The Strangers

Why are you doing this??? Because you were home! This movie is v

Why are you doing this??? Because you were home! This movie is very good and scary. This movie is also a true story!!! The music they use is just right out scary! :O People coming into your house with masks trying to kill you is much scarier than aliens, vampires, and werewolves. They need to start making more slasher films like Friday the 13th, Halloween, and Nightmare on Elm Street. Anyways I give this movie 5 stars!

Suspenseful!

I just finally saw this movie for the first time this past evening, and I have to admit, it was pretty suspenseful. It was a bit unnerving, too, that it is based on actual events. I like how it was built up, the suspense of the killers toying with them and everything. It made for some good intensity, and in wondering to yourself what's going to happen next, and when are they going to strike? All in all, I thought this movie was good and suspenseful, and though it's sad to know that this really happened, so to speak, it still makes for a pretty intense slasher movie. It was kind of short though, and they didn't go very in depth on story. There was also something at the end of the movie that left me kind of wondering, but I don't want to say, because it might ruin the end of it for someone who hasn't seen it. Minor stuff though. In all, this was pretty good.

This movie is horrible

Other reviewers gave enough info on the plot (or lack therof) so I won't repeat. Without giving anything away, all I can tell you is that the most unbelievable thing in the whole movie was the varying spread pattern of a shotgun and it's ability to hit a target, door or not. I'll say no more about that. The violence??? Look I'm no prude, but there's enough senseless violence in the real world that never gets explained so why would I want that empty "why" feeling at the conclusion a movie. Hey director, get over yourself, you're not that avante garde or clever.

Lock the door and pretend you're not home...,

I've wanted to see this movie ever since the trailer first came out. It reminded me of some of my favorite horror books, people being lost or cut of from civilization with something evil on their trail. Well this movie was awesome, I enjoyed the atmosphere and the creep factor was high, a cozy home has never looked as ominous and unfriendly as this one. <BR/><BR/>When a couple on the verge of a happy moment ( en engagement) suddenly hits a rough patch because the girl doesn't want the ring, they leave the dinner party and head back to on old family house; set up with rose petals and awaiting them with privacy and what was supposed to be a romantic night. Alone in middle of nowhere they try to settle in for the night, their awkwardness visible as James Hoyt (Scott Speedman) tires to lessen his embarrassment from the rejection without cutting out Kristen McKay (Liv Tyler) from his life forever. Depressed and confused up they manage to hug and kiss, when loud knock rattles the door. Seeing that it's 4 am, they make their way to the door with apprehension and open it to see a girl, standing in the shadows, asking for someone who doesn't live there. They eventually get her to leave, but more knocking and strange noises are soon to follow. Out of cigarettes, bad habit in life but worse in horror movies, James volunteers to pick some up for Kristen, leaving her alone in the house. Obviously this is when the scary stuff picks up and she is terrorized and eagerly awaiting his return. He comes back but safety is nowhere in reach, together they try to figure out why someone is knocking on the door and banging on the windows, wearing masks and holding weapons. Pretty soon it's apparent that the three strangers are well organized and they want to do more than scare from people, they are out for blood, for no reason other than they fact that they can do it. <BR/><BR/>I loved the eerie atmosphere and the dark shadows surrounding the small home, with nowhere to hide and with three clever attackers close behind in pursuit. The couple was driven mad with confusion as to why this was happening and with hope of surviving till dawn, some part of the movie were peaceful, making me feel like all the bad stuff was in my imagination and then the madness would return and paint a grim picture for out couple. This reminded me of "Vacancy" which was another fun horror movie; because when people think they are safe indoors it turns out that they are not safe, instead they are trapped, waiting for the predator to strike. <BR/><BR/>This is a great movie to watch in the dark, for those who dare of course. The TV looks great blending into the shadows and the movie is thrilling and entertaining and even little strange, but all for its benefit. <BR/><BR/>- Kasia S.

Noises Within, Noises Without

There are a few flaws in this otherwise successful film that is in fact as frightening as the trailer makes it out to be. Not being one for the constant barrage of thriller films (the 'Saw' Series, the endless vampire variations, 'I know what you did...', etc) this viewer hesitantly watched what could have been yet another exercise in blood and gore. But surprise! The story (based on a true incident in 2005 as outlined by an off camera narrator discussing the number of violent deaths in America each year before the film opens) is tight, credible, and deals more with the emotion of terror of the unknown than images of gore. Kudos to writer/director Bryan Bertino for finding the core of the macabre. And it is true! <BR/><BR/>James Hoyt (Scott Speedman) is driving his girlfriend Kristen MacKay (Liv Tyler) to the isolated summer home in the woods that James and his best friend Mike (Glenn Howerton) had earlier decorated with rose petals, candles and champagne in preparation for what was supposed to be a celebration of a marriage proposal. Sadness prevails in the car as Kristen has turned James' proposal down. They quietly enter the decorated house, and almost immediately begin to hear sounds outside and a door knock by a young girl apparently looking for a person not living in this house. Kristen asks James to go out and get her cigarettes and the creepy action begins. Three strangers each in masks terrify Kristen with noises, secretly entering the house, and creating a tense atmosphere until James returns. At this point the story becomes an almost unbearable sequence of events: it is clear the strangers are out to murder James and Kristen. Bound and beaten by the three strangers Kristen asks 'Why us? Why do you want to kill us?' and the simple answer from of the strangers is 'Because you're home'. The ending of the film could have been better handled by someone telling us the results of the night - the follow up to this true story. But instead Bertino elects to keep the level of terror high. <BR/><BR/>Peter Sova (cinematographer) finds the right amount of shadow and dark to keep us guessing and the musical score by tomandandy is pitch perfect. This is a fine little film, but be prepared to jump in a few spots...and keep the lights on! Grady Harp

Bland in story, high in tension.

The story? Well...it's a little non-existent. But there's some in the beginning, yes. You follow James and Kristy who, after a friend's wedding reception and a proposal gone bad, go to a friend's summer home to stay the night. Things are set up all nice and pretty because, well, James was obviously positive she'd say yes. Things aren't the case. After a strange girl knocks on the door asking for someone who doesn't live there, James leaves to go to the store. While Kristy is left at home, things take a turn for the worst and you realize there are 3 people trying to get in...and they're not friendly.<BR/>Say goodbye to plot. Because that's literally all you get. There's no real...motive for these attackers. And if there is, you never find out what.<BR/>The character's reaction are predictable and a few parts are as well (James's friend, anyone?). But the sounds definitely will run a few nice little chills down your spine and the "strangers" themselves are quite creepy, especially the two girls. Not a fan of dolls or their faces...<BR/><BR/>Now, the ending...I didn't care for it. No, no spoilers here. But I didn't like it. You'll just have to see it.<BR/><BR/>I do recommend this one. It's creepy and gives a fresh spin to the horror genre, even if plot's "a little" lacking.

Not Enough to Make the Cut

There's no question that the first half hour or so of this movie is fraught with unnerving tension. The apprehension increases with the loud knocks on the front door. Up to this point there is the escalating tension of the unknown. From now on, though, the movie becomes monotonous and predictable. The reason is simple: there's no story.<BR/><BR/>There's no plot driving the action or ratcheting up the suspense. I'm not giving away anything when I sum up "The Strangers" as "home invaders terrorize couple in remote house." That's all there is. Once you realize this, the movie becomes cut and dried. I hasten to add, however, that it does have scary moments, such as, those loud knocks on the door and those masked intruders when they seem to float through the house's rooms in the background behind the heroes, who are oblivious to them.<BR/><BR/>In the end, devoid of a story line, "The Strangers" is a pointless, empty, predictable excercise in terror, which leaves one sickened and cheated--if anything.<BR/><BR/>--Bryan Cassiday, author of "Fete of Death"

Refreshingly original

It's almost shocking to watch a movie that is well written and doesn't resort to the gore porn shock factor that has become common in horror movies of late. The movie uses some of the great simple basics that older movies use to create susupense. Amazing use of sound and atmosphere to create suspense and creepiness. Great movie! Worth a buy or at least a watch for sure.

Strnagers

This movie is all about the suspense, that dude with the the fruit of a looms on his head is not that scary but he just keeps popping up like that makes your heart race. the girl is a famous runway model,

Great suspense movie

I am a big fan of horror and for a very long time horror movies and suspense movies have fell flat. But this movie was one movie that made me jump out my seat, and it had a good plot. A couple you can tell are not on good terms go to a cabin to relax when a group of people began to freak them out. The one guy with the bag over his head he makes an appearance in one scene and when he did the whole theature screamed. Theres really no telling when and at what time somone jump out. By the end of the movie you really felt for these ppl, although i do have to say the ending was predictable. One thing about the movie i really likes was the fact they they never showed who the killers were, camera tricks made sure you never saw them, which goes to show that anyone could have been the killer. Good movie, good idea. I enjoyed it.

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