Babysitter Wanted

Gosh darn, this hurts. I can't tell you about the most intriguing aspect of BABYSITTER WANTED without ruining its most pleasant surprise. What's even more painful is that I have to resist using what would be the film's stronger images to illustrate this post for the same reason. Legitimate, well-thrown curve balls are so rare in horror movies these days that I couldn't live with myself if I diminished even a fraction of this movie's novel bite. Nope. I Just won't do it. Who says I don't have any scruples? (Put down your hand Aunt John, I thought those left over enchiladas in the fridge where fair game. Time to move on).

I know what you are thinking, "A babysitter in peril movie?… been there, done that," and you're absolutely right. In fact, the beginning of BABYSITTER WANTED does just about everything in its power to prove that it has no intention at all of covering new ground. Every cliché is in place: missing college girls, ominous phone calls from a shadowy stranger, even the standard small town feckless police officer makes an appearance in the form of BILL MOSLEY. Half way in, BABYSITTER may not be impressing you with its originality, but you have to admit it certainly does a fine job of imitating its slasher forefathers right down to its butter wouldn't melt protagonist and its obviously humble budget. Midway in I was far from wowed, but seriously enjoying the cozy vapors of nostalgia.

Once the comfortable, hoary stage is set though, a genuine wild card is hurled. I'm not sure if it's 100 percent convincing, but the effect is profoundly invigorating nonetheless. Suddenly the stakes are much higher than imagined and the opportunity for a fuzzy outcome deflates triple fold. It's sort of like thinking you are stepping into a puddle and ending up waist deep in mud. Directors JONAS BARNES and MICHAEL MANASSERI deserve props for patiently allowing things to gel before dropping their hammer. Kudos is also deserved for standing back and allowing some black humor to seep through the cracks once the game board is flipped. This may not be the scariest movie ever made and it does require a bit of the old suspension of disbelief (if you don't know how to do that… learn), but once things start ticking, it delivers quality suspense at regular intervals and ends up being a lot of fun.

Heading the cast as eighteen-year-old babysitter Angie is the closer to thirty television vet SARAH THOMPSON (7TH HEAVEN, ANGEL) who makes the journey from accommodating good girl to sneering survivalist without missing a beat. An equally impressive performance is given by BRUCE THOMAS, whose acting career began playing "Mini Ash #3" in ARMY OF DARKNESS and who has the chin to prove it. This misleadingly simple, covertly aggressive production is exactly what independent horror should be about. It also makes the case that the slasher genre itself has not even begun to fulfill its full potential. All the genre really needs is filmmakers like these who are not afraid to REALLY shuffle the deck before dealing the cards.

I pick this up on DVD because it was cheap, and judging by the cover and title I thought it was gonna be some cheap "When a Stranger Calls" rip off... Well, it wasn't. I was wrong.

After the introduction of beautiful Angie (Sarah Thompson) who's on her first year of college, movie starts out as your regular "stalk and slash" horror flick. Angie is babysitting since she needs money, and soon as the night falls, she starts receiving weird phone calls, there's strange noise and it seems that man with bad intentions is at the door. To make matters worst, kid she's suppose to watch is acting weird and he's only eating raw flesh... About first 50 minutes of the movie resolves around stalker invading home, but soon movie takes unpredictable twist and turns movie on it's head, into completely new movie. Anyone who tells you "I see that coming" is lying. There's a short reference of what might happen, but you'll never see it coming THAT WAY, trust me.

After "second movie" comes into play, BABYSITTER WANTED doesn't hold on on gore, nasty scenes (involving meat hook... anyone who's familiar with horror movies know that this thing can get nasty on screen) and chase for the rest of the movie. There are few unintentionally funny moments, and one of them is twist. I was shocked, I was laughing and I thought it pays some tribute to the old movies (era '60-'70) Very well directed with nice creepy atmosphere, looks more expensive then it actually is because of the great cinematography, fast-paced and talented cast. I hope horror movies will see more of Sarah in the future.

The only downside of the movie (for my taste) is Angie being too religious and this leads to a bad ending. It looks like director(s) couldn't decide which ending to go for, but the action scenes and the rest of the movie will make you completely forgive the bad ending.

One of the better 2009 horror flicks, specially for being low budget. Not to be missed by any true horror fan that know their stuff.

This flick seemed a rip-off from another rather successful horror flick, but a look at the timeline shows that it actually came out first. Inspiration for its more successful rival? With that caveat, this low-budget affair deserves an honest mention. Starting with a stale premise and relying on some annoying sound effects, this one commences to travel down the banal road of mediocrity. Thankfully, it sneaks off to be much more than that, a welcomed change of plans for what could have resulted in some rather lethargic eyes. The acting was solid, especially owing to its otherwise low rent essence. The gore was at times laughable, but this surprisingly did not detract from the film itself. The other technicalities of the film were up to par, their inconspicuous nature more a boon than a defamation. Neither unflinchingly gratuitous nor enslaved to pander to the Hollywood set,Babysitter Wanted towed the line perfectly, with a stutter stop start ending that was ultimately a pleasant relief. Merci beaucoup.

Genruk of Evil Eye Reviews

"Babysitter Wanted" was a nice surprise. I thought 'why not?'when I saw the DVD cover. I was expecting a 'D'- rated flick & got a good twist on the babysitter theme of the 70's/80's.

A first year college student, in need of money, answers a posting for a babysitter out at a farm. All the events, up to her arrival at the farm seemingly follow the 'babysitter theme' viewers are so familiar with. Once she is left alone to do her job, that's when the theme takes a turn. It wasn't what I had expected.

The actress playing college student Angie, lacked credibility, but I overlooked it, as this was schlock. I was creeped out by the child actor. The actor playing the father was a refreshing treat. It's not perfect, but worth a look, for horror's sake.

I went into the movie not expecting much, and ended up being completely satisfied. Babysitter Wanted, unlike countless DTV horrors, is genuinely creepy and has an original plot that will stay with people. A great surprise! Angie (Sarah Thompson) moves into a small town to study in college. She meets people there, but also has a feeling that someone is stalking her. She takes up a babysitter position at a farm house one weekend, and the horror begins.

The first half of the movie is in the vein of the Strangers and When a Stranger Calls. And it's equally effective, if not more. It's easy to identify with Angie's situation. The scares are consistent, although SFX is a little overused. Tension is mounted throughout.

A great twist midway turns the movie into a different direction. Without spoiling anything, the movie veers into a supernatural angle and is equally chilling as the first half although might be too gory and disturbing for some. The plot from here on is original, leading to a satisfying ending which makes room for sequels too.

The acting is surprisingly good from everyone. The productions values are great for a low budget movie, although there are a few lighting issues in the second half.

All in all, Babysitter Wanted is a welcome surprise and horror fans will have a great time with it. Recommended.