This film was actually quite enjoyable, well worth a rental. It is pretty much on the level of a good TV movie, with the exception of Helen Mirren, who is exceptional. The way she slowly gets into the minds of the kids, the way she knows exactly how to manipulate them and get them to mistrust one another is the creepy part of the film.
The fact that the film does not fit easily into a specified genre is not, in itself, a bad thing. Many of us love entertainments like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" for that very reason. This film is pretty successful in much the same way.
I'm surprised by the many comments made here on how the Exorcist routine was "pointless" but well-done, as if the reference "comes out of nowhere." Right after the kids tie up Mrs. Tingle, they comment on how she looks "just like that girl in the Exorcist, you know, the one that vomits on everyone." This is a pretty funny insult to make. Funnier because Mrs. Tingle does resemble the possessed Regan (her face is all cut up; she's nice one second, evil the next; she has an uncanny ability to know each characters personal weakness). This is what causes the Jo Lynn character (a ham who is constantly trying to impress with her impersonations) to go into the Exorcist routine when she gets bored. I thought the setup and payoff was pretty obvious. It's pretty sad when Kevin Williamson jokes go over the audiences' head.
The fact that the film does not fit easily into a specified genre is not, in itself, a bad thing. Many of us love entertainments like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" for that very reason. This film is pretty successful in much the same way.
I'm surprised by the many comments made here on how the Exorcist routine was "pointless" but well-done, as if the reference "comes out of nowhere." Right after the kids tie up Mrs. Tingle, they comment on how she looks "just like that girl in the Exorcist, you know, the one that vomits on everyone." This is a pretty funny insult to make. Funnier because Mrs. Tingle does resemble the possessed Regan (her face is all cut up; she's nice one second, evil the next; she has an uncanny ability to know each characters personal weakness). This is what causes the Jo Lynn character (a ham who is constantly trying to impress with her impersonations) to go into the Exorcist routine when she gets bored. I thought the setup and payoff was pretty obvious. It's pretty sad when Kevin Williamson jokes go over the audiences' head.