Bad Ben: Steelmanville Road

Just read the other one two and three star reviews and they are correct. The acting in this is abysmal, they totally threw out what made the original "bad Ben" so much fun. In the original, All you heard were noises and all you saw were shadows so you're imagination filled in the blanks. Plus the acting was acceptable, the character acted appropriately, these people are just idiots.

I sometimes really like these low-tech, no budget, everything-caught-on-camera movies because they're often made by people with a love of the genre. I guess that could be said about this movie (thus, I gave it two stars), but its' really got some pacing and character problems that don't make much sense.

First, there's no way to tell the passage of time based on the events or the characters actions. We're TOLD everything rather than SHOWN. One minute they've moved in, and three minutes later the wife (Rachel) is complaining to her husband (Matt) that she hears voices all day long. Since when? When did this start? Yesterday when you moved in? Or have you lived there a year at this point? She tells her husband everything that she's experiencing after the fact, while we're never aware of any of it in the first place.

Naturally, Matt doesn't believe her (trope), until something happens to him. And something does. We just don't know when. Or what. Or where. Or how. It just sort of....does.

Then there's the characterization. These people, including Matt's best friend, seem to actively hate each other, and their motivations don't make a lot of sense. Any time Rachel tries to explain to Matt what's going on, he jumps down her throat and walks away. Mid way through the movie we find out Rachel actually really hates her husband's best friend, even though there was never any tension between the two this entire time, because of reasons. Suddenly, Rachel pulls a Paranormal Activity character assassination that feels abrupt, but actually ends up being 9 months (!!!!) later. So these people stayed in the world's most beautiful ugly house for months despite being terrified of the place?

I actually don't mind the bad acting. It's a given, and you really can't be that surprised by it going in. Should there be a sequel, I hope they'll upgrade the camera to at least an iPhone 6. I'll give it props in one area though - at least the ghost had the courtesy to show up in slacks and a crisp white shirt.

Saw the first Bad Ben around when it came out and wasn't too impressed. Liked it but put it at 4 here. Seeing this one has an all over lower rating my expectations wasn't high going in but I was impressed. Not amazed, impressed. This is actually a really nice prequel! If you as me are into found footage this is a must see. But as always with this inde type movies you has to see it for what it is.

Bad Ben was an unexpectedly fun film. This one, not so much. Good story, good idea, horrendous acting. One in particular - the lady portraying Mona - should never be allowed a script again, in film, or even dinner theater. I understand this a no budget project but at least TRY to find competent amateur actors.

This is literally the worst film i have ever watched. The acting is on par with what you would see at a child's nativity play and the special effects are just embarrassing. Everything about this film is just dreadful. I give this 0 stars.