Having been reasonably impressed with other Raw Feed films, I was keen to check out 'Otis.' It has a promising, quite original storyline that should make for good entertainment in any horror fan's eyes. But I was rather disappointed.
The acting was good for the most part. Ashley Johnson and Bostin Christopher both nailed their leading roles, and Jere Burns as the left-of-field agent was an awesome injection. Illeana Douglas, on the other hand, er. She stood out amongst the pack as a let down, and even though this is a genre that doesn't get by on its acting merits, I had a problem with her performance.
In terms of soundtrack, I thought the licensed music used throughout was great (ie (Don't Fear) the Reaper), and so too were the few softer, touching pieces. Everything else felt out of place or too dramatic, and in a couple instances, music ruined entire scenes for me (much like Douglas' acting).
I can't rate this movie much above average, and that's coming from somebody who isn't a Horror cynic. Masses complain about modern-day horror flicks being unoriginal or just plain stupid and I never see the value in that. I know there are some bad ones out there, but they do get unfairly bashed on for the most part. So yeah, I'm not anti-slasher or anti-psycho material. 'Otis' just wasn't done right in places, whether that blame be laid down on the script or whatnot. It has its share of bright glimpses, don't get me wrong, but it also has its share of dull, cringe-worthy "you idiot" moments, where I just have to put my fist down.
The acting was good for the most part. Ashley Johnson and Bostin Christopher both nailed their leading roles, and Jere Burns as the left-of-field agent was an awesome injection. Illeana Douglas, on the other hand, er. She stood out amongst the pack as a let down, and even though this is a genre that doesn't get by on its acting merits, I had a problem with her performance.
In terms of soundtrack, I thought the licensed music used throughout was great (ie (Don't Fear) the Reaper), and so too were the few softer, touching pieces. Everything else felt out of place or too dramatic, and in a couple instances, music ruined entire scenes for me (much like Douglas' acting).
I can't rate this movie much above average, and that's coming from somebody who isn't a Horror cynic. Masses complain about modern-day horror flicks being unoriginal or just plain stupid and I never see the value in that. I know there are some bad ones out there, but they do get unfairly bashed on for the most part. So yeah, I'm not anti-slasher or anti-psycho material. 'Otis' just wasn't done right in places, whether that blame be laid down on the script or whatnot. It has its share of bright glimpses, don't get me wrong, but it also has its share of dull, cringe-worthy "you idiot" moments, where I just have to put my fist down.