Dark Touch (2013)

After spending Friday enjoying the Kevin Smith classic Dogma, it was time to watch the flick that was originally scheduled in that slot. While I usually stick to a schedule, sometimes it is nice to share the television. With my schedule now intact, I watched the 2013 flick Dark Touch. 

Plot/ In a remote town in Ireland, eleven-year-old Niamh finds herself the sole survivor of a bloody massacre that killed her parents and younger brother. Suspecting a gang of homicidal vandals, the police ignore Neve's explanation that the house is the culprit. To help ease her trauma, dutiful neighbors Nat and Lucas take her in with the supervision of a social worker. Neve has trouble finding peace with the wholesome and nurturing couple, and horrific danger continues to manifest.

I saw this one and I had to watch it. What I found when watching was a strange combination throughout the movie. Yes, there was a lot to like in this layered story. The acting is solid, and it has a dark intensity and a heavy atmosphere that was perfect for this story. Unfortunately, at some point the incoherent nature of the film spiraled and the initial pace, which drew you in, dwindled. Once that scattered to happen, the storyline lost control and failed to live up to the potential it started out with. In the end, it was not a terrible movie, but there are better movies to choose from. Stay clear unless you have no other choice.

Ghoul (2012)

Tonight three of the daughters had their acting final performances and the fourth started the high school band season with a trumpet solo in Jesus Christ Superstar during halftime; truly an awesome night. Now that I am home, I decided to watch something somewhat tame, as it was early. My choice for the evening is the 2012 thriller Ghoul.

Plot/ Centers on a group of friends who risk their lives to stop who, or what, is behind a rash of disappearances in their town.

This made for TV adaptation of the Brian Keene story does not do it justice. Not a typical horror movie by any sense, this is a deep, complex drama that tackles a much more pervasive problem in society, child abuse. As a parent, it pains me to watch the news and hear some of the stories about abuse, there is no place for that in society. This movie is interesting, with decent acting, some solid cinematic effects, and a tremendous storyline. Honestly, it would have been an awesome film to see have a bigger budget. Of course, not all the decisions were perfect, as some of the dialogue was flat, there were predictable moments and there were some missed opportunities. In the end, this was an entertaining flick and one that provides some deep social commentary. Is it for everyone? No, its not, but it is a solid flick and one that will make you think about whom the real ghouls are.