The Eye (2008 American remake)
March 2nd 2008 22:26
The original movie was relatively popular in Hong Kong, though it only got mediocre reviews when it came over to North America. I never saw it, so I'm not in a position to judge whether or not the remake succeeds in comparison.
It definitely feels like a Jessica "I'm a serious actress now" Alba vehicle, with plenty of closeups and moments for her to act out the emotions neccessary: shock, surprise, fright and horror. As the AV Club reviewed:
"[Alba joins] Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jennifer Connelly, and other generically decorative American actors taking up eye-candy duties in Asian-horror remakes..."
When it comes to horror movies, I'm heavily polarized... I prefer the atmosphere of dread and tension, built up over the length of the movie (captured perfectly by "Ringu" and "Deep Red") as opposed to the easy scares: a quick cut to something unexpectedly frightening.
Luckily for me, "The Eye" is a true Hollywood horror. The scares are easily predictable, thanks to the deep bass rumbling that precedes the appearance of a ghost, and the directors make Alba start spinning around, to ensure that she''l be startled by something. I brace myself, look away from the centre of the screen, and, yes, a ghost just lunged at Alba, causing her to spill some salt.
One of the most fascinating elements of the film is the original premise... Alba's character was blind her entire life. Then, suddenly, she's granted sight. How does a person, used to perceiving the world with one less sense, get used to the overload of information?
It's a short chapter of the movie, rushed by, but it easily could have been fleshed out to be stronger. Is Alba seeing ghosts, or is her mind creating vivid hallucinations?
In fact, I'd be delighted to see Alba's character come to term with simple concepts. The colour blue, for example. Imagine, upon seeing blue, if she felt disappointed... perhaps in her mind, blue has a different sound than the visual image she sees?
"The Eye" moves on quickly from these ideas, and gets down to more scares and Alba posing in scenes that take advantage of her cheerfully pretty face and her slender, delicious figure. Asked about her character in the movie, Alba responded:
"“A lot of people have seen me in popcorn movies, and this one is as well, but I play a more complex character. She’s not as one dimensional and sweet. She’s definitely grounded in more of a reality and feels less glamorized as the other characters I’ve played.”"
I don't know what she's talking about.
"The Eye" has plenty of chills and scares to make you jump from your seat, spraying popcorn everywhere. At the tail end of the Sydney summer, it's a good idea to keep your blood pumping with the thought of vengeful ghosts and Jessica Alba - this safe, predictable horror will certainly separate you from your $15, a thought that chills me more than any number of ghosts.
I say: It tries to escape the cliche of Hollywood horror by taking on an Asian remake, but "The Eye" still falls short, ultimately, even down to the satisfying, feel-good ending, a classic signature of the Hollywood adaptation.
See it for: This is the Jessica Alba show, so you might as well love it. She showers in one scene, which is nice, but when she's sitting in pajamas, eating ice cream on her couch, that's my best 'awww' moment. Cute as a button.
*this image is from canmag.com
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Comment by StarWarsGeek
But seriously, Hollywood will NEVER make a horror movie to rival those made in Asia...
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I'm seeing it later in the week, so I'll pop back afterwards,
Tracy
Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
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Fat Cult
Techbreak
Tracy, look forward to it!
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
You summed it up well:
The scares are easily predictable, thanks to the deep bass rumbling that precedes the appearance of a ghost, and the directors make Alba start spinning around, to ensure that she''l be startled by something. I brace myself, look away from the centre of the screen, and, yes, a ghost just lunged at Alba, causing her to spill some salt.
Despite those warnings, I was surprised at how scary it was and quite enjoyed it. It's definitely not as good as the original, but it wasn't dreadful either.
Great review,
Tracy
Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
It was definitely cheesy in many,many ways...too many to mention I think! I want to say more, but i don't want to hop into spoilers...