Amityville The Awakening (2017) Review

Every once in a while, a franchise comes along that seems to have an endless reservoir of sequels, prequels, and spin-offs. The Amityville series is one such franchise. In 2017, director Franck Khalfoun attempted to breathe new life into it with 'Amityville The Awakening'. As collectors, we know that sometimes the thrill lies not just in the quality of the film but in what it represents within the scope of a larger collection. Let's break down what this installment offers.

Plot Summary

The story centers around a family that moves into the infamous Amityville house, with the mother Joan (played by Jennifer Jason Leigh) hoping for a fresh start for her family. Her three children, Belle, Juliet, and her comatose twin brother James, are adjusting to this new chapter in their lives. Belle, played by Bella Thorne, soon begins to experience strange occurrences within the house. As she digs into deeper into its dark history, she finds herself questioning her reality and the safety of her family. 'Amityville The Awakening' tries to weave together horror elements with family drama, offering a mix of supernatural scares and psychological tension.

Performances

The performances in 'Amityville The Awakening' are a mixed bag. Bella Thorne, stepping into the role of the skeptical yet brave Belle, delivers a performance that is competent enough to carry the film. Her portrayal manages to capture the internal struggle of a teenager caught between familial duty and personal survival. Jennifer Jason Leigh, with her seasoned acting chops, adds a layer of credibility to the film, though her character's motivations sometimes feel underdeveloped.

Cameron Monaghan, known for his work on 'Shameless', takes on the challenging role of James, Belle's comatose brother. Despite the limited physical acting opportunities, Monaghan brings a certain presence to the screen that becomes increasingly important as the story unfolds. However, the supporting cast tends to fall into the typical horror movie trap, where their roles feel more like plot devices than fully fleshed-out characters.

Direction and Craft

Franck Khalfoun's direction in 'Amityville The Awakening' shows glimpses of inspiration but ultimately struggles to fully capitalize on them. The film attempts to balance horror with a more introspective look at the impact of trauma on a family, but it doesn't always succeed. The pacing can feel uneven, with certain scenes dragging on while others rush by without proper development.

Visually, the film makes use of the house's iconic status, playing on the audience's familiarity with its haunted history. The cinematography captures the eerie atmosphere effectively, using lighting and shadow to create a sense of unease. However, the film sometimes relies too heavily on horror tropes, such as jump scares, which can diminish the tension rather than enhance it.

The score, composed by Robin Coudert, complements the film's mood appropriately, though it's not particularly memorable. It serves its purpose in heightening moments of suspense but doesn't leave a lasting impression.

Collector's Verdict

For collectors, 'Amityville The Awakening' is a curious addition to the series. While it may not stand out as a pinnacle of horror cinema, its place within the Amityville franchise makes it an intriguing piece for completists. The film was released across several formats, but for those looking to enjoy the best visual experience, the Blu-ray edition is the way to go. It captures the film's atmospheric elements in high definition, which is essential for appreciating the details that contribute to its eerie setting.

In terms of rarity, 'Amityville The Awakening' is not particularly hard to find, but it does hold some value due to its place in a long-running series. It's certainly not the most sought-after item for horror collectors, but it's an interesting talking point when compared to other films in the franchise.

If you're a collector who enjoys exploring the evolution of horror series and their various interpretations, this film is worth adding to your collection. However, if you're seeking top-tier horror thrills, you might find it lacking. It's a film that will likely appeal more to those interested in the broader Amityville lore than to casual horror fans.

Star Rating

Overall, 'Amityville The Awakening' earns a 2.5 out of 5 stars. It delivers some moments of intrigue and has a few standout performances, but it falls short of revitalizing the series in a meaningful way. For collectors, it's a decent entry that's worth having for the sake of completeness, especially if you're a fan of the Amityville saga.