I find it disappointing how much hate that this film has gotten. I actually almost didn't rent it because of all the criticism I'd heard. But, thankfully I went with my gut and it payed off. As it has now become clear to me that most people just *didn't get it*.
First let me just say that David Goyer--the director of The Unborn--created the film as a homage/throwback to those 70's classics many people love. Movies like Rosemary's Baby, The Exorcist, and The Omen. It is very by the book in the way it does this, but I found it none the less fun and effective. Goyer is really good at creating ominous atmosphere for his films that is both creepy and bleak. The film is chuck full of "jump" moments and makes good use of subliminal effects.
I was really surprised at how well researched the film was in both the Jewish folklore and the Nazi's experimentation on twins. The "monster" in this film is one that hasn't been done before, which is (IMO) nice to see in the age of carbon copy Hollywood horror.
I'm not saying the film was perfect--some of the dialogue and acting was average at best--but I do think that there is a level of hypocrisy in how people bash this film. Because they are the same ones that applaud films like Saw, Final Destination, The Ring and Grudge and Friday the 13 (which all appeal to the lowest common denominator at best).
Also, let me address the ending. People seem to think they are brilliant for seeing the ending coming and believe the film to be stupid because of this. Hate to burst your bubble, but you are actually meant to see the ending coming (evidence of this, is that the director made no attempt to hide it).
Bottom Line: If you're a fan of old supernatural horror and want to see something in the the same vein, then this is the film for you. It has good effects, good scares and a solid plot. It may not reinvent the horror genre, but it does the job it's meant to.
First let me just say that David Goyer--the director of The Unborn--created the film as a homage/throwback to those 70's classics many people love. Movies like Rosemary's Baby, The Exorcist, and The Omen. It is very by the book in the way it does this, but I found it none the less fun and effective. Goyer is really good at creating ominous atmosphere for his films that is both creepy and bleak. The film is chuck full of "jump" moments and makes good use of subliminal effects.
I was really surprised at how well researched the film was in both the Jewish folklore and the Nazi's experimentation on twins. The "monster" in this film is one that hasn't been done before, which is (IMO) nice to see in the age of carbon copy Hollywood horror.
I'm not saying the film was perfect--some of the dialogue and acting was average at best--but I do think that there is a level of hypocrisy in how people bash this film. Because they are the same ones that applaud films like Saw, Final Destination, The Ring and Grudge and Friday the 13 (which all appeal to the lowest common denominator at best).
Also, let me address the ending. People seem to think they are brilliant for seeing the ending coming and believe the film to be stupid because of this. Hate to burst your bubble, but you are actually meant to see the ending coming (evidence of this, is that the director made no attempt to hide it).
Bottom Line: If you're a fan of old supernatural horror and want to see something in the the same vein, then this is the film for you. It has good effects, good scares and a solid plot. It may not reinvent the horror genre, but it does the job it's meant to.