Insidious

So, most of you who read this blog sporadically know that I tend to focus on older films, or current politics. I decided over the weekend to delve into the world of the now, and see a film which is still in theaters! I had high expectations for Insidious (by Saw creator James Wan), as I thoroughly enjoyed their previous non-Saw film, Dead Silence. I will be the first to admit that James Wan and his crew are faaaar from perfect filmmakers, and I must admit that I think the Saw series has set us all back decades. There is a scene in Dead Silence, about a vengeful ventriloquist's ghost and her dummies, where a protagonist who's wife has been murdered by said dummy is driving down a road. Is the dummy in the car? Yes. Is it in a box or in the trunk? No, it's sitting in the back seat. So, the dummy just killed your wife. And you want to road trip with him?!? Unfortunately, though the remainder of the film is suspenseful and at times terrifying, critics harped on the dummy backseat driver idea, and based all their reviews on it. Assholes.
Back to Insidious. I went against better judgment and read reviews of this film, all citing the parallels to Poltergeist. I must tell you that this comparison is entirely flimsy. If Insidious steals from Poltergeist, then the argument can be presented that all romantic comedies steal from each other because they include scenes of kissing...or doctor dramas because they include operations. It's that weak of a link, but critics will find any reason to bludgeon a perfectly good horror film. What I enjoyed most about the film was its pacing/storytelling. This is a strong ghost story which has a fantastic pace, where all is divulged in due time, effectively. I was thoroughly engrossed in the plot, and sympathetic toward its protagonists. A story synopsis: a family moves into a new house. After a seemingly harmless accident, their son suddenly falls into a coma. Then weird/scary as hell shit obviously begin occurring. My one honest criticism of the film is its music and credits, which actually DO steal from Drag Me To Hell, Sam Raimi's 2009 gem. The music was, while attempting to make the viewer tense, thoroughly annoying and goofy. My wife almost walked out. It's that irritating.
Unfortunately, I was too late to see Insidious, and it will be removed from theaters by this weekend, so I would suggest rushing to see it before Friday. It is worth the theatrical viewing. Oh, and rent Dead Silence, and watch it in a dark room.