sonia-darrow

I'm wondering if the low average rating is because there's some ambiguity around what genre this is actually supposed to fall into.

There's very little to go on from plot synopses or descriptions anywhere; and when you start watching, it looks like your run-of-the-mill paranormal investigation schtick, with some bad reenacting thrown in. (Ghost hunter shows are not my usual cup of tea, but I put it on at random because I was trying to see if I'd fixed a glitch that was preventing me from streaming videos.) I was soon asking myself if this was actually a mockumentary, and I think it must be. The investigators are just slightly over-the-top, and the re-enactments are just ridiculous enough that it seems bad on purpose.

In light of this, I'd say it's a fun watch and a decent example of the genre--but maybe it's juuuuust subtle enough that many watchers are taking it at face value, and rating it 1 star thinking it's a bad example of an earnest paranormal investigation show. I guess it hasn't had much exposure, so there are no reviews out there or other context to tell people different.

I gave this movie 3 stars because I appreciate the portrayal of sassy old ladies who drink and curse and smoke; if not for that I would have given it a 1 or 2.

I read the book last summer while I was in Louisiana, adored it, and read the two others in the series. I know that movies generally don't do justice to the books they're based on. I heard unenthusiastic reviews. I still rented this movie with the expectation--even determination--to enjoy it. Then I discovered Sandra Bullock was in it. Puke. Her southern accent is a travesty. I want to rant on a bit about how disgusting it is that her performance was allowed to taint the Ya-ya name but it's probably not her fault. Her persona is just completely wrong for this story. Whoever cast her should be taken behind the barn and shot. Ditto for the director.

Like I said, I really, really wanted to like this movie in spite of potential supposed mediocrities... But it really, undeniably sucked.

I BEG anyone who has seen or is considering seeing this movie to just go out and read the book instead. If you judge the thing based on the cinematic adaptation it will appear to be pure drivel, and you will have missed quite a bit of important and beautiful stuff from the writing.