Chair, The (DVD)
Steve Barton
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Reviewed by Uncle Creepy
Starring Alanna Chisholm, Lauren Roy, Adam Seybold, Nick Abraham
Directed by Brett Sullivan
Distributed by Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Award laurels. These days whenever I see them on the box for a movie I’ve never heard of, I almost immediately lose interest. Don’t get me wrong; filmmakers should be proud of any and all awards that they receive for their work. It’s just that sometimes said awards are used as a marketing tool for really bad movies that got some form of recognition at a random horror-fest that no one has ever heard of. The box for The Chair had three awards listed from two well known festivals. This was a good sign, but little did I know how good. To my surprise, The Chair, despite having cover art that screams Saw-rip-off, is a competent little film that truly deserves its attention.
Danielle (played at times with an extreme amount of crazy-bitch by Chisholm) is a chick with a history. A history of mental disorder that has led to a good amount of treatment in pharmaceutical form. Luckily she has a strong support group to help her through her rough patches. The only problem? Not even the most caring of individuals could carry her through the strange goings-on at her new home. Due half to the tenacity of a vengeful spirit and the other half to a weakened mental state, Danielle’s body quickly becomes home to a serial killer’s soul that has lain dormant for one hundred years. What we have here, folks, is a tale of murder, mayhem, and things going bump in the night that doesn’t exactly break new ground but still manages to take you on one hell of a ride.
Sure The Chair has its fair share of pitfalls and at times relies on the audience to do a good deal of disbelief suspension, but it’s really easy to forgive its few stumbles. Why? Because everyone involved with this project is completely devoted to making a really good movie instead of a cheapo cash-in. Director Brett Sullivan does an admirable job of building mood and tension and delivering the spooky without compromise. There are parts in this film that I have no doubt will send shivers down more than a few spines. Couple all that with some vintage horror movie camera work, as well as solid performances all around, and we have a winner.
However, the DVD itself falls pretty short of being a contender. All we get is seventeen minutes of your standard behind-the-scenes stuff, a commentary, and the unedited Zymytryk footage. I know you’re scratching your head … “What the hell is Zymytryk footage?” You know what? I don’t want to give anything away. Trust me; after watching the movie, you’ll be glad it’s there. Tack on the film’s trailer, and we’re done.
Looking for a movie to kick back with on a dark, stormy night? Need your fix of murderous ghostly mayhem? Sit your ass down and check out The Chair! Just don’t blame me if you never look at a can of loose change the same way ever again!
Special Features
3 1/2 out of 5
Special Features:
2 1/2 out of 5
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