Oracle

This movie was just plain awful. Made no sense in the least. Bad acting, especially by the kids and plot was a hot mess. Don't waste your time watching it. If I could've marked a thumbs down 👎 on Max, I would have, so that's why I had to make my comments on here. Definitely received a higher rating than deserved. I would have given it anywhere from a 4.0 or below!! That would have certainly made me not bother to watch it..and I am a huge an of horror movies. This belongs in the 'flop movie's' category. Again, don't waste your time watching it. Just plain dumb, horrible and you'll never get back what you put into it.

Heather Graham is the only actress you'll recognize and she is not the main star. The people who make up the cast do a great job. The effects are done well enough to give you a good fright.

The story centers on a girl making a real connection with a place from her dreams. She's hired as a nanny for just one night and that's when everything happens. Camera work is good. This doesn't feel like a B movie. Not sure what the budget was but it was well directed and produced. I watched on a streaming service as part of my subscription and am glad I did. Good little scary movie to watch when you're in that kind of mood.

One star for the production quality and one star for the atmosphere. The acting is pretty dull. An earlier reviewer described the characters as bland and unlikable. I completely agree. The main character barely shows interest or emotion. I don't want to "spoil" anything but there's two times where characters just don't react to some pretty serious events. Besides all that it's a horror movie that's been done before, only better. I'm glad I didn't pay to watch this, it's one of the worst movies I've seen in a while honestly. Fortunately it's only an hour and twenty six minutes long. Usually I throw out some ideas I think could've maybe helped but this one needs to much help. 3 out of 10 is generous.

Oracle had a very similar vibe to The Skeleton Key and I really enjoyed that the protagonist in the movie was smart, driven and not just a fool wandering through an old house without any insight to the fact that horrible things had taken place there prior to her arrival. It's got some harrowing moments, but the acting is on point and contains a cast that complements the vibe of the film perfectly.

The cinematography is exceptional and the story that weaves it all together plays out to be an entertaining movie that I am certain those who are found of haunted houses in the Southern Gothic light will enjoy. It's a rare movie, and I don't feel there are many that even line up in similarity but Antebellum might be one that can also be considered in the comparison light for Oracle.

Overall, I found the themes surrounding history, and the nanny's intrigue to be highly entertaining, and acting to be compelling and the scenes put together with a pristine Gothic ambiance that I found thoroughly enjoyable.

"Oracle" (2023) doesn't give viewers much to work with. While the premise held promise, and the storyline itself had some interesting elements, the film ultimately falls short. The horror relies on cheap jump scares that lack impact, and much of the suspense feels forced and unearned. The plot takes a while to develop, and until it does, viewers are met with generic horror tropes and tension that feels unnecessary and ineffective.

Occasionally, a poorly executed jump scare or a scream from one of the characters breaks the monotony, but these moments fail to add much value. Lead actress Ryan Destiny delivers a solid. The child actors' performances are uneven, and at times, certain scenes leave you shaking your head at the sheer implausibility.

While it's not a terrible watch, the movie misses the mark on its potential and could have been far more enjoyable. Heather Graham, however, looks absolutely stunning though. [4.8/10]