Reviewed by Melissa Antoinette Garza
I hate when horror films start off with such promise and then fall apart. I’d rather a movie be totally awful so I don’t have the curiosity and hope that I do for one that begins by grabbing my attention.
The Pact follows Annie (Caity Lotz) who upon her mother’s death returns to her childhood home. Immediately, upon entering the home, a strange presence emerges. It throws her around. When she goes to the police station, no one believes her. One cop, Bill Creek (Casper Van Dien) goes out on a limb and tries to help.
Annie, unable to figure out what the ghost wants brings in psychic Stevie (Haley Hudson) who nearly has a nervous breakdown. She adds little insight and Annie starts an investigation herself which leads her to both a serial killer and one of his victims. Finding out the truth is the only thing that can save her life.
So, the first half of the movie is really good. It is interesting, creepy and had great momentum. The acting was solid and the characters were well thought-out. At the midway mark, I was so enthralled in the movie and I couldn’t wait to find out about the ghost and what the connection was to the house and to Annie.
Then, nothing happened. It completely fell apart. There were really no surprises. I was just so disappointed. If this were a short, I think it would have been very effective. As a full length movie, there was really little to it. Though, the ghost was violent it never really escalated. The motive of the spirit didn’t really make sense as there were various easier methods to get her point across.
I do think Caity Lotz did a fine job. She has a good look to her – kind of Lindsay Lohan before she was a train wreck. Her acting was good and her delivery was excellent. I just wish she had a better script to work with.
Casper Van Dien had sort of a strange role. It was as though when the writer initially wrote the script, the character was supposed to have a pivotal role, but then it was as though it changed to a bit/expendable part.
Scared Stiff Rating 4/10
