Phil Horror Watch: Phil reviews IT FOLLOWS (2014) from Anchor Bay Ent.-August 9, 2015

IT FOLLOWS Blu-Ray Cover (2015)

IT FOLLOWS
Starring: Maika Monroe, Lili Sepe, Jake Weary, Daniel Zovatto, Olivia Luccardi, Bailey Spry
Written by David Robert Mitchell 
Cinematography by Mike Gioulaki
Directed by David Robert Mitchell
Released by Anchor Bay Entertainment

Over the past several years Hollywood horror films have been, how do I say it, horrible. There, I said it. And it's true. Over the past decade we have seen almost every classic horror film either remade, rebooted or re-imagined to the point that I've dreaded to see what Hollywood will screw up next. But there are a few decent original horror films that are being released to theaters, but there are few and far between and sometimes they are not we're expecting to see, which can be a lot of fun. Take for instance IT FOLLOWS, the newest horror movie released by our friends over at Anchor Bay Entertainment.

The film's official synopsis: For nineteen-year-old Jay (Maika Monroe), Autumn should be about school, boys and week-ends out at the lake. But after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, she finds herself plagued by strange visions and the inescapable sense that someone, something, is following her. Faced with this burden, Jay and her friends must find a way to escape the horrors, that seem to be only a few steps behind.

OK, so this film has been receiving a plethora of praise. Critics and horror fans have been saying it's the best horror film so far this year and that it's an instant classic and such. While it is a very good horror film, I wouldn't say it's the best or an instant classic.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The acting in the film is above average. Lead actress Maika Monroe does a fine job with her portrayal of Jay, and the rest of the cast do their part as well, but overall the acting is nothing to really rave about. But they all deserve some merit for their contribution to the movie.

Director David Robert Mitchell does a fine job of helming the film but overall, it's a horror film that isn't very scary nor horrifying. At times it drags and can't seem to get back on track. Mitchell made some noise with his first indie film THE MYTH OF THE AMERICAN SLEEPOVER (2010), and with this, his big breakout film, fans and critics have been falling over him. But as I stated, this was an mediocre film at best. It wasn't really scary, or bone-chilling, or amazing, or whatever else the critics have been saying. It was a decent film and that's about it.

In conclusion IT FOLLOWS is a fine entry into the horror genre and it did have potential to become of the best horror films of 2015, but it failed to become one. But I will give Mitchell and his brave crew credit for creating an original film which is a rarity these days. Three out of five stars! Entertaining enough for a rental!

IT FOLLOWS is available on both Blu-Ray and DVD and can be purchased at your local retailer or at the Amazon website at www.amazon.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!