Director: Alexandre Aja

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Juno Temple & Max Minghella

Running Time: 120 mins

Release date: 31 Oct, 2014

Worldwide Gross: $104,000 (US)

 

 

 

 

Basic Plot:

 

At the centre of the film is Ig Parrish (Daniel Radcliffe) with whom we follow during the aftermath of his girlfriend’s untimely death (Juno Temple). Along with Ig, we are unsure as to who has murdered the poor girl, unfortunately for him, he’s the one it’s being pinned on. Throughout the film we’re thrown a concoction of half-ass motives and mysteries our way, which link many different people with the murder. Until Ig wakes to find horns appear on his head that, luckily, force unknowing victims to unveil twisted and dark secrets.

 

Clock Watching? 8/20

 

As a spectator, the suspension of disbelief when watching a film can only be pushed so far, Alexandra Aja completely disregards any element of believability or truth with his latest adverse contribution to cinema, Horns. The film’s pace was difficult to follow. At times we were thrown into montages and flashbacks of Ig’s life before the tragic event, which work quite nicely. Unfortunately, we’re pulled back into the diegetic present day where we follow Ig going around in monotonous circles. During the final act of Horns, I found it difficult to really care who had actually killed Merrin (Temple), as the film itself feels completely unsure about what it’s attempting to portray. 

 

Oscar Performances? 12/20

 

Radcliffe’s acting was the only highlight of the film. His American accent was believable, without being overdrawn and his emotion was fairly convincing. Juno Temple gave her best in a marginal role; more screen time for her would have probably upped this film’s value. Unfortunately, it’s all down hill from there, with a cast of fairly new or unnoticeable actors and an unfortunate cameo from Heather Graham.

 

Lights, Camera, Direction? 6/20

 

Aja’s direction worked well to a certain degree within the Twilight-esque surroundings and picture perfect location shots. However, his need to go overboard with completely unnecessary gore distracts from the action and makes the film seem cheap. 

 

Tell a Friend? 4/20

 

Probably not! However, I can see that it may cater to a certain audience of tweens who hold an enjoyment of sickly romantic films and exploitation horror smashed together.

 

Again? 1/20

 

I don’t think I’ll intentionally seek this film out again.

 

Total: 31%

 

A frustrating bore from start to finish.

 

by Jennifer Lyne