Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)

Directed by: Mike Flanagan

Written by: Mike Flanagan & Jeff Howard

Starring: Elizabeth Reaser, Lulu Wilson, & Annalise Basso




I believe I didn't watch the first film so I'm not sure if they are related.  They probably are, but this review is specifically about this film only.

Alice Zander (Reaser) wants to spice up her fortune teller act by adding a Ouija board.  In an attempt to contact her late father, Doris (Wilson), Zander's youngest daughter, begins using the board, but unfortunately contacts something other than her dear loved one.  Eventually the "something" becomes powerful enough to take over Doris' body to the point where people begin dying and weird things start to happen.

I was very entertained.  This movie was not necessarily scary, but more creepy than anything.  There weren't many jumping scared parts, but the way the little girl acted was believable enough to send chills down your spine.

I was a little confused about the ending, but after clarification from the person I went with, I suppose it made more sense.  My issue was with how the character was acting, when it was out of her persona.

Even so, 4 popcorns.

Desierto (2015)

Directed by: Jonás Cuarón

Written by: Jonás Cuarón & Mateo Garcia

Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal & Jeffrey Dean Morgan




A group of Mexicans tread through the Badlands to make it to the U.S.  Unfortunately, Sam (Morgan) and his dog are out hunting.  In order to prevent the Mexicans from immigrating to the U.S., Sam takes it upon himself to kill them off one by one.  Moises (Bernal) and others witness the killing and try to save themselves and make it back to Mexico or to the U.S. if possible. But eventually instead of them being the ones hunted, they become the ones hunting.

This film was beautifully done.  The camera work of the Badlands contained beautiful shots that showed the beauty and danger of the location.

There were some sound issues, but I'm not sure if it was the film or the movie theater I was in, so just beware of this.

The plot was interesting, because as an audience, we were able to see two sides to immigration: the Mexican trying to make it and the American who was deeply set against it.  In the end I think there is a moral and I would love to hear your thoughts on it.  Leave it in the comments below or message me on social media what you think it was.

5 popcorns.
 

The Accountant (2016)

Directed by: Gavin O'Connor

Written by: Bill Dubuque

Starring: Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, & J.K. Simmons





Christian Wolff (Affleck) has autism.  It's hard for him to socialize and control his emotions, especially if he is unable to finish a particular task.  But he is able to participate in society as an accountant.  But he also has a hidden career that only one person knows about.  The government is after him because of his critical connections, but in an attempt to blend in, Wolff decides to take a safe accounting job for a no risk client, but it turns out to not be that safe.

(Sorry I've been MIA.  I actually saw this film weeks ago, but just haven't had the time to write my review.  But low and behold I found some time.  Yay!)

I thought this film was amazing.  Not necessarily for any special effects or cool camera work, but just the plot in general.  Affleck really brought this autistic character to life and his acting was amazing.  Plus this film had some parts that you really have to pay attention to in order to guess what's happening.  Otherwise you'll just be surprised at the end, which I was with one aspect of the film.  Technically there are two surprises, but I predicted the other one.

The only thing I had a problem with was Kendrick and Affleck's relationship.  I thought she was too young for it to be romantic.  But I was okay with how it turned out.

I hope they make a sequel.  In the meantime, 5 popcorns.