DVD Review: The Uninvited
Like spookfest films with cool twist endings? Then The Uninvited might be just your cup of evil brew to watch with BFFs on your movie night in. From the producers of The Ring and Disturbia and based upon an artsy but effective Korean film called A Tale of Two Sisters, this remake stars Lemony Snicket's now more grown up Emily Browning as troubled 16-year-old Anna who is returning home from a psych facility a year after the gruesome death of her very ill mom in a fire. Anna is happy to reunite with feisty older sis Alex (Arielle Kebbel) and her beloved dad (David Strathairn) but is freaked when it seems that mom's hot nurse Rachael (Elizabeth Banks) has won dad's heart. The sisters don't trust her as this potential stepmom's secrets are revealed. All, of course, is not as it seems!
Special Features: There is no Commentary track but you get the "making of" featurette "Unlocking the Uninvited" which provides some interesting behind-the-scenes info from the two brothers who directed the film as they chat on the story and casting. The screenwriter talks about adapting the story from the Korean original. The actors share info on working together. Emily and Arielle weren't sure what to make of each other at first but became fast friends. Originally Emily went in to try out for the sister part Arielle got. Elizabeth Banks talks about a fight scene and working with the girls and "dad" David flatters Emily's acting. Producers reveal the lure of the original film. All fun and interesting.
"Deleted Scenes" include an "Alternate Ending" that is just a tad more threatening and an eerie scene in which Anna talks about trying to commit suicide and seeing her mom's ghost. Nothing amazing but they do add to the story.
Wrapping Up: There are some logic flaws in this film and some scares that seem a bit forced but creepy ghosts, a beautiful but foreboding, big, isolated house locale and some very fine acting from the cast make you stick through some of the slower or confusing moments. You may or may not figure out the twist ending but it is well-delivered either way. The Uninvited is PG-13 so you get some gore but no slasherbash here. Well worth a rental and a buy for fans of Arielle, Emily or Elizabeth Banks since they all do fine work here.
