Open House DVD Movie Review
Open House DVD Movie Review
House of cards
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While the idea of Battlestar Galactica's Tricia Helfer and True Blood’s Stephen Moyer scantily-clad and getting wet and nasty in a Jacuzzi while one viciously stabs and kills the other may seem like the ultimate pool party for some horror fans, that's the peak and the climax all rolled into one. After that point, which occurs approximately 20 minutes into the film, the thrills dry up.
When I saw the DVD cover art, I noticed the names of Anna Paquin and Moyer — and also noticed they didn't get top billing. I figured on them having small roles, but it turns out they are just slotted into little bits practically anyone could have played. The story mainly follows Helfer (who is excellent in this, despite having so very little to build from) as a black widow / hermit crab type who occupies empty homes on the market and uses the inviting abodes to lure in unsuspecting victims. At times she's more like a queen bee — for at her side is worker David (Brian Geraghty; he was in The Hurt Locker, but more memorably to horror fans, he was the killer in the remake of When A Stranger Calls), who makes sure everything is in order and his superior is not disturbed. But when David defies Lila's system and keeps one of the victims alive and hidden away, the house of cards collapses.
It wasn't until the movie was over that I learned the director is Andrew Paquin, brother to Anna and in-law to Moyer. That explained a lot.
Open House is actually not a bad movie, but it is unforgivably bland — its sin made so much the worse in contrast to the excellent performances put forth by the entire cast. Helfer is femme-fatale fantastic, and the second female lead (Rachel Blanchard who plays Alice) as the homeowner / hostage shows believable strength and fragility. This is the most I've seen Geraghty act, and while he does have a somewhat zoned-out Keanu Reeves vibe, it works for the character. Moyer is great in his brief bit, and so is genre-fave Henry Thomas as a motivated realtor.
The movie is supposed to be, if not an outright home-invasion horror, at least a psychological thriller. Unfortunately, it's not very thought-provoking and has no suspense to it whatsoever. Only the actors save this bland fare from being totally unwatchable.
Don't put a "sold" sign on this DVD. Instead, go for a double feature of The Collector and Funny Games.
DVD FEATURES:
•Audio Commentary with Director Andrew Paquin and Actor Brian Geraghty
•Deleted Scenes (2.35:1; 1080p/24)
•Open House Trailer (2.35:1; 480i/60)