The Unborn
The Unborn
Universal Studios
Odette Yustman, Gary Oldman
Written and Directed by David S.Goyer
Viewed: Unrated DVD
“The Unborn” was touted in the trades as a “Jewish ‘The Exorcist’” film. What the audience is given is much more, and that’s not necessarily a good thing. The opening scene, as other scenes with the creepy ghost child, makes it feel like a J-Horror (Japanese horror) movie. Then there’s the scene of our lead actress with all her friends, which seems like the set-up for a typical teen slasher flick. And, of course there finally is the possession/exorcism aspect. All of which on their own might have worked, must mashed together like it was, is a bit distracting.
The movie does have some promise. David S. Goyer (writer of “The Dark Knight”and director of “The Invisible”) gives us some good visuals, especially in some of the dream sequences. And I must give him credit for still producing a scare, even though one can see it coming a mile away. His timing of the “jump out and scare you” is impeccable. He does let the film get away from him at the end though, with the over-blown exorcism scene.
In his writing, I feel Goyer made a huge error in his story telling. He presents us with this young girl, Casey, (Odette Yustman) who is having dreams about and seeing, in her conscious state, apparitions of a young, creepy looking boy. Casey then wonders if she is going crazy, like her mother did. But the story seems to just scratch the surface of these ideas. I think the story should have gone more into the psychological aspect of Casey’s issues. Casey accepts the paranormal too quickly, even trying to convince her friend of what is going on, and that friend is the one who is supposed to believe in the unknown.
The cast is good, but I would have liked to have seen more of the great Gary Oldman. Don’t let the 2nd billing fool you. Oldman’s screen time is unfortunately very limited. And when he is on screen, he is under-utilized. Wasted also are wonderful character actors James Remar and Carlo Gugino as Casey’s father and deceased mother. Remar’s character could have easily been written out of the movie…that is how much impact the role has on the film. Also, unnecessary was the role of the Episcopal Priest played by the always good Idris Elba. Did a Jewish Exorcism story really need an Episcopal Priest? As for Yustman, she was good, but seemed inconsistent, playing terror great one moment and very over the top the next.
If you are looking for some good scares, but little in story telling, this may be the one for you. Anything more, just go back and watch “The Exorcist”.
EXTRAS: Some deleted, scenes that definitely were worthy of the cutting room floor.
