They" has one of the most downright wicked endings of the year. It definitely had my heart pumping. I also can't forget the solid opening scene, it was very well done and one hell of a creepy way to start off the movie. I'd recommend "They" to the same audience that enjoyed "The Ring," if that movie bored you then "They" is likely to have the same effect. Grade: 7/10 or B or ***1/2 of *****
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#9
11-30-2002, 09:11 PM
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The movie was not very scary.
The monsters are cool; However, They didn't get enough screen time. I didn't like the lead female. I never sympathized with her and wish they would have casted the brunette as the lead. I wanted the lead female to die from the first few minutes. She is annoying and self centered. A lot more could have been done with this film. For example, when the brunette was talking about her childhood experience with night tremors, they should have showed us what happened as she told the story. You know, the story about her dad and the dog house. My opinion: Good enough for rental, not for the theaters.
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#10
11-30-2002, 10:07 PM
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#12
12-01-2002, 12:51 AM
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Not to get off track, but having just seen the trailer for "Equilibrium," courtesy of Moviefan1234, I an up my prediction review of it to 3/4. It looks pretty cool! And to think, it's a week away from being in theaters! I'll be there, as long as my theater is playing it. A lot of the time, it usually comes through with films like this.
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#13
12-01-2002, 12:59 AM
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#14
12-01-2002, 01:06 AM
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Well, I guess that I'll be praying that it plays at my theater with such small number like that. Hopefully, it will come through for me and those actually interested in it. Dimension, don't screw this up for me!
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#15
12-01-2002, 01:11 AM
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I thought this could have been a lot better. I did not like the ending. Those creatures (what were they?) could have been explained a little better. I think the arrow's review of it was right on.
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#16
12-01-2002, 01:17 AM
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I can respect your opinion. As for the monsters, well, they were creatures of the night, ones that came out in total darkness. They sorta represent what we fear as "The boogeyman," if you will.
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#17
12-01-2002, 01:06 PM
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Here's two new reviews I found for THEY, and they are both positive...
Night Terrors Return
by Betty Jo Tucker Booming thunder and flashes of lightning frightened me at night when I was a youngster, especially when I tried to sleep during a pounding rainstorm. Because They, a harrowing horror flick directed by Robert Harmon, opens with a scene showing a little boy in a similar situation, I felt a tinge of terror coming back from the past – and that was before anything scary happened on screen. When things actually started going bump in the night, I spent the rest of the movie in a state of extreme fear. Fear of the dark, fear of being stuck in an elevator, fear of a car stalling on a lonely road, fear of attack while alone in a darkened swimming pool area, fear of falling apart during defense of a Masters thesis. Yes, They pushed all my buttons – almost as if filmmakers invaded my brain to plagiarize all my worst phobias. Fortunately, I can’t find a round cut (that won’t heal) anywhere on my body. Whew! That means "They" probably didn’t brand me with marks like those on the characters in They. Poor Julia (Laura Regan from Someone Like You), a psychology grad student, witnesses a traumatic event after her childhood friend Billy (Jon Abrams of Texas Rangers) shows her his mark. Both Julia and Billy suffered "night terrors" when they were children. Later, two other friends, played by Dagmara Dominczyk (The Count of Monte Cristo) and Ethan Embry (Sweet Home Alabama) discover they are afflicted with similar marks. It seems they are "night terrors" survivors, too, and their circular wounds bode tragic results. Could Julia be next? Not if her policeman boyfriend (Marc Blucas from Sunshine State) is right. He thinks it’s all in her head. Using this simple story by Brendon Hood, who wrote TV’s "The Darklings," director Harmon (The Hitcher) presents a horror film that requires us to use our imagination about the creatures causing such terror. Granted, we see shadowy figures and hear weird noises, but what we conjure up may be more horrifying than anything created by the special effects department. Harmon also successfully includes elements reminiscent of such thrilling scarefests as Cat People (the Jacques Tourneur version) and Mimic, one of my favorite films of this genre. Cast members, though not the most important factor in a horror movie, perform admirably. Nevertheless, I’d like to recommend a few square meals for Regan, the film’s slimmer-than-Audrey-Hepburn heroine. On second thought, maybe Regan’s anorexic appearance added to the appealing vulnerability of her character. Because of Dominczyk’s smoldering screen persona (even without her appearance in any sensuous sequences here!), I started wondering how much better Femme Fatale might have been with this impressive actress as Antonio Banderas’ co-star in that recent thriller. They begins and ends with scenes so terrifying I’m still stunned. And I’ve decided to leave a light on every night from now on. THEY Directed by Robert Harmon Cast: Laura Regan, Marc Blucas, Ethan Embry, Dagmara Dominczyk, Jon Abrahams, Jay Brazeau 2002 – 97 minutes Rated: (for terror/violence, sexual content, and language). Reviewed by Dustin Putman, December 1, 2002. For anyone unfamiliar with the very real sleep disorder, Night Terrors, it can be defined as nightmares that occur in deep, non-REM sleep, in which the sufferer is overcome with extreme feelings of fear. During a night terror, which may last anywhere from five to twenty minutes, the person is still asleep, although the sleeper's eyes may be open. My reason for offering up an explanation for Night Terrors is twofold: (1) I have personally experienced them in the past, and (2) "They," directed by Robert Harmon, is an unsettling horror film that does an applause-worthy job of showing just how truly terrifying Night Terrors are to experience. Harmon and screenwriter Brendan William Hood could definitely use a crash course in how to develop strong characters and stories, but from a visceral standpoint the film powerfully burrows its way underneath your skin. Julia Lund (Laura Regan) is a graduate student working against a deadline to complete her Psychology thesis. Her stress level raises significantly when she witnesses longtime friend Billy (Jon Abrahams) commit suicide after he erratically warns her that the night terrors they suffered from as children have come back to get them for good. Julia is understandably skeptical at first, but when she and two acquaintances, Sam (Ethan Embry) and Terry (Dagmara Dominczyk), start re-experiencing the violent and horrifying night terrors that plagued them years ago, and seem to be linked by a similar wound on their bodies, their fear for their lives grows. If a horror movie's primary goal is to frighten and disturb, then "They" works spectacularly well. Director Robert Harmon deftly understands that the scariest things are often those that are mostly unseen, lurking just out of frame or in the moodily lit shadows. The monstrous images he creates, with the aid of some surprisingly plausible special effects and René Ohashi's atmospheric cinematography, are some of the eeriest to find their way to the screen this year. A climactic sequence set on a deserted subway is a near-masterpiece of genuine terror that may also make you jump out of your seat (it did me). Where "They" loses some of its momentum is in the exposition scenes. Save for protagonist Julia, played with an undeniable freshness by Laura Regan (2001's "Someone Like You"), the rest of the characters are sorely one-dimensional, and the relationships that form between them are slight, at best. As fellow night terror victims, Ethan Embry (2002's "Sweet Home Alabama") and Dagmara Dominczyk (2002's "The Count of Monte Cristo") are quite good—too good to be stuck in such unrewarding roles. Marc Blucas (2002's "We Were Soldiers") rounds out the main cast, steadfastly playing Julia's devoted boyfriend, Paul, who has little more to do than stand around and try to comfort the unhinged Julia. The staple horror movie formula of having a character going off alone and being terrorized in dark, lonely places in between every scene of dialogue is also too often relied upon, creating a predictable repetitiveness. What lessens the blow, however, are some actual good scares. "They" could have been better on a number of levels, but it is, nonetheless, a shiver-inducing, nerve-rattling ride, with a shockingly grim final scene that may offer up as valid a reason as any for keeping the lights on at bedtime. Grade: **1/2 of ****
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#18
12-01-2002, 01:30 PM
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#19
12-01-2002, 09:41 PM
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I really liked THEY. Great directing/music, pretty good acting (Dagmara Dominczyk and Ethan Embry especially). The story coulda been explored just a LITTLE BIT more, but I'm not complaining. I actually preferred NOT seeing the "night terror" demons; it added to their spookiness. LOVED THE ENDING!!! 4/5
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#20
12-01-2002, 10:01 PM
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Hell yeah!!
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#22
12-02-2002, 03:46 PM
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Glad to be of service.
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#23
12-02-2002, 06:02 PM
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I thought it was a pretty good movie and I like how you really didnt see the monsters too much.It left a little to the imagination until it built up towards the end
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#24
12-03-2002, 06:02 PM
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I thought it was a pretty freaky movie execpt not a very good one.
SPOILERS When the movie ended right in the middle of a freaky scene, it was trying so hard to be confusing it just did not work. I kinda wanted to know what the creatures where and where THEY came from.
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#25
12-10-2002, 07:50 PM
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Just got back from seeing this one...and i must say,after many people close by saying it sucks,i wasnt too displeased,infact,it was pretty fun,an alrighty way to spend 90 minutes that id usually just be sitting around bitching and moaning...the trailers beforehand were cool,and the film itself was pretty fun...i wish we could have seen 1 or 2 of the creatures up close and in our face,but it was still a fun time....i was by myself,with about 17 other people in the theater,so i was a tad lonesome....watching movies alone sometimes makes you feel depressed,i had some things on my mind then,and i feel asleep for about 10-15 minutes,because i havent been on the best sleeping scheudle,not because of the film lacking....i enjoyed reagan and blucas mucho....and if anyone is kind enough,who already saw this one....mind letting me PM them or something to ask them what i missed in that 15 minutes i was asleep.overall i would give this one a 5.5/10
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#26
12-10-2002, 08:01 PM
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At what point in the movie did you fall asleep? The beginning, middlesection, or end?
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#28
12-10-2002, 08:22 PM
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Well, you might as well know. The girl is in the pool, the lights go out, the girl waits around scared, fearing "they" and tries to call for someone who may have accidently turned off lights. The lights stay on, and she hears something. It is "they" and she swims to the end of the pool in desperation, gets out, gets a door that happens to be locked. She manages to find another door, one that is unlocked, goes into the locker room...fearing "they" and she sees "they" (unseen by the audience), they come for her, and at last minute there is a cut, indicating that this is an offscreen death. After a while, the boy and heroine start realizing that the girl has been missing for an unusual amount of time...around this time, he and the heroine come up with more realizations of "they" and later, the boy is in his apartment, hears the the elevator doors. There's nothing there, but he hears sounds and knows it is "they" he tries to get away down the elevator. The elevator stops, as if it's jammed. The elevator is between floors, so he opens the doors, crawls through, and in through the hole of darkness, "they" pull him through, thus another offscreen death to have the audience intrigued and scared of and to think of with their imaginations.
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#30
12-10-2002, 11:59 PM
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Cory, you know what's funny? When my mom saw it with my dad she fell asleep at that same part (during the pool part and when Julia had her meeting that she fucked up). It wasn't that the movie was boring though, she was just really tired from working all day.
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#32
12-11-2002, 10:52 AM
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#33
12-11-2002, 03:00 PM
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amen to that,it definetly would be,move down here,become a film teacher and teach at my school and we're ready to go dude....actually my one teachers a bigtime movie buff,hes like 24 or so...we're watching rushmore in class as we speak,just started it today...hes not high on horror though..
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#34
12-11-2002, 06:20 PM
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Wow, I'm surprised you're watching RUSHMORE in class, it's afterall rated R. That's cool though, I had a couple of teachers that were pretty big movie fans too. My English teacher in 7th grade and my English teacher in 8th grade were, it was great because we'd talk about movies all of the time. I always got A's in their classes.
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#35
12-11-2002, 06:34 PM
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I don't know bout you guys but I HATED THEY..... I thought it had no suspense and it wasn't even scary.......I think the highlight of the movie is when she was naked
 I think the only reason i saw it was b/c wes craven's name was one it..... little did I know he had nothing to do with the production!!!! Those communists!!!!
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#36
12-11-2002, 08:15 PM
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yeah...i didnt think rushmore looked too good at all,but im enjoying it alot...well,we're reading a book,"catcher in the rye",similiar to the film in some elements,and we've watched movies like the crow and kids,so the cursing thing isnt a problem,remember,i go to a charter school with like 100 kids only...
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#40
12-13-2002, 01:17 AM
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I'm just a littele annoyed 'cause I saw the UK cut of the film...
*spoiler* I saw the version where the girl is attacked in the subway, then is grabbed by "they,"( the police officers) ...winds up in an institution...fakes sanity so she is able to leave the asylum...then goes home...sorruonds herself with lights & * the closet door opens.....END film.... * >>> this was a pretty weak ending... I was wondering if anyone had a digital version of the US ending (avi...mpeg) or could be bothered datailing it exactly like I have above!?? It's just that the UK ending sucked and I have no way of seeing it !!!! thx.
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