Title: House (DVD)

Directed by: Robby Henson (Thr3e).

Starring Michael Madsen (Sin City 2, Hell Ride), Reynaldo Rosales (House M.D.), Heidi Dippold (Angel) and Julie Ann Emery.

Scores: Technical: 95, Story: 84, Acting: 89, Overall: 94

I started watching House with no expectations. I didn’t really hear anything about it beforehand, so, I just thought: Great, another sub-par horror movie that I’ll be able to pick apart and forget about the next day. Boy, was I wrong.

Jack and Stephanie are on their way to a marriage counseling session in the middle of Alabama(odd?) when they get diverted down a desolate road by a just creepy enough cop. (played by Michael Madsen) Just when they decide to turn around and go home-BOOM- they run over some farm equipment and blow two tires. This leads them to look for help, and lo and behold, a house.

Now up until then I’m thinking: Yep, I was right, just your textbook horror plotline. This film did follow the same path as some great movies : Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Hills Have Eyes, and Wrong Turn just to name a few. This is where the plot deviates from expected. As they go in the house they meet another couple, Randy and Leslie, who can’t seem to find anyone in the house/inn. Then out of nowhere a lady (Leslie Easterbrook) and her adult son Pete (Lew Temple) pop up. From here the movie takes a frightening turn into scaryville and does not let up until the credits roll. Everything about this movie had a subtle eeriness to it. I think the only thing lacking was more Stewart, played perfectly by Bill Moseley. Everything I see him in, he blows me away. He has got a maniacal look that can’t be faked. The rest of the cast played very well, except the main couple, who I think lacked a convincing portrayal of the situation. Director Robby Henson used some great angles to actually disorient the viewer and add to the chaos. The house itself was a great character and the “villain” was kept in the dark just enough to keep you on the edge.

There were some plot holes but, I don’t want to get into them here. House is definitely worth seeing and it shocks me when a movie like this gets overlooked, and other “horror” movies get all the hype. I say, go rent it, enjoy it, and lose some sleep over it. I think I’m going to.