The Visit,
by M. Night Shyamalan, is not like most of his latest films. By that, I mean
the movie is watchable. Just to inform you, I am no horror fan, but even I
found this film somewhat enjoyable. Now do not let this fool you. The Visit is
not a complete 180 degree turn for Shyamalan but it is a good first step to
getting back on track. The Visit tells the story of two children (Olivia
DeJonge & Ed Oxenbould) who spend the week with their grandparents, whom
they are meeting for the first time, to try and connect with them. As seen in the trailers, things get a bit
weird for the two and the movie concludes with a fun and surprising ending. The
aspects that work for this film are the jump scares and the classic Shyamalan
twist. The Visit is listed as both a comedy and horror. Excluding a couple of
laughs, the jokes in the film do not quite hit and for the first 70 minutes of
the 94 minute run time, there is barely any horror except for the couple jump
scares that are randomly thrown in. The last 20 minutes of this film are fun,
creepy, and surprising. If only the hour and change before that brought the
same energy, this movie would be an instant hit. Look at the bright side… at
least it’s not The Happening, The Last Airbender, or After Earth!
Conclusion: M. Night Shyamalan’s The Visit is a
right first step on the path to redemption. The film’s climax is both entertaining
and horrifying. Even though it does leave you wanting more from the first three
quarters of the film, it does have enough redeeming qualities in that time to
make it appeasable. While the comedy mostly falls flat and there are not enough
scares, you will leave the theatre with no sour taste. If you are not a horror
fan, I would tell you there is no need to run out and see The Visit, but if you
are, the movie is worth a watch.
GRADE: C-
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