They Reach

I loved the idea and really wanted to like it but the acting was not good. Some really weird scenes made me wonder what were they thinking. It has good ideas and even some Stephen King vibes but I wouldn't recommend it.

Don't take this too seriously and you will enjoy. I watched it blind and it held my attention from start to end. It is a bit of a mess at times but overall an enjoyable flick. Casting is good. Characters are likeable. Female lead is definitely the standout. FX are competent. Storyline is a bit silly almost to the point that it appears diliberate? Maybe a tongue'n'cheek tribute to Stranger Things/Goons genre? If you like those I am sure you will enjoy this.

Weird that there are multiple reviews claiming that the negative reviews can't possibly be true because the movie isn't out until October, which is maybe true for the US release, I'm not sure, but...it released on VOD services like Amazon internationally months ago. You were in the movie but you don't know that? Ok, bud.

Notice they're fine with all the blatantly fake 10/10 reviews from the same month though...

This is a Hi-Octane Pictures movie though, so honestly all of this and the low quality of the film itself is to be expected...

I really enjoyed They Reach. There are definitely signs that this was an indie project. The acting wasn't always A-list level, etc. But it was still an enjoyable flick. There are genuinely captivating moments throughout. I also felt like the director did a great job of handling tension and scares. The VFX were above average for an indie/horror flick. And some of the performances were really compelling, especially the character of Cheddar. There are lots of touching moments as well that were well executed. I thought it was a very well balanced film.

A lot of reviewers, some of whom, I supect have not seen this film, have, in my opinion, been very unfair to it. "They Reach" is by no means a bad little horror film.

There's a real "Stranger Things" meets "The Goonies" vibe on offer here, rounded out with a 70's nostalgia trip, that's done extremely well. This is balanced by surprisingly excellent acting from younger cast members in particular, who really steal the show.

The horror effects are nothing special but they don't really need to be. In spite of the blood and minor gore, this is on a certain level a dark horror comedy. Its not supposed to be taken too seriously.

In short this ones a winner. Its inherently likable, watchable and entertainingly silly in a scary demonic kind of way.

7/10 from me.