The Harbinger

Saw this at the Dances with Films Festival and decided to get it. It seems a lot of movies, especially horror, are all about the tropes being the main attraction with not much substance as the foundation underneath - which is why so many movies feel the same to me.

Every time The Harbinger hits a trope, it doesn't hone in and linger and make a big spectacle when it gets to it. It feels like just another stop along the way. The story continues on as if to say, "you think THAT was interesting, oh yeah, no, let us show you where we're going" (And yet it all ties in later). And it just keeps going until the movie hits its endgame, which is simply to tell an entertaining story with substance of plot, character, and theme (can't say what without spoilers).

Perfect example: the "possessed kid" trope- Been done a million times. They could've gone down any number of worn out paths with that trope and instead went a completely different direction. This is actually not a "possessed kid" movie but I won't say more.

I'm seeing comments this is more creepy than jump-scary. IMO that's pretty accurate, but for me you can have good and bad movies in both of those categories.

Big-budget Hollywood classic favorites of mine are 8 to 10, so this is a very strong 7 out of 10 and I could see it becoming an 8 or more over time.

Saw the trailer and almost didn't bother...how many more evil kid movies do we need? To say I am pleasantly surprised is an understatement. I refuse to do a spoiler post so I will just say this is not an "evil kid" movie. They go a completely different direction. So damn refreshing to see original material.

The movie makes you think. Keeps you on your toes. Got a little hokey at the end, but it's one of those things where you're either going to be on board or you're not. Not related to quality just a taste thing. I was pushing for the family to get it done so a little hokey is ok by me as long as acting is good, which it was. Overall entertaining.

This movie has a paranormal-supernatural theme with satanic, Christian and Native American elements. The Harbinger is not an action and special effects driven roller coaster ride seeded with countless sequences of creative graphic violence. Instead this story moves forward at a gentler slower pace. There are elements of 1960's Rod Serling style of story development. Viewers impatient for intense visceral assault and dizzying effects are likely to be put off.

Watching the trailer only will probably cause viewers to conclude the movie is different than it is. The sizzle mission of trailers often results in something that is nothing like the movie. I believe this is the case with The Harbinger.

Is The Harbinger worthy of your time? I think so. What you'd get for your patience is a character and plot driven story where performers cannot hide behind special effects or anything else. In contrast they are given plenty of opportunity to soar or bore. For the most part the performances are strong and sometimes even memorable. Also casting for the supporting cast brought together some unique talents that genuinely contributed to the film.

Dude carries this movie. Reminds me kind of a cross between Nic Cage and Keanu. You don't know what he's up to the first half the movie. His pain over his daughter is gut-wrenching. Once we learn something (won't give spoilers) he becomes a badass and we're on board with him the rest of the way. A movie can have any kind of trinkets or mythos it wants if it has a lead character who can hold down the fort and get you there. He's got the goods. Looking forward to what he does next. He directed this, I think, so as far as him as a filmmaker I think with a lesser lead actor this movie would have felt a little long, but because he's compelling the movie felt right. I've now seen this twice after reading reviews. His performance is even better in the first half when you know what you know. Same with the other people.

I don't write reviews but disagree with the downvotes here. I'm getting from these comments the trailer misrepresents. I can see that. The actual movie has a lot of heart. And a crazy ass story. But I wasn't confused after they explained it. People just aren't patient. There is no mystery if you say it too early. Maybe it helps that I already heard it's hokey or corny or something but I really like the creepy feel of the movie too. I like the dad. I felt his emotions and the whole family. Everyone else is supposed to be over the top or weird or whatever but I always felt the family. And I love that you don't really know what's up with the family for the first part of the movie and it all comes together. For me cheesiness is ok if we like the people. I was rooting for them and that's why the cheesiness works for me. The family and the dad has a lot of heart. The girl is great too.