Predictable and been-there, seen-that, but entertaining nevertheless at times.
Orphan (2009)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:12
Fresh:6
Rotten:6
Average Rating:5.1/10
Consensus: While it has moments of dark humor and the requisite scares, Orphan fails to build on its interesting premise and degenerates into a formulaic, sleazy horror/thriller.
Rated: 15 [See Full Rating] for disturbing violent content, some sexuality and language.
Runtime: 2 hrs 3 mins
Genre: Horror/Suspense
Theatrical Release:07-08-2009
Synopsis: The tragic loss of their unborn child has devastated Kate and John, taking a toll on both their marriage and Kate’s fragile psyche as she is plagued by nightmares and haunted by demons from her... The tragic loss of their unborn child has devastated Kate and John, taking a toll on both their marriage and Kate’s fragile psyche as she is plagued by nightmares and haunted by demons from her past. Struggling to regain some semblance of normalcy in their lives, the couple decides to adopt another child. At the local orphanage, both John and Kate find themselves strangely drawn to a young girl named Esther. Almost as soon as they welcome Esther into their home, however, an alarming series of events begins to unfold, leading Kate to believe that there’s something wrong with Esther—this seemingly angelic little girl is not what she appears to be. Concerned for the safety of her family, Kate tries to get John and others to see past Esther’s sweet facade. But her warnings go unheeded until it may be too late…for everyone. --© Warner Bros [More]
Starring: Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Isabelle Fuhrman, CCH Pounder
Starring: Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Isabelle Fuhrman, CCH Pounder, Jimmy Bennett
Director: Jaume Collet-Sera
Director: Jaume Collet-Sera
Screenwriter: David Leslie Johnson
Story: Alex Mace
Producer: Joel Silver, Susan Downey, Jennifer Davisson Killoran, Leonardo DiCaprio
Composer: John Ottman
Studio: Warner Bros.
Reviews for Orphan
This wickedly entertaining, if slightly over-stretched, variation on the familiar ‘evil child’ scenario displays an unusually complex grasp of twisted psychology.
A creepy premise is undermined by wilfully flashy direction as a fine cast struggle bravely to inject credibility into a tale of vanishing nuns and burning treehouses.
If you’re not easily offended or upset, there is much to enjoy in Orphan. Horror films this skilfully made don’t come along that often. You probably won’t find a better one this year.
Some impressively committed work from Farmiga (even when Googling "Children who kill") and a humdinger of a twist make this a rather good bad seed.
Directing with a wink and some style, Jaume Collet-Serra (House of Wax) knows that it’s possible to be totally absurd and witty with it -- he has that trash touch.
Clocking in at more than two hours, the movie teeters between psychological horror and violent blood-letting and, as such, probably won't completely satisfy fans in either camp.
Clocking in at more than two hours, the movie teeters between psychological horror and violent blood-letting and, as such, probably won't completely satisfy fans in either camp.
Actors have to eat like the rest of us, but you still have to wonder how Vera Farmiga and Peter Sarsgaard ended up wading through Orphan and not laughing.
Here is a shamelessly effective horror film based on the most diabolical of movie malefactors, a child.
Teasingly enjoyable rubbish through the first hour, Orphan becomes genuine trash during its protracted second half.
A pretty interesting movie about the crack-up of an American family lies right under the filmmakers' noses, but in their rush to deliver shock and gore they miss every opportunity to make a smart movie.
Latest News for Orphan
August 03, 2009:
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July 23, 2009:
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