Amusement (2009) Review
Written by: BlackTequilaKiss
I have just watched Amusement and I sit here stunned. Was it good? No. Was it bad? No. It was I thought, mediocre. I rented this against my better judgement, thinking that this might actually be worth taking a chance on. How I wish I had stuck to my guns. Don’t get me wrong this isn’t the worst film by a long while but this is by no means the best I have seen.
This is a low-down of my vision of the movie.
First great scene, boring scene (please let this end!), mediocre scene toward the middle that ups a little (ok not so bad), the scene of the truth (why did I ever watch this!!) to the finale (is that it?!).
Sadly it lacked finesse, energy and seemed a disjointed effort.
The plot has such is about 3 women, all friends from school who made fun of a kid during their school era. Years on he is back seeking revenge against those who wronged him.
This isn’t all bad there are moments that genuinely terrifying. The most effective scene in the movie involves character, Tabitha. Babysitting her two nieces she has to sleep in a room filled with doll clowns with one in particular that freaks her. A clown doll (supposedly!) that is as big as a human. It was a genuinely creepy moment that raised hairs on my necks. Then again I hate clowns.
The confusing aspect of this film was in that it told three separate stories that are supposed to link with the main plot of the story. Fair enough the first story was well paced and had a hue of a Urban Legend but it was all too confusing for my liking. Nothing made much sense and a reason was never really given as to what ACTUALLY happened during the childhood to turn a lad as such into a killer.
With only one scene reverting to the childhood it all seemed a bit of a guessing game which I did not appreciate.
The actresses were ok in their role but the stand out in my opinion was Katheryn Winnick who did a fantastic job as Tabitha. She played a tender role with absolute conviction. With her on the screen it was slightly more bearable but not by much.
One thing I couldn’t understand was the 18 rated certificate this film had. I have seen a lot more gore in other films including Dog Soldiers which is only 15 rated! I was honestly perplexed an wondered when something bloody was going to happen. So when the ending credits began I wanted to weep quietly into a corner.
The killer was dull, I am sorry but he was. When he cannot even scare me I knew the story was in trouble. Lifeless and bland he brought nothing worthwhile to the screen.
Smarter thinking was done when it came to special effects. I am not talking blood or anything but the effects done to coincide. For example the lighting strikes against the monotone background of darkness was cleverly done. It added atmosphere and a sense of foreboding. The music was eerie and played to a taunt tense when it came to some scenes.
In the end I could go on and on about this movie, where it failed; where it didn’t (and they were rare!) but the biggest letdown was the ending. If you can call it that! It doesn’t end properly or explain the aftermath. Instead it left me feeling dejected and wondering why I had gone through all the trouble to see this movie.
It had ample opportunity to be better but never arose to the challenge. The bottom line? Amusement left me feeling a lot less amused by the credits ran.
You can watch this but I would not recommend it. A poorly executed film with so much promise but a failure do to an incoherent script. A mess. I cannot in my own conscious recommend this movie and suggest you watch something else, Dog Soldiers comes to mind. Not Amusing.