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The Echo
Very Engaging Horror, August 20, 2010
THE ECHO has some great elements
going for it--strong characterizations & actors you can easily identify
with. No teens trapped in a mental home or the woods being chased by silly
looking, hillbilly cannibals or an apparently immortal, deranged serial killer.
THE ECHO mostly takes place in a poor tenement environment that is both bleak
& believable (although why the lead actor doesn't bolt at the first sign of
horror is anyone's quess, but then we wouldn't have a movie, would we?)
On the DVD jacket we learn that ECHO has the same executive producers who
backed THE GRUDGE, and you can see elements in this film--good, scary images.
Again, the actors are excellent, playing REAL people. For example, the lead
character is Bobby, a shortish, butch 'n' buffed--yet sensitive--hunk (physically
kinda reminded of a young--very young--Marlin Brando). In one scene his boss in
the auto repair shop accuses him of pilfering $300 & fires him. He doesn't
want to fire Bobby, but his hands are tied in the matter considering how hard
he worked to get the place of opening his own shop. Later when he goes to (I
think) rehire Bobby, he can't find him--but does run into some very malicious
little ghosts with attitude. You find yourself rooting for him because he's a
nice guy, but unfortunately...
My only problem with the film (and I felt this was true of THE GRUDGE as well)
was a sense that the script was not as fully developed as it could be, but then
the characterizations & actors are good enough & the terror well done
enough to pretty much overcome this.
I recommend THE ECHO for renting & for collection purchase.
Updated
9/10
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