The Gallows (D- or .5/4 stars)
'The Gallows' (directed by 1st time filmmakers, Tracis Cluff & Chris Lofing) ... Horror. Yes, it's the genre of the film of which I'm writing of. But it's also my reaction to said film's quality. Back in October of 1993, a Nebraskan high school play that goes TERRIBLY wrong when a young actor named Charlie Grimille was unexpectedly hanged/killed in a freak prop malfunction during a production of "The Gallows". 20 yrs. later, and despite school board objections, that school's drama class prepares to stage the play again {sounds like a great idea, right?!? eye roll}.
Wisecrackin' football player Ryan (Ryan Shoos) is the person in charge of capturing everything on video {boy is he annoying, too}. His buddy, Reese (Reese Mishler), has the lead role in the play & is struggling with his performance while also tending to a crush on his leading lady, Pfeifer (Pfeifer Brown). Ryan convinces Reese that if they break into the high school at night & destroy the sets, Reese won't have to go on. Unnnnnfortunately, they, along with Ryan's snobby cheerleader girlfriend, Cassidy (Cassidy Gifford, yes, Kathy Lee & Frank's now adult daughter), find themselves trapped inside the school ... and a vengeful, evil spirit seems to be with them. Look out for the hangman's noose!!! Blehhhhh.
So what we have here is yet another low-budget, "found footage" (a la Blair Witch) horror flick that can't hold a candle to most stellar horror films (found footage or not). Plainly put, this movie lacks the depth of story, depth of character, & genuine scares that are necessary to provide ample horror. Back to the characters for a moment: we neither like nor know much about these teenagers throughout! And these characters are never smart enough to recognize the obvious; which means, to avoid horror movie cliches ... don't run that way!! Don't go up that ladder!!!!! Ugh. And as mentioned above, much of a 'horror' in this horror movie stinks. The 2 writer/directors rely on darkness, jump-scares, & loud noises to carry the film; and with minimal dread or suspense. That's no fun!
As for Cassidy Gifford, well she can scream well. I just didn't care for her, either. Gifford has reaped the benefit of having her foot in the door (showbusiness-wise) thanks to her parents and, sorry to say, I don't know that she'll have a career in acting if this film is any evidence. So yeah, you all do the math. Poor acting, paper thin characterizations, shaky/grainy camerawork, no GENUINE scares, irritating dialogue, an incoherent script ... I'm clearly not to high on 'The Gallows'.
Wisecrackin' football player Ryan (Ryan Shoos) is the person in charge of capturing everything on video {boy is he annoying, too}. His buddy, Reese (Reese Mishler), has the lead role in the play & is struggling with his performance while also tending to a crush on his leading lady, Pfeifer (Pfeifer Brown). Ryan convinces Reese that if they break into the high school at night & destroy the sets, Reese won't have to go on. Unnnnnfortunately, they, along with Ryan's snobby cheerleader girlfriend, Cassidy (Cassidy Gifford, yes, Kathy Lee & Frank's now adult daughter), find themselves trapped inside the school ... and a vengeful, evil spirit seems to be with them. Look out for the hangman's noose!!! Blehhhhh.
So what we have here is yet another low-budget, "found footage" (a la Blair Witch) horror flick that can't hold a candle to most stellar horror films (found footage or not). Plainly put, this movie lacks the depth of story, depth of character, & genuine scares that are necessary to provide ample horror. Back to the characters for a moment: we neither like nor know much about these teenagers throughout! And these characters are never smart enough to recognize the obvious; which means, to avoid horror movie cliches ... don't run that way!! Don't go up that ladder!!!!! Ugh. And as mentioned above, much of a 'horror' in this horror movie stinks. The 2 writer/directors rely on darkness, jump-scares, & loud noises to carry the film; and with minimal dread or suspense. That's no fun!
As for Cassidy Gifford, well she can scream well. I just didn't care for her, either. Gifford has reaped the benefit of having her foot in the door (showbusiness-wise) thanks to her parents and, sorry to say, I don't know that she'll have a career in acting if this film is any evidence. So yeah, you all do the math. Poor acting, paper thin characterizations, shaky/grainy camerawork, no GENUINE scares, irritating dialogue, an incoherent script ... I'm clearly not to high on 'The Gallows'.