Shutter falls short

In the era of thrill and chill suspense films that ostensibly fall flat, 2008's Shutter is no different. The film released March 21 has only received 8% positive reviews from some critics.

The story centers on a newly wedded couple played by Joshua Jackson and Rachael Taylor. When the couple ventures to Japan, where every "revenge horror" film must take place, so that Jackson's character may pursue a job in fashion photography, the couple finds more than they bargain for. Upon their arrival in Japan a predictable, yet tragic, car accident causes them to hit a young woman standing in the road. The young woman's body is never located. The characters are very two-dimensional in most cases, particularly in the circumstances that surround the young woman's tragic death. The acting is sub -par and Joshua Jackson gives a less than stellar performance as a distraught newlywed. It is axiomatic to see why the film was not screened for critics, this watered-down motion picture is clearly devoid of characters, excitement, or anything vaguely akin to horror. The assertion of the film is still the same as always, hesitate before you disparage a waif-like Asian woman; if this occurs she will return to passively- aggressively haunt you, and send you into a mental institution.

The film has grossed $10,700,000 thus far, and being rated Pg-13 may be a bit lenient for the sexual content as well as the graphic misfortune that befalls our shadowy ingénue. Nevertheless, the film is a squander of $6 at the Greenville Grand and if it wasn't for the popcorn Shutter would be a total loss.

This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.