Movie Review: When a Stranger Calls (2006)

    

When A Stranger Calls
2006, 83mins, 15
Director: Simon West
Writer: Jake Wade Wall
Cast includes: Camilla Belle, Tommy Flanagan, John Bobeck, Katie Cassidy, Molly Bryant
Release Date: 3rd February 2006

Theres are only so many remakes a person can swallow, especially remakes of inferior and pedestrian nature. The original When A Stranger Calls is considered far from a classic of the genre which actually makes it a fairly interesting revamp concept but sadly this Simon West directed version lacks any of the little punch that first run had.
You can tell the directing style the movie is going to take from frame one, flashy epileptic visuals along with a no gore rule on violence. Before the credits have rolled it’s clear that Simon West is heading the PG-13 route, compromising artistic merit and added fear in favour of a few bucks. Granted the film doesn’t need to be doused in the red stuff but this is the sort of story that benifits from a little being sloshed around, the money grabbing makers however seem to have little time for added credibility.
After a far from scary opening reel which suggests theres a phone jacker killer on the loose the plot propels us 100 miles down the road to another town where high school student Jill (Camilla Belle) is having trouble. Her boyfriend has been getting around and for her troubles she’s run up a huge phone bill which Mum and Dad aren’t pleased about. As a consequence she must sacrifice a party night in favour of baby sitting for a doctor’s kids, in their huge isolated house. Initially it seems like a reasonable chore with the fridge stocked and the kids in bed sick but weird calls are getting fowarded to the house. Some she chalks down to pranks but others are far scarier, until finally she realises she amy not be alone on the remote property
If you’ve seen Halloween ,Black Christmas or eithers respective remake I think it’s safe to say you’ve seen this sort of film handled better and all the themes done in a more convincing and menacing manner. Those familiar with the slasher genre are going to be bored by When A Stranger Calls , it repeats the same ideas found in it’s original and a thousand other horror movies. It’s also tame and neutered, the scores generic and so’s the look, and whilst the latter isn’t bad , anyone with experience in a movie theatre is going to evoke a feeling of deja vu.
The performance by Camilla Belle is erratic in the later parts of the film she’s convincing and we almost feel sympathy for her, but in the early stages she just seems constipated starting the horror victim routine early. This aspect is rather funny, but not in a way which suggests Belle should move into comedy. Apart from her it’s all cameos as no character gets much more than any screentime. The killer is forgettably played by Tommy Flanagan and whilst he looks a bit unfriendly his stalker acting is formulaic and far from imposing.
The movie is directed by Simon West who made better popcorn flicks with Con Air and Lara Croft Tomb Raider. Niether of those was a classic or anything like, but they where successfully entertaining and had strong performers anchoring the silly but fun antics up on screen. His direction here is flat and dull without the luxery of a large budget or solid lead he looks virtualy at a loss. I have no doubt he did this purely for the money (which there was, the movie was a box-office no.1 in Feburary 06) and feels little shame for the poor effort on show, but when he looks to direct more big action films in the years ahead this might prove a distracting blemish on his CV for prospective employers.
I expect there are younger people out there whothrough a lack of exposure to film might get a few kicks out of this film but overall, I’m surprised such a dull and void remake managed to do so well. Even undemanding teens should be asking more of their horror-or is that wishful thinking?