In a literal sense “Ouija” could have worked in so many ways. Once the precarious teenagers filled with their angst, and passion for investigative journalism, conjure up evil amenities that aren’t Casper. The production squad could have ideally pushed the film above the normal standards set by most lame fright-free prerequisites. This was a thought, that was asking WAY too much. Obviously, with there being so many lame entries into the horror genre lately, while still a gutless wreck, “Ouija” had some effects that worked in its favor. In retrospect the movie never clicks hard enough, and is far too dull to fully reach the outer boundaries of it’s full potential. The film has a creative producing squad, but the script is an artistic disappointment.

No full blame can be put on Director Stiles White (whose history) includes working for Stan Winston studios, (a company that specializes in creature effects). Which is where the film strives for success. However, for being a soft PG13, some of the frumpy, ill-timed, and predictable jumps are, dare I say, not bad. The key seance scene was actually spooky. Though you can see the kills coming from miles away, (hence the rating) which truly relieves the audience of any ‘real’ threat. The target demographic will likely eat the film up at the box office.

Where can the blame be put forth? easy: the script. Which is so formulaic in any direction you take it. Not to mention, lazy. A curdle, or masquerading set piece never feels out of place, because you can foreshadow every next move. You may find that events that happen in the film are so convenient. Of course the first thing discovered in the house is a ouija board that was left behind. Plus hours of footage showing how it was found, and such. It always seems to be a night too, can’t these kids go during the day? wait that wouldn’t be narratively efficient for the script.

The cast was no different. The lead, “Bates Motel’s” Olivia Cook, says lines like “I never got to say goodbye” in such a deadpan (probably from all the angst) – I had no sympathy. While the rest of cast was typical Hollywood casting actors, likely on break from working at the CW or ABC Family, well into their twenties to play teens in high school. Who do they think they are fooling? They never really work together to sell the material either, none of the actions (or objectives) are never realistic, and I caught myself sighing multiple times..pondering how people can just be so dumb. This is what mainstream horror has become…yikes.

Some day a halloween movie for this generation in the same vein of “The Exorcist” will come along, and shock the world. That film will not have choppy edited shots (albeit) terrible performers, and such a lackluster third act conclusion. “Ouija” is not that movie.

D+  

By: Nate Adams

Directed By Stiles White

Rated: PG13

Runtime: 89 mins

Studio: Universal Pictures

Release Date: October 24th 2014

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