Sunday, January 6, 2013

Review of 'DEVIL'



DEVIL:  

Five people walk into an elevator, it gets stuck in between floors, and the passengers start dying violently, each of the survivors blaming the others. An observer watching through a video camera in the elevator suspects that one of the people is the devil. As the story unfolds, we learn about each of the individuals and what they have done to deserve this fate. We also get to know the observers, one of whom is an alcoholic detective.

The characters are realistically portrayed, and the information about them introduced in a gradual manner so that one feels they know the personalities. The description of twelve step programs is realistic. No spoilers except to say the film is a redemption story and the ending is a little maudlin.

The movie wants you to suspend disbelief that religious superstitions are just myths.  Personally, I have a little difficulty with that. However, most of the movie is well crafted to raise suspense, the music is tense (but forgettable), and it's easy to get drawn into what's happening.

Like 2012, They Live, and Battleship, this movie has little cinematic artistry, but as a means of stimulating your exercise, it works.  I give it ++++ - it gets your pulse up to a sprint. If you see it, let me know what you think.

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