Movie Review: Walled In (2009)
Synopsis: Seeking to earn a partnership in her father’s company, Sam agrees to oversee the demolition of a remote apartment building designed by a notorious the architect known for murdering people and entombing his victims within its walls. Shortly after learning more about the hotel’s history, Sam also learns her life is in danger.
Who's in it? The movie stars Mischa Barton, Deborah Kara Unger, Cameron Bright, Eugene Clark and Pascal Greggory.
Review: I came across this movie earlier this week and, mostly because it had been a while since I last watched it, I decided to give it a try again while I had the house to myself. My opinion remains mixed.
There were some good things about the movie. The nearly empty apartment building, for example, had a creepy vibe to it even before its history was revealed and the few people that still lived in it only helped to add to that creepiness. This included the Norman Bates-like Jimmy (Bright). He seemed friendly but it was also obvious there was something seriously wrong with him; especially since he seemed to be a little too close to his mother (Unger).
Unfortunately, as the movie progressed, my opinion of it grew more negative. Yes, there are some interesting twists, including the discovery of what really happened to the murderous architect (though, in all honesty, that wasn’t that much of a surprise either). However, as the movie progressed, it just seemed to start falling apart.
Part of the reason for this was, as I watched the second half, I ended up feeling like there was a chunk of this film missing. There were times, for example, when Sam (Barton) acted like she had some sort of traumatic past that was affecting her, especially with her fear of the dark. I’m also still unsure why she was hearing the victims’ voices when there was no other indication the building was haunted.
I'm just not buying Sam having a nervous breakdown in that short of amount of time just because she learned about the building’s history. So, taking the time to explain would have gone a long way.
Not to mention, Jimmy, in addition to being insane, had to be one of the stupidest people on the planet. He wants Sam all to himself, something that means he has to stop the demolition. Yet, he seems surprised when he invites her crew out there by sending them her recommendations they showed up. What was he expecting to happen?
Final Opinion: I like the setting of the movie and the way it set the mood with the apartment building’s dark history. However, the movie could have used a bit more editing because the overall execution did leave me disappointed.
My Grade: C
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Here are some reviews of other movies from 2009:
Movie Review: The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009)
Movie Review: My Bloody Valentine (2009)
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