The Strangers: What Would You Do?

Many may not like this about me but I am all for the 2nd amendment which is the right to keep and bear arms. I think a person should be able to protect themselves in their home as they see fit, and if it involves having a gun, then more power to me you (especially with all those damned zombies running around!)

I’ve always said that if anyone were to ever break into my home I would not hunt them down with my gun and have a face off. Instead I would set up in a corner of a room, cellphone and loaded gun at the ready. They can take whatever they want as long as they leave me alone. The second they come my way however, I am gonna blow their head off. Target practice really helps with ones aim.

Everyone talks about what they would do in the face of crisis or fear. I guess you really can’t know for sure until you are faced with a situation that tests your breaking point. That’s the case of The Strangers.

The Strangers totes itself as being based on the true story. Many think its a remake of THEM which was loosely based on the Manson Family Murders, while others think it is based on the Keddie Murders. According to the FAQ section over at IMDB however:

The director stated in an interview that he was inspired by a number of real-life happenings, however at the end of the credits, there is disclaimer saying that all the events in the movie are fictional and any resemblances to any persons living or dead, etc, are completely coincidental.

I have also googled for any reference that would grant validity to the “based on a true story” part, but I think its more of a hollywood ploy to get you to watch it. After all, with the number of violent crimes that happen on a daily basis, I’m willing to bet it could be based on thousands of stories.

Cause & Effect

After attending a wedding reception, a couple, Kristen and James (played by the very talented Liv Tyler (yes, daughter of Steven) and Scott Speedman (of the TV show Felicity, and two of my favorite movie, The Underworld One & Two) stay at the summer home of James dad for the night intending to embark on a road trip the following day.

The home has been staged by James for a romantic night of love and romance as he had proposed to Kristen only hours before. Unfortunately her turning down the proposal was not a part of his plan, and as its 4 in the morning when they arrive, they really haven’t figured out what they are going to do.

It’s about this time they get a knock on the front door from a girl who seemingly has the “wrong house.” Shortly thereafter, the knock comes again, then there are knocks on the window, and the walls….. someone has even been in the house.

Result

Before you know it the couple is being methodically terrorized, and their options for survival and contact with the outside world are one by one taken away from them.

Their phone lines are cut; cell phones destroyed. Their car is demolished and when they try to drive it out anyway they are bulldozed by the attackers truck.

In the face of fear they are forced to make decisions for plans of action. Plans that one by one fail, and they are left with nothing more than their love for each other as everything gets ripped away from them.

Conclusion

I was torn by this movie.

I did like that it has a Hitchcock sort of feel in the way the pace and suspense was presented. As well, this movie portrayed innocent people caught up in circumstances beyond their control or understanding just as Hitchcock was known for.

The presentation was awesome! I was on the edge of my seat, biting my nails almost the whole time. I must confess though that I was not a fan of the beginning. It seemed to drag a touch as it was setting you up.

After the first half hour though it really gets intense, but falls a little short was the use of typical air-brained “survival” maneuvers found in B movies. This not being a B-movie left me expecting a little bit more. For example, the couple “split up” pretty regularly. Anyone with half a brain knows there is safety in numbers!

Secondly, once the couple found a shotgun, they did not hole up waiting for the danger to come to them so they would be prepared; they decided to go to the danger unprepared!

Thirdly, with shotgun in tow, the couple did not leave the area of danger for safer ground. Had they decided to hoof it with their shoebox of ammo and shotgun cocked and ready, they probably would not have had the bloody, psyche altering night that they did.

BUTTT…. not everyone is as level headed as I am and in the face of danger as mentioned above, who knows how one will react.

Recommendation

Is it worth paying the 7-9 bucks for a ticket? Yes. It is “worth the popcorn” as my bud Rik would say? Yes. But is it as good as the previews lead you to believe?

No.

Go see this movie with an open mind. Forget the previews; be a blank slate when you sit down in those awful seats that are sticky with the sweat from the guy before you…

That way you will forget all about what you EXPECT - and you will be prepared for the unexpected. Like having the crap scared out of you…..

So what do you think? Did you see it?

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