The Axe Murders of Villisca

Okay so i am by no means a movie critic but i do like to think i know the horror genre and this movie wasn't half bad. now that being said it also wasn't half good. however, by B-rate horror movie standards, i thought this movie was actually an enjoyable watch. the normal level of acting ability in B-rate movies is pretty expectantly low, but this movie actually had pretty decent acting. i think i would maybe re-work the sound as i needed the closed captioning for most of the movie. the premise and plot behind the movie is actually very interesting and i think could have been so much better had the crew had more time, money, accessibility, etc. i was very pleased that even though one character had a camera, the entire movie wasn't from this point of view. overall i'd say this movie isn't as awful as people are saying. while it does have its downfalls, i believe it is worth a watch if you can't find anything better and are willing to devote an hour and 20 minutes of your time. in final conclusion, this movie is glass half full.

At first sight of the trailer, one might think that this is another clichè horror film. That's what I had thought, until I actually saw it. The clichè of exploring a haunted house and finding something that surprises the characters, but this is actually justified with the great story development.

When the characters: Caleb, Dennis and Jess, are introduced we quickly relate to them and are drawn in with their appealing and realistic personalities. Each of their story is developed nicely throughout the entire film, which is something I don't frequently see and am glad this film did.

The actors portraying these characters do a solid job. Every piece of acting feels real and convincing. And aside from them every other secondary character, is played greatly as well.

The script itself goes at a great pace for the first two-thirds of the film. We are immersed into a compelling dark atmosphere of suspense. Slowly the story takes a turn for the intriguing as it starts to develop nicely.

My only problem with the film was the final thirds of the film. The movie builds a great deal of suspense, but when the final act comes it is short lived and falls flat. It could have been better if it was stretched out a little more and got to see a more intense climax.

As for the scares, it has its moments. One jump-scare was very predictable, but when we get to see the movie starting to take momentum, some moments are jaw dropping, leaving the viewers shaking and kinda nervous.

The movie is never boring and it keeps you glued to the screen. Much of this is joined by great cinematographic shots, which I gotta give it to Tony Valenzuela, he has an amazing artistic point of view.

Although I was slightly disappointed with the films climax, I strongly suggest giving this movie a watch. It has a breath taking story, very atmospheric and appealing. Plus the characters strong background story is very interesting.

'The Axe Murders of Villisca' drew me into seeing it, with a cool poster, an intriguing idea and as someone with a general appreciation for horror. That it was low-budget, which from frequent personal experience is rarely a good sign due to that there are so many poor ones out there, made me though apprehensive.

Found the film to be pretty weak, its worst elements being pretty awful, with a lot more wrong than right. 'The Axe Murders of Villisca' is not great, or good, has a fair share of problems (fairly big ones too) and doesn't do enough with its potential, which was hardly small. There are however a few decent, even good, qualities in 'The Axe Murders of Villisca'.

Lets start with the positives. The scenery is atmospheric, likewise with the very nice way it's shot. The music is suitably spooky and quirky and doesn't distract at all from the atmosphere, while not exactly enhancing it.

Acting is better than average, the first third was promising and a few scares are effective.

However, the story does feel over-stretched and some of it feels vague, under-explained in the last third where the film especially became duller, more predictable, more senseless and less scary it got. Too many characters are too sketchy and with nowhere near enough to make one want to endear to them. Their irritating and illogical decision making and behaviours insult the intelligence. Making the film feel bland and forgettable with not enough heart put into it.

Dialogue can be stilted and rambling while the pace is uneven, dragging in a lot of the second half and never is it exciting. Found too many the supposedly shocking moments not surprising or scary and the supposedly creepy atmosphere dreary, due to the excessive obviousness and the lack of tension and suspense. The last third badly sags in momentum and the atmosphere completely falls flat.

In conclusion, very weak but not unwatchable. 4/10 Bethany Cox

The title and plot sound interesting, but within the first 30 minutes I knew I was done! lol First, When the 3 teens visit the house for the tour, they are shown the murder weapon plainly hung on a wall above a fireplace with only a rope around it and no one guarding the place at night- it's not realistic to me, but rather dumb, that a murder weapon and historical artifact would still be there after decades....someone would have stolen it by then. Second, The two boys who claim to be "paranormal investigators" didn't even have proper equipment - instead they brought candles and began asking questions in a circle as if doing a seance?! Please. They would not have been the first, or last, group of teens to break into that house at night....unfortunately, the lack of talent and convincing performances led me to stop watching after only 30 minutes.

This is a straight forward horror movie that you've seen many, many times before, with all the standard moves, scares, characters and ending.

It brings nothing new, delivers on very few levels, doesn't get you too involved, annoys at times but at least it is not over stretched. A haunted house film like all others, with familiar ghosts and typical reactions leading to the most common finale.

It's down to everyone's personal opinion, I just sat there, watched it and that was all. Didn't do much for me. So watch it at your own peril.

Cheers!