They Wait (2007)

Friday, 02 January 2009 00:00

DVDs - Reviews

Reviewed by Carol Sullivan

Genre: Horror/Thriller
Released: September 16, 2008
Rating: R for some violence/disturbing images

Director: Dav Kaufman
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Trailer

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If you've been searching for a creepy movie that isn't too scary or gory, and has an international flavor to it - without being a foreign film - then might I suggest that you rent the newly released film, They Wait. Written by Trevor Markwart and Directed by Ernie Barbarash, They Wait is a spooky little tale that does deliver a couple of good BOO'S... But, I must warn you to NOT watch the trailer for the film, for sadly, it gives away all of the scares!

The movie begins in Shanghai, China, where it is Hungry Ghost Month; the only time of year when ghosts and demons can come back to earth and eat the living! This myth intrigues, as well as frightens, a young boy named Sammy (Regan Oey).

When Sammy's parents get the news that a family member has died, they have to return to the US for the funeral. This is an interesting part; the multi-cultural aspect to the film; Sammy's father is Chinese and his mother is Caucasian. They have been living in China and now return to a Chinatown in a major US city. The differences in the cultures become obvious soon after their arrival, when little Sammy begins to have visions of hungry ghosts and demons.

After he has a terrifying nightmare, Sammy becomes deathly ill and is rushed to the hospital. His frightened mother discovers that Western medicine cannot cure him, but with the help of a local Chinese pharmacist, she discovers that an ancient Chinese ritual is the only thing that can save little Sammy. She will have to travel to the demon world, where she will confront a Hungry Ghost who is trying to steal her son's soul.

I found They Wait to be delightfully creepy; the music is well placed and the film isn't overwhelmed with computer graphics and gory images. It was very interesting to watch the development and discovery of the movie's demons/ghosts through the eyes of a curious child. (We really have not seen that done well since The Sixth Sense.) Young Regan Oey does a nice job in the role of little Sammy. The cultural themes were also very interesting, introducing new audiences to popular myths and superstitions.

Though it has a great beginning, as well as an interesting story-line, the movie does seem to fizzle towards the end. A bit disappointing as it got off to such a great start.

But, I have to admit that this movie gave me a great scare during one scene! I won't give it away; I'll just say that it's early-on in the movie --so dim the lights and watch carefully...

All in all, They Wait is an entertaining story and makes for a good rental.

Overall Rating: 2 1/2

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Last Updated ( Friday, 27 March 2009 15:15 )

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