The Old Ways

Well, I hadn't actually heard about this 2020 movie titled "The Old Ways" before now in 2021, as I had the opportunity to sit down and watch it.

And I will say that writer Marcos Gabrie definitely managed to come up with an original idea. And it definitely was one that quickly had my attention span. However, I will say that writer Marcos Gabrie sort of takes you all over the place throughout the course of the movie. Just as you think you've figured out what is going on, then the storyline changes direction. So it makes for a very non-linear storyline.

Director Christopher Alender did a good job at bringing the story to life on the screen.

However, I must say that while "The Old Ways" certainly is a watchable movie, it was not a movie that had me all worked up. Nor does it prove to be a movie that has the contents to support more than a single viewing.

I feel that the storyline was just a bit too chaotic and random to be wholeheartedly entertaining for my personal preference. But sure, the movie was watchable and enjoyable enough for what it turned out to be.

The acting in the movie was adequate. And I can't claim to be familiar with the cast ensemble that they had managed to get together for "The Old Ways", aside from actor Sal Lopez. And that is certainly something that I enjoy in movies. I will say that Brigitte Kali Canales (playing Cristina), Andrea Cortés (playing Miranda), Julia Vera (playing Luz) and Sal Lopez (playing Javi) definitely put on good performances and carried the movie well.

Visually then "The Old Ways" was adequate. This was not a movie that was heavily reliant on an abundance of special effects and CGI. But whatever special effects and CGI were in the movie was good and served its purpose well.

A shame that the movie's storyline was so chaotic, because it could otherwise have been a more enjoyable and wholesome movie.

My rating of "The Old Ways" lands on a mediocre five out of ten stars. The potential was there, just a shame it wasn't utilized.

I went into this movie with high hopes. At the time of my review there was a 95% critic score of this movie on Rotten Tomatoes. To say I was disappointed was an understatement. Its not that this movie is bad, it just does not do anything that separates it from the pack of horror movies on Netflix. The pacing was okay, the main protagonist has uneven character development. The atmosphere was the only positive thing out of the movie. Lets all treat those critic reviews with a grain of salt as they just seem to just have a motive behind them.

Exorcism movies do have a really tough job. Because of the Exorcist. It's almost impossible to top that movie. That's how I am feeling about it. That being said, it doesn't mean that some movies have not done something fairly nice with the theme.

In this case we are not even sure if an exorcism is needed ... or are we? I think most will know the correct answer actually, but no brownie points for guessing right, since it can only be one or the other.

There are some nice effects and our main actress has some other issues non related to ... although I reckon you could call those demons too! They have to do with narcotics ... interestingly told and really well edited, this will work for those who like horror and less with others.

Interesting atmosphere, acting and great soundtrack. It doesn't really scare and sometimes there is too much drama for what is expected, but it still ends on a positive note.

I throughly enjoyed this movie. Great acting. I liked all the main characters. The atmosphere was perfect for the storyline. Old fashion exorcisms, Mexico and a bruja. About time something a little different came along.