Pros:
1. The special effects are well done. It helps they're implemented seamlessly to create the world, instead of taking centre-place.
2. When used appropriately. The score with the strings and thumping heartbeat, sets you on edge.
3. The death of Bradley Trevor (Jacob Tremblay) is uncomfortably gruesome and horrifying to watch.
Cons: 1. Dan Torrance (Ewan McGregor) has got to be one of the most uninteresting and bland characters to ever exist. Considering his past and his gifts, that's an indictment on Mike Flanagan (Director).
2. The movie is over-reliant on The Shining (1980) references to remain interesting, as otherwise it's a vapid and boring vampire thriller.
3. The True Knot feels utterly pointless. Not only do most of the members not have anything to do, but they're also killed off exceptionally easily (which is surprising as they're supposed to be powerful, near-immortal, beings).
4. The film skips over the aftermath of The Shining events and its impact on Dan Torrance. Seeing as the movie is supposed to follow on from the original film, this is rather baffling and disappointing.
5. Some of the supposed horror moments are accidentally hilarious e.g. The CGI demon baby, and the remakes of iconic The Shining scenes.
6. Kyliegh Curran (Abra Stone) delivers one dimensional acting. As she's the main protagonist, this makes for rather poor viewing.
7. The score is incessant, and for the most part, you have to tune it out to focus on the events.
8. The character progression and development is extremely rushed and half-baked. Abra turns into a confident pyscho very quickly, and then just as quickly, inverts and becomes timid and innocent. The entire Dan Torrance arc showcasing his youth, to his alcoholic phase, then to his redemption and recovery, lastly ending in him embracing his powers to save Abra feels hollow because of how rushed it is.
2. When used appropriately. The score with the strings and thumping heartbeat, sets you on edge.
3. The death of Bradley Trevor (Jacob Tremblay) is uncomfortably gruesome and horrifying to watch.
Cons: 1. Dan Torrance (Ewan McGregor) has got to be one of the most uninteresting and bland characters to ever exist. Considering his past and his gifts, that's an indictment on Mike Flanagan (Director).
2. The movie is over-reliant on The Shining (1980) references to remain interesting, as otherwise it's a vapid and boring vampire thriller.
3. The True Knot feels utterly pointless. Not only do most of the members not have anything to do, but they're also killed off exceptionally easily (which is surprising as they're supposed to be powerful, near-immortal, beings).
4. The film skips over the aftermath of The Shining events and its impact on Dan Torrance. Seeing as the movie is supposed to follow on from the original film, this is rather baffling and disappointing.
5. Some of the supposed horror moments are accidentally hilarious e.g. The CGI demon baby, and the remakes of iconic The Shining scenes.
6. Kyliegh Curran (Abra Stone) delivers one dimensional acting. As she's the main protagonist, this makes for rather poor viewing.
7. The score is incessant, and for the most part, you have to tune it out to focus on the events.
8. The character progression and development is extremely rushed and half-baked. Abra turns into a confident pyscho very quickly, and then just as quickly, inverts and becomes timid and innocent. The entire Dan Torrance arc showcasing his youth, to his alcoholic phase, then to his redemption and recovery, lastly ending in him embracing his powers to save Abra feels hollow because of how rushed it is.