Don't Hang Up - Movie Review
Stumbled upon this new horror movie that got a limited release in selected theaters this past weekend... Kinda wishing I didn't stumbled upon it now. I blame Chris Stuckmann. What's "Don't Hang Up" all about? Let's break it down.
Don't Hang Up is directed by Alexis Wajsbrot and Damien Mace. This film is about two, fairly annoying teenage boys that get off from prank calling people... in the year 2016. (Caller ID or?) One day, these two teenagers end up prank calling the wrong guy and their night turns terrifying when this unknown caller begins to mentally torture them, wanting to prank them back in a more disturbing way.
As I alluded to, Chris Stuckmann exposed to me this film last week. Stuckmann is one of best voices on YouTube today, reviewing movies on a daily basis and his review of this film made me want to check it out for myself. Besides, I'll always be the guy to give any horror movie a chance for some reason. I'm just bummed I fell for Chris's unintentional bait because this movie isn't very good... at all.
The acting from these teenagers is just plain bad, there's no other way to put it. The respective deliveries from the teens come off as either forced or flat. I'd like to think it might've been just bad direction, but the script doesn't do these guys any favors either. Within the first minutes of the film, it breaks the #1 horror movie rule: don't make your characters unlikable. They tried to give these teens some emotional attachment to each other, but ultimately, doesn't give enough of a solid hook or reason to care about them. Stereotypical horror teens at their finest.
The story is very formulaic, nothing about the movie is creative or different than your average horror movie. I was able to predict a good majority of everything that happened. On top of that, if your story isn't up to par, then chances are you're going to be able to spot multiple plot holes in it.
Take for example, this unknown mystery caller. I understand he was able to find their house number, but somehow he's able to control everything electronic in this house that the teenagers were trapped in too. From the smart TV to the lights in the house, it's never explain how it was possible for the caller to manipulate them. Nothing is supernatural about this story so what gives?
Final Take
In the end, this is your typical, by the numbers, horror movie. You got your unlikable, annoying characters portrayed by hokey acting. You got your cliche, played out, predictable story. And, of course, you got your loud, out of nowhere, booms that accompany literally nothing scary at all, everytime.
I'm going to give Don't Hang Up an "F" on the movie grading scale. Stuckmann showed mercy and gave the movie a "D-" on his scale. Me on the other hand, I can't let this one slide. Horror Movies in 2017, please do better.
As always, thanks so much for reading and make sure to stay posted to Frank’s Takes for more reviews. Until next time, keep it 100.
-Frank
