12/16/2023 0 Comments Knockknock movieIn terms of horror films that feature antagonists that are personifications of evil, like Michael Myers, Knock Knock definitely has merit, as it effectively pushes all the same buttons: it creates a sense of anxiety and dread caused by an unstoppable, external threat, which is ultimately the result of a bilateral lack of connection to humanity and society at large. Unfortunately, the complexity behind Bel and Genesis' pursuit of justice is dropped almost as immediately as it is brought up, rendering them into something akin to serial killers. Hayley's story is a reverse Little Red Riding Hood, in which the girl hunts the wolf whereas Bel and Genesis are gorgeous, less deadly versions of Jason Voorhees, a monster that essentially punishes people who place their lust over their responsibilities. Hayley's crimes far outweigh those of Bel and Genesis, since she is ultimately responsible for Jeff's death, but because she acts out of concern for Jeff's past and future victims, she is redeemable. But it is only Hayley's justice that rings true, regardless of how morally wrong her actions may be. Like Hayley in Hard Candy, Bel and Genesis may well have been subject to some sort of abuse in their lives, and all three characters are admittedly insane. However, the two women are simply insane-they are most likely sociopaths-and invade Evan's home more for kicks than for justice. If, on the other hand, Evan were in fact a criminal, especially if he were a sex offender, their justice would have been far less senseless. This is the real reason for which Bel and Genesis' so-called justice seems half-baked and frivolous. However, the film's failure here is not only that Evan turns out to be innocent of statutory rape, but also that he is innocent of any wrongdoing other than adultery, which, incidentally, he is seduced into committing. Related: IT 1990: The One Change That Could've Saved The Ending Their claim of being victims of rape is horrifying enough, especially for those familiar with the traumatic effects of sexual abuse but what is more horrifying is that they are lying about it (they later admit they are adults), and it speaks to their depravity. They convince him not to make the call by claiming that at least one of them is underage, scaring him into thinking the police would discover his crime upon their investigation. When he realizes that Bel and Genesis don't want to leave and are intent upon vandalizing his home and torturing him, he begins to call the police. While I can't really recommend this movie I do have to give it a few bonus points just for Bautista.The film does bring up a crime that Evan may have unknowingly committed-statutory rape-but ultimately does nothing with it. I still remember when I used to assume a movie was going to be bad if Bautista was in it - but over the past few years he has really come into his own as an actor and is showing his ability to take on some interesting roles. Perhaps the most surprising thing is Dave Bautista, who delivers a nuanced understated performance as Leonard. That's not really a good thing though because the movie is very slow and plodding, never really going anywhere, and at 1hr 40min the premise just isn't engaging enough to sustain interest for the duration. I kept waiting for it - but it never came. It was a surprise to me then when this movie didn't have a twist at all. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't - but he seems to rely on the surprise of the twist to win people over too much. I think he often starts off with interesting ideas but, perhaps because of his early success with The Sixth Sense, always feels this need to cram in some kind of ridiculous twist (or multiple twists) at the end. Night Shyamalan fan - in fact, I kind of like to tease and mock his movies when I watch them with friends. Just so you know where I'm coming from up front, I should preface this review by saying I'm not the biggest M.
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