The Uninvited Movie
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Storyline
TAGLINES
Fear moves in
Anna Rydell returns home to her sister (and best friend) Alex after a stint in a mental hospital, though her recovery is jeopardized thanks to her cruel stepmother, aloof father, and the presence of a ghost in their home.
| Danny Bristol | Middle Wright Child |
| Matthew Bristol | Younger Wright Child |
| Dean Paul Gibson | Dr. Silberman |
| John Prowse | Butcher |
| David Strathairn | |
| Elizabeth Banks | Rachael |
| Emily Browning | Anna |
| Natalie Charles | Orderly #3 |
| Arielle Kebbel | Alex |
| Maya Massar | Mom |
| Charles Guard |
6.40 out of 10 (2647 votes)
Visitor Reviews
A pleasant time waster
posted on 31 Aug 2009The filmmakers waste no time setting up the conflict between Anna and Alex and Rachel. Early on, the directors keep us guessing if The Uninvited is going to be a traditional thriller with the evil stepmom or a supernatural thriller with the vengeful ghost of the mother? The filmmakers apply the usual scare tactics with sudden jolts but nothing truly horrifying, more like the fleeting thrills one gets on a rollercoaster. The typical nightmarish imagery is duly trotted out (keyholes that drip blood, creepy dead people coming back from the grave, and so on) but it isn't anything that hasn't been done a million times before.
If you've seen enough of these kinds of films, it is pretty easy to predict what happens next in The Uninvited except for a nutty twist ending which kind of comes out of left field. Although, in the case of this film that's not necessarily a bad thing. There's something pleasant in familiarity and The Uninvited certainly delivers in this respect.
There is an "Alternate Ending" which spells things out a little bit more but in a completely unnecessary way.
Also included are four deleted scenes with more of Anna's homecoming. There is another scene between Anna and Alex talking about visions of their mother. There is a nice, tense scene between Anna and Rachel. Finally, we see Anna and Alex getting ready for a dinner party with their folks and their friends.
"Unlocking The Uninvited" is a making of featurette that gives away some major plot points so you should watch the film first. Cast and crew talk about how this film differs from the original Korean version. Emily Browning and Arielle Kebbel talk about how they were cast and how it was working together.
Been there, done that!!! Hollywood's unoriginal version....
posted on 31 Aug 2009Well Hollywood does it once again by attempting to take a foreign film and adapting it to the mainstream market. Without going into detail, (don't want to spoil the movie) if you have already seen the original Korean version "A Tale of Two Sisters" this remake will feel like a let down, and will not "thrill" you since you already know the plot before the movie even begins. Hollywood followed the original Korean version almost to the letter, and I assume they bought the rights in order to do so.
The original version is far superior to this remake in my opinion, but if you simply cannot tolerate movies with subtitles or have no interest in Asian cinema, then this version maybe worth a peek. I would recommend waiting for the DVD release. 2 stars for its lack of originality.
Classy, fun and, yes, kind of scary
posted on 31 Aug 2009The Uninvited begins with our protagonist, Anna, in a mental ward after dealing with the emotional trauma of losing her mother in a freak fire. As the film begins, her psychiatrist believes she is ready to go back into the real world and she is allowed to move back in with her father and her older sister, Alex. Unfortunately, father is now seeing Rachel, a nurse who was in charge of Anna's mother. This weird situation is further complicated by the fact that Anna is becoming more and more convinced that her mom wasn't killed in a freak accident...maybe she was murdered.
So if you have watched ghost movies over the last ten or so years, you basically know this film. It hits all of the major plot points, has a couple requisite twists and throws weird scares at you (it is based on a Korean film, you know). I expected all of this. I even expected one twist that I thought was revealed very early on. Even so, the ending still surprised me and I have to say that this film was classy in telling a familiar story. The truth is, there hasn't really been a genre-changing film in the ghost story genre for awhile now. The Uninvited is no different. So, what is important is not what is being told (as there's nothing new under the sun), but how it's told.
Here The Uninvited soars where a lot of recent ghost stories (Unborn, for example) have failed. The storytelling is far classier than it has any right to be, the script is well-written and convincing and the actors are terrific. Emily Browning, playing Anna, practically carries the weight of the film on her slender shoulders. With her forlorn and innocent gaze, you really start to feel for her increasingly desperate plight. Meanwhile, her sister is played perfectly by Arielle Kebbel who brings a sexy older sibling charm to the proceedings. And then there's Elizabeth Banks, playing the stepmother who might not be all she says she is.
All of this is pitted against a murder mystery or two and wrapped up in a perfect bow. There's not a dull moment in the film, the scares actually startled me, even when I expected them and some of the ghostly hauntings could give the weird factor of The Grudge/Ring a run for their money. It's effective and very well done.
I definitely recommend going to see it. The Korean film, A Tale of Two Sisters, is definitely in my scope now, to see how it stacks up. Go see The Uninvited if you're in the mood for a fun, classy and, yes, sometimes scary ghost story.
be your own CRITIC
posted on 31 Aug 2009I didn't know what to expect, but was thankfully impressed by this film. Some might be dispointed with the movie, in this day and age of movie after movie that goes deeper and deeper into ultraviolence in place of real tension and raw emotion of say hitchcock movies. The scary part of the movie is how realistic and identifiable the plot is. If your looking for lots of blood guts you'll be disapointed. But I liked the movie a lot because it had lots of essential elements for a good movie: gets better with repeated viewings, well shot, expertly acted, good locations, several funny moments weighed in with dramatic parts showing the movie and creators didn't take themselves seriously, and the ending kept my friend and I discussing the movie well after it had finished. The ending goes by very quickly. I haven't seen the original, but I understand the movie is different enough to have added an additional character (perhaps they made it a remake so as not to be accused of ripping off the original.) I look forward to getting the DVD for the extras and whatever else is on there. Emily Browning and Elizabeth Banks are so punk rock. Definatley worth a look, and in contrast a great little film overlooked in favor of countless garbage movies the industry is endlessly churning out. Gimmie a break...
Unexpected surprises
posted on 31 Aug 2009If you haven't seen the former version of this movie, you'll have nothing to compare it to as I didn't. Which is why I thought it was so good. It starts out scary....gets a little boring with the thought of 'it's an obvious ending'. Then completely wakes you up, to the point where you want to rewind it to see if you saw it correctly. After seeing it once, it has to be seen again. I can't wait to buy it.
Better than most horror remakes
posted on 31 Aug 2009I have to start by saying that I was not one of the many people who consider the Korean original, A Tale of Two Sisters, a masterpiece. A good movie, yes, but one that is far too riddled with plot holes to be considered a masterpiece.
I honestly think The Uninvited is on the same level as the original. I think many critics were way too harsh: this movie is by no means perfect, but it's much better than the usual horror remakes Hollywood churns out.
The actors in the movie gave great performances, espeically Emily Browning as main character Anna. The storyline was good and I think for being their first feature film, The Gaurd Brothers did a very good job directing. While not shocking (since I have seen the original), I thought that the twist was utilized in a good way, even if it has been "seen before".
The flaws in this movie are that it does have a somewhat slow pacing, and will require patience and ATTENTION from its viewer. And it wasn't scary, it should have been advertised more as a thriller than a horror movie.
Overall, it's a pretty good movie. I'll definitely be picking it up on DVD. It's not a movie for everyone, but if you're not picky about your movies and want to see a thriller with some good performances, a touch of horror, and a good twist, then I recommend The Uninvited.
A huge downer
posted on 31 Aug 2009I almost gave this movie two stars for its professional acting and cinematography, however, the subject matter is so depressing and is too similar to other creepy thrillers, it also has the same "surprise" ending as High Tension, which was a much superior horror movie.
I didn't feel entertained nor did I like the selfish characters. The subject matter was a major downer and the ending was just lame.
Another remake goes nowhere
posted on 31 Aug 2009As soon as I saw this title and the ads, something told me that this HAD to be a korean remake. Let's face it. That's all we see these days at the multi-plex. If not a Korean remake, then a sequel to a long-ago classic--like Terminator, Halloween, Star Trek, Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Today's Hollywood has no idea on how to make an original thriller--so they give us junk like this. Sure enough, I did discover that this movie was a korean remake and I wonder if there are any more horror films made by Koreans to feed the zestful appetite of HOllywood? In this movie, there's nothing remotely horrible.
You have vapid performers who are not very attractive and they always end up doing stupid things. I wish we could get a mature, talented actress--like Naomi Watts who made a remake of "The Ring"--in the main role. this movie appears geared for the teeney-bopper crowd because most of the main characters are all teenagers.
Let's hope that one day, we'll get an original, brilliant horror original again--like in those olden days when we were treated to gems like The thing, Psycho, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Alien, etc. Let's not hold our breath.
Scary, suspenseful with a twist!
posted on 31 Aug 2009Ive seen enough horror movies to kinda guess what will happen in the end, but this one threw me off which is exactly why its great! I wont go into an elaborate description of the plot (everyone else does that and you can find out yourself anywhere), but I will say if u are a horror fan, definitely check this one out. Im more of a suspense fan myself but this added some scary/horror aspects as well. I jumped a mile high within the first 5 mins and I do NOT do that. Caught me off guard i guess! I really enjoyed it though so at least see it for the sake of the ending!
A Waste of Time
posted on 31 Aug 2009I agree with Paul Bens' assessment (May 24, 2009) of this movie. Fortunately, I rented the movie for a very cheap price ($1 at a Red Box rental machine). Had I paid more I would have been seriously annoyed.
If you're looking to watch this movie for its horror content, please do not waste your time. I was a big fan of horror movies when I was in my early 20s, and I've seen many. This movie doesn't even raise the hair on the back of your neck. I think there were about three instances in the movie (totalling maybe two minutes) when it almost began to get possibly kind of scary. As a horror movie it utterly falls flat.
If you're looking to watch this movie for its psychological thriller content, you won't fare much better than you did hoping to be scared by it. In this regard it was lackluster and predictable. There are far better movies available to give you this kind of thrill.
Overall, this movie was basically 87 minutes of my life gone down the drain. Save yourself the boredom and pass on this one.
Derivative and Unimaginative
posted on 31 Aug 2009I rented this movie on the strength of David Strathairn's involvement in the project as he is one actor who can always be counted on to choose good material. Unfortunately, this is the one time where Strathairn's judgment seems to have been off. Hugely off.
I won't go into the details of plot, because if you've seen any horror film in the last 25 years (especially The Sixth Sense) you've already seen everything this remake of a Korean movie has to offer done better...and in far superior pictures.
Saddled with over the top, one-note performances, this movie is undone early enough by casting of Emily Browning, a lead actress who seems far too young for the role she is playing, and one also woefully unprepared to bring any depth to the role. Arielle Kebbel is only marginally better, at least she is age appropriate for the role, though the character is about as cardboard cutout as you can get. But hands down, Elizabeth Banks as the "evil" Rachel Summers is so far over the top that you expect her to do the Dr. Evil pinky to the mouth maneuver about 30 minutes in. Demented is the only note she chose to play and she plays it with a capital D. Strathairn is left to toddle about as the poor old widower with the hot, younger girlfriend and other than say "Anna" with a disapproving look every once in a while, there is little for him to do. And what little there is for him to do, he doesn't do well. Gone are any layers that I always expect from one of our greatest actors.
With a weak script and extremely unimaginative direction, this movie is really relying on it's "twist" ending. It isn't a twist you've never seen. In fact you've seen the twist done quite often. And often. And often.
Possibly one of the worst movies I've seen this year, the Uninvited should remain that when it comes to your movie-viewing choices.
For Whom the Bell Tolls...
posted on 31 Aug 2009The Uninvited: DVD Review
Grade: B
...and the person for whom the bell tolls isn't always the person you think it is. A strange-yet it works well at times-mixture of drama, suspense, some frights, and some good old fashioned mystery, The Uninvited may come off as at first being just another remake of an Asian horror film.
But it manages to be so much more that that, and although it is not perfect, The Uninvited has to be the best remake of a Asian film i've ever seen.
Anna (Emily Browning) has just been released from a mental institution 10 months after her mother's death, and is finally going home now, to her boyfriend, her writer dad, and her, well, lets just say outgoing sister. But arriving home she finds a newer surprise...Rachel (Elizabeth Banks, showing her creepy side). She used to be her mother's maid, and just so happened to have the night off when Anna's mom blew up, along with the rest of the gasoline-filled boathouse where she was staying. Anna now thinks that Rachel killed her mom, along with some other kids from past experices; Anna basically thinks that Rachel is a serial killer, now after her and her sister.
And that is just the beginning of he plot. There's a whole lot more going on in this movie, almost too much for its tight 87-minute running time, but The Uninvited still manages to wrap everything up in the end, along with a couple (did I say A LOT?) of plot twists and changes.
But too-crazy-for-itself plot is the only problem in the movie; the casting and acting is pitch-perfect. Browning, aside from her terrible fake crying, plays the part well, Alex, her sister, makes you truly believe her plot that Rachel is the bad guy, and the father truly looks like he's fallen into Rachel's hands just like a puppet. Yet nobody does a better job at playing their role than Elizabeth Banks does playing Rachel, everything about her-her evil looks, her evil motions, even her voice at time ("I won't allow it...") is creepy. Banks always does a good job in her roles, but this role is truly convincing to watch, even if you don't like the rest of the characters.
So in the end this is probably the best remake of an Asian horror flick out there, and if you want solid acting and a somewhat-solid story, The Uninvited would be your best bet around.
Buy "A Tale of Two Sisters"
posted on 31 Aug 2009Following a tragic fire and a stay in a mental institution, teenage Anna (Emily Browning) returns home to find her widowed father (David Strathairn) preparing to remarry. His love interest is the nurse (Elizabeth Banks) hired to care for Anna's now deceased mother.
Anna joins forces with her sister Alex (Arielle Kebbel) to try and dislodge the nurse. As they ask more questions about the fire that claimed their mother's life, the girls become convinced that the nurse is not who she says she is. But proving this to their father seems impossible, for he regards them warily and seems to believe everything he hears from their stepmother-to-be.
The Uninvited is a remake of the Korean horror film Janghwa, Hongryeon (released here as A Tale of Two Sisters) directed and written by Kim Ji-woon. The original was only released in 2003, and is superior in every way to the Hollywood version. In fact, the Korean version is so beautiful and the English language adaptation is so awful, the comparison calls for an accompanying rant on the very practice of adapting recent foreign hits for American audiences.
It's great to see artists of the caliber of Kim Ji-woon being paid for the rights to their work. If only the people buying those rights would honor what they buy. What is the point of remaking a film with a devoted following, and distorting or throwing out every element that excited fans and critics about that work? Wouldn't it be better to have a U.S. distributor re-market the original with the aim of making it more popular? It seems to me that the expectation of American audiences is dismally low in Hollywood. Or is it pure xenophobia that makes the majority of our film producers believe anything good still ought to be re-titled, re-focused, and given a Western cast?
Leaving the general social attitude and getting back to The Uninvited, the problem with adaptation is demonstrated perfectly in the DVD extras. There the film's directors and producers talk about why they were drawn to the project. The directors praise their favorite Korean horror films for their emotion and ambiguity. The producers also note the ambiguity of the original, and then go on to explain how they and the writers systematically did away with that ambiguity, because it was confusing and made the story "hard to follow."
In other words, they were not bright enough to understand or interpret the original to their satisfaction, so they made it simpler and more stupid, for the rest of us. Unfortunately, all of the changes made to A Tale of Two Sisters turned The Uninvited into just another cheap ghost flick sprinkled with teen angst.
remakes are worse than their original Asian films
posted on 31 Aug 2009Another tired remake of an overrated Asian film (which was not even highly rated among Asians). Uninspired. Cliche. Meandering. Tried to clever but ending up with clueless direction. It is clear now audiences are staying away from remakes of Asian horror or any kind of other films. Spanish/latin horror has so much more interesting elements it seems.
I wouldn't recommend even renting this
posted on 31 Aug 2009Definitely suspenseful and a bit scary and creepy, but the plot was predictable and so were all the twists in it. The girl who played Anna had distracting lips. I felt like I was watching an Angelina Jolie wannabe. There are holes in the story, and I didn't really enjoy it excluding the few frightening jumps it gave me. Get it as a freebie with a coupon or at a redbox on Mondays with a promo code like I did.
Redone Over & Over Again
posted on 31 Aug 2009Nothing original in this movie that hasn't been so many times I'm going to die of overexposure. Same trite story of girl leaves mental hospital because of tragedy in family comes home to a dysfunctional household. The twist, copied from another movie, that I forget at the moment (must also have been bad) is the presence of a another person as seen though the eyes of ex-mental hospital girl except this other person doesn't exist and you aren't suppose to learn that until the end. Everything is boringly cliched and predictable to that point. Conclusion - one star for copy cat film making.
Better than I expected
posted on 31 Aug 2009As someone who absolutely loves the original Korean film "A Tale of Two Sisters," I was initially really disappointed when I saw the trailer for this film; it looked as if the best stuff from the original had been stuck into a completely different and subpar story (the movie's changed name and the cliched ghost children didn't help either).
Well, good news: the film itself is much more like the original than the trailer suggests. A few things have been changed; mainly some of the more confusing aspects of the story have been streamlined to make the film easier to follow (not a bad thing). I didn't think the major twist was as surprising as it was in "Sisters," but that could have just been because I already knew it was coming. The film is well-directed, has a beautiful look to it, and the cast/acting is much stronger than in most horror films.
While not quite on the level of "A Tale of Two Sisters," "The Uninvited" is a smart, well-made and very creepy horror film that is absolutely worth seeing.