TragicBloom I feel numb after watching this on netflix, and I'm just blown away by reading all the positive reviews afterwards. It seems it's no longer possible to make a good movie, and it's pretty clear the reason why is that the majority of us no longer remember what a good movie is! I'm 35 for Christ sake, not 80.This movie started out great; everything was going good. It had a certain direction, and I was eager to see where it would lead. Then about midway through everything is flushed down the crapper. This is well before the twist at the end too, which itself was utter crap. I'm incapable of going into anymore detail, because that would require more time than this movie deserves. What little mind I have left just won't allow it.

rioplaydrum As I picked through the DVD's at my local library, I came across The Awakening as an after thought.Another ghost story, I thought to myself. Sure. Why not? I really didn't expect much beyond the above board cookie-cutter production out of Hollywood with some decent thrills and chills and a nice neat little ending.How delightfully wrong I was.Set in London in 1921, Rebecca Hall portrays the indelible Ms Catheart. Florence Catheart is a rarity in her time. She's unmarried, educated, an author, and has a successful career as a debunker of the supernatural. She delights in busting charlatans and frauds much the same as the Amazing James Randi does in our own time.Shortly after a successful raid on a séance hosted by prominent citizens in London, Florence is paid a visit by a Mr. Mallory (Dominic West) requesting her services at the Rockford School for Boys in the countryside. They evidently have a ghost. Florence reluctantly takes the job.The school itself is a large, multi-floored structure that years before was the private home of a very rich family. And a little boy is rumored to have been killed inside, but no official record exists as the wealthy can afford to bury their secrets. Florence's sometimes erratic behavior belies the fact she has her own secrets buried deep within her own heart. But neither will stay buried forever.Florence sets up camp inside with her assembly of turn-of-the-century scientific equipment and trap cameras, and the mysteries begin to unfold at a satisfying pace.All the sets, costumes and props are authentic (but I doubt the existence of mechanical talking dolls in the early 1900's). The film itself, although shot in color, has a slight hue of sepia to it that adds to it's illusion of looking back in time. Side plots and character development abound, and tie in quite nicely around the main story. Twists and turns throughout the story are well constructed and provide many a surprise. Strap yourself into your easy chair with your favorite hot beverage, turn the lights off and enjoy!The Awakening is guaranteed not to put you to sleep.

leplatypus This is a sort of Dr. Jones / ghost-busters / Dana Scully / Ichabod Crane transplanted in England at the start of the XXth century. So it's science vs paranormal with the originality to have a woman playing the part. Rebecca breathes British education, glamour and talent so she is the perfect pick. However, after a strong start and really chilly moments, the movie starts to get fragile as her character seems actually terrified by paranormal : It's not really believable that such a character fights to explain paranormal if she is afraid ! Then, the story gets even more weirder as the phenomena get personal but there is again some strong moments ! So my conclusion is my summary : one of the few movies that put me uneasy but with a story too far-fetched , thus a bit unbelievable like a ghost !

Spikeopath The Awakening is directed by Nick Murphy and Murphy co-writes the screenplay with Stephen Volk. It stars Rebecca Hall, Dominic West, Imelda Staunton, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Shaun Dooley and Joseph Mawle. Music is by Daniel Pemberton and cinematography by Eduard Grau.Britain, post World War 1, and Florence Cathcart (Hall) makes a living as an exposer of charlatan spiritualists, a debunker of ghost sightings. When she receives a request from school master Robert Mallory (West) to investigate the supernatural events at a remote boarding school for boys, she is suitably intrigued to take on the assignment...It comes as no surprise to find that numerous reviews for The Awakening make reference to ghost story films that were made previously. The Woman in Black released a year later would suffer the same fate, charges of it not bringing nothing new to the table etc. A ghost story set in a big mansion or remote educational/correctional establishment is what it is, and will continue to be so, all fans of such spooky fare ask is that it does it well and maybe add some adult themes into the bargain. The Awakening does these in spades.The concept of a disbeliever in ghosts having their belief system tested to the full is not new, but it's a great concept and one with longevity assured. Here, boosted by a terrific performance from Hall, the screenplay consistently keeps you guessing. The possibilities of real or faked are constant as the director pumps up the creep factor, whilst he simultaneously crafts a number of genuine shock sequences - including one of the best doll house scenes put to film! This really has all the requisite jolts and atmospheric creeps for a period spooker.It's not until the final quarter when the screenplay begins to unravel its mystery, a finale that has proved both ambiguous and divisive. The ambiguity factor is a little baffling since everything is made clear in a nicely staged scene, and this is something which the director has gone on record to state as well. As for the divisive side of things? That's a blight for this sub-genre of horror. It's convoluted! Contrived! It has been done before they cry! These are true to be sure, and without doubt there's a leap of faith required to not get annoyed, but it garners a reaction and has done its ghost story essence very well indeed.Beautifully photographed, scored and performed by the leads to boot, this is for sure one for fans of period spookers with brains. 7.5/10