IR Film Review: THE CALL [Shudder]

The twist of any horror film is based in the idea of how it reflects said victims being haunted or paying for their sins in a sense. "The Call" uses the aspect of teenagers per se heckling an old lady because they believe her responsible for any number of grievances in the town. Lin Shaye of "Insidious" fame plays the said old woman, who in life, may have had her issues but seems acutely aware of the elements in her town at work. The crew of four teenagers all have their own issues as well but the inherent problem in the story is that each of them have truly different levels of guilt and comeuppance. The one that is truly necessary seems unevenly pushed while the idea of who tried to have a sense of redemption has a bit of a plot ploy element that could provide a kind of escape (but the film is not built that way). Tobin Bell, in his undeniable focus, creates the main interesting character, even though he is little more than exposition. He balances part of the film and yet the arc, especially where it leads, does not create a pay off.

The initial settings, which looks to be in the mid 80s, which actually was a great set up, shifts because of a pre-determined date mentioned that is key to the story structure. That detail, especially in how it relates to technology, simply doesn't move the needle as it should. Erin Sanders, who plays the lone girl in the quartet as Tonya, has the most possibility (like Jessica Rothe in "Happy Death Day") but doesn't deliver as the film goes on...not because of her ability but because the story doesn't really allow for it. The concept is the basis...the call is the thing and how it works to uncover perceptions. The film understands its ghoulish intentions but it is more just for the sake of it. There was more potential here to be mined. That said, it just could have been a holdback in budget, time, etc. Chester Rushing plays the other lead Chris and, while he is supposed to be the fresh eyes, his texture of guilt, while prominent, isn't taken to its full possibility either [but Sanders would have been the real breakout]. "The Call" had potential but simply delivered on its base line, which is not a criticism but a fact. C

By Tim Wassberg