Oracle

Rather bland ghost story haunted house movie. The overall quality of the lighting didn't help aa it just made the movie dark. Plotting was standard, and it was lacking in originality. There were several elements from other ghost stories and movies that I was guessing ahead of time and sticking the landing.

The efforts of the film makers to bring social relevance to the film by entwining the history of hatred from slavery and racism didn't have the impact that was needed. (Get Out this isn't, and doesn't come close.) Instead, this is simply the plotting and setting to place the movie, but it tries to make it more relevant because of slavery and racism. There is no attempts for understanding of the intergenerational aspects of slavery, or the social impacts of racism that is inherent in our world.

Acting is decent but mildly stereotypical for this genre and subject matter. That appeared more the do with the script than the actors. Overall, it was watchable but not interesting.

This movie starts off OK; there's an intriguing vibe and the cinematography is decent. Unfortunately, it's all downhill from there.

The one good thing about the movie is Ariel Martin (as plucky roommate Jasmine); her character is fun and I would have MUCH rather seen a movie about her (maybe a rom-com?).

Sure, there's Heather Graham, but she's got a small role in this ultimately forgettable film. Not sure how they roped her in.

If you want to see a derivative paint-by-numbers horror film, by all means DO watch. But otherwise, please skip this; there are better films out there. I give this three (3) stars.

So this movie feels like they wanted to make a Jordan Peele movie, just without a decent director, good writing, passable talent, or anything interesting or creative.

Every character is a 2D characture, just there to fill overused and bland role. It's almost a paint by numbers with, first impression of a character on screen and you already know what they're going to be.

From the moment we enter the house, they begin to throw every cheap scare in the book. If you've seen any horror movie you can play a drinking game with how predictable this movie is.

Finally the movie's pacing is just a drag. Half way through and you're still waiting for anything to happen besides the main character brooding.

One star for the production quality and one star for the atmosphere. The acting is pretty dull. An earlier reviewer described the characters as bland and unlikable. I completely agree. The main character barely shows interest or emotion. I don't want to "spoil" anything but there's two times where characters just don't react to some pretty serious events. Besides all that it's a horror movie that's been done before, only better. I'm glad I didn't pay to watch this, it's one of the worst movies I've seen in a while honestly. Fortunately it's only an hour and twenty six minutes long. Usually I throw out some ideas I think could've maybe helped but this one needs to much help. 3 out of 10 is generous.

"Oracle" (2023) doesn't give viewers much to work with. While the premise held promise, and the storyline itself had some interesting elements, the film ultimately falls short. The horror relies on cheap jump scares that lack impact, and much of the suspense feels forced and unearned. The plot takes a while to develop, and until it does, viewers are met with generic horror tropes and tension that feels unnecessary and ineffective.

Occasionally, a poorly executed jump scare or a scream from one of the characters breaks the monotony, but these moments fail to add much value. Lead actress Ryan Destiny delivers a solid. The child actors' performances are uneven, and at times, certain scenes leave you shaking your head at the sheer implausibility.

While it's not a terrible watch, the movie misses the mark on its potential and could have been far more enjoyable. Heather Graham, however, looks absolutely stunning though. [4.8/10]