When you choose to have a title for a horror film that
includes words like this feature does the expectations of the viewer increase.
You'd better deliver the goods or horror fans will do little more than ridicule
the name over and over again, citing the title in their jokes and slams. If you
can deliver the goods, then you make a movie that fans can enjoy. DAMNED BY
DAWN is just such a movie.
A slow start finds a young couple going to the home of
Claire to visit her grandmother perhaps for the last time. Her boyfriend Paul
finds the family a bit off kilter but not enough to make him run for the hills.
When Claire sits at her grandmother's side to talk about the mysterious package
(an urn) her grandmother sent her, she's told she is the only one her
grandmother trusts with its care. She knows her time is coming and wants her
grand daughter at her side to insure nothing prevents what is to happen.
That night the inevitable does happen and grandma dies. At
the same time a storm whips up outside and Claire looks out the window to see
something unexpected, a visage in white flowing gown, eyes bleeding and packing
a scream that sends her reeling while opening the window. The banshee is here
to take grandma's soul. But Claire unknowingly interferes and puts not just her
grandmother's soul in jeopardy but the lives of everyone inside as well.
The dead rise and take wing, tracking down everyone in the
house as they try to figure out what has happened. When Paul goes for help,
he's attacked by a scythe wielding creature that flies at him. His body is
later discovered by Claire's father and a neighbor who was visiting. As those
who survive in the house are taken out one by one, Claire must figure out just
how to put a stop to the banshee before everyone dies.
A rather simple story, the movie opens at a dreadfully slow
pace but don't let that prevent you from watching as it gets better. The usual
mind set needed for a horror film, suspension of belief, needs to kick in to
truly enjoy the film but it does offer some truly creepy images and sounds. The
cry of the banshee, a mind piercing scream, is one that jolts you while
watching the film. Coupled with the images of the banshee it might be something
that will cause a few sleepless nights for those who scare easily.
The movie is not Oscar worthy but it does offer a decent
horror tale with a new twist on an old legend. The acting is up to par and the
effects are well done. Some are obviously CGI effects but at least they do a good
job with them here unlike the weekly dose of sharks or pythons dished up by the
SyFy network. If you're looking for a decent horror movie you could do worse
but at least this one has some heart, talent and desire to be considered a well
done piece. It succeeds on several levels and is worth watching.
Click here to order.
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