Sure I heard the story about some $11,000 flick that was created by writer director Oren Peli starring Micah Sloat (a real-life computer programmer) and Katie Featherston. The actors of the low-budget movie played a boyfriend and girlfriend almost ready to take the plunge and get engaged (well they were already engaged to be engaged). The only catch in the relationship was that Katie seemed to have issues with a demon-like entity that followed her from place to place since she was 8 years old. At the beginning of the story, the couple painted the entity as more of a nuisance rather than a life threatening evil force. Things changed!
Sure the flick caught my interest, but I wasn’t ready to jump on the HYPE band wagon initially. Eventually I saw audience reactions to a late September screening, and my interest climbed another notch up the ladder. However, the nib that stoked my curiosity and actually got me into the theater was Steven Spielberg’s part in the release of the movie. Back when the movie was presented to Paramount (which originally included Dream Works studios), Steven became a fan of the flick. At that time, Katie and Micah (and director Oren Peli) were hoping that the story was going to be picked up and remade with big stars and a bigger budget. The best case scenario might be a nice fee for the rights (I heard a number like $350,000). Also, the original might have been released on DVD when the theatrical version was released. Not the case! Apparently Steven liked the movie as it was originally shot with the original cast and director, and he only suggested a change in the ending (the current ending of the movie). Based on yesterday’s current gross information, the little flick has already earned: $33,717,000 !
So I convinced my buddy Doug to go with me last night. The movie wasn’t playing at many venues or in every urban or rural area, so Doug and I had to venture to Camp Hill to see it (the closest location to Harrisburg). I had never been to the Camp Hill theater, so I was shocked that the theater was huge and more importantly: SOLD OUT. It was jammed packed. The doubter inside of me chalked it up to the HYPE. However, once the movie began, I was completely satisfied. Although I can’t claim that the flick was so horrific that people jumped out of their seats or screamed out in fear and agony, I can give testimony to how well the story lured in the audience and completely overwhelmed the senses. Because Katie and Micah were so believable (yes even with all of their flaws), I didn’t think I was watching a movie. I felt I was watching a true story that had been caught on video tape. Like a great thriller, the story grabbed hold and never let go. I was mesmerized. So I am going to join the HYPE and highly recommend this movie experience to all of my friends and family. After the movie ended, Doug and I discussed it a bit more. Together we realized that the story actually had a few intelligent and deep undertones and yes some minor flaws. We also felt that the entire movie only required one actual special effect. Finally, the real kicker for me was finding out that the movie was made in 7 days.
Jay’s Grade: A
10/19/2009
Some of my information came from “Entertainment Weekly“ — #1072 October 23, 2009 Page 11
