The Gallows

Cast: Reese Mishler, Pfeifer Brown, Ryan Shoos, Cassidy Gilford and Travis Cluf.

Director: Travis Cluf and Chris Lofing

Release Date: 2015

Running Time: 1hr 20 minutes

Genre: Horror

Rating: 15

Format: Amazon Prime UK

Synopsis:

Twenty years have passed since an horrific accident occurred in a small town school play, in order to honour the anniversary, students attempt resurrect the failed show, however they soon discover that some things are better off left alone.

Horror movies that are in found footage style are never a good idea. Set in 1993, during a school production of "The Gallows", something goes terribly wrong when the production design faults. Twenty years later, a bunch of high school students seek to resurrect the play, in remembrance. However, it appears they are not alone.

The performances from each of the actors is shockingly awful. Zero characterisation from any of the characters. It's very disappointing to know that director Travis Cluf and Chris Lofing essentially took ideas from "Paranormal Activity", instead of attempting to be a bit more original with their camera work. The dialogue between characters is exceptionally cheesy and very messy. The actors performances actually appear like they are still in rehearsal. They wouldn't come across as convincing even if they tried. It's not entirely clear what both directors were hoping to achieve with the storyline.

Travis Cluf and Chris Lofing have desperately tried to rely heavily on jump scares, sadly creating no atmosphere whatsoever. It's about as sickening as riding on a roller-coaster, watching one actor constantly run around with a camera. The storyline isn't original and is poorly predictable. Terribly shot, Edd Luka's job as cinematographer was pretty pointless, considering the film is shot in found footage style.

The film would have worked tremendously well if it hadn't been filmed in a found footage style. It's amazing really that filmmakers haven't learnt from past experiences that this style of film does not excite audiences. How did it get a theatrical release? The production design is simple, which considering the budget is fair enough. However, it's really nothing spectacular, the entire film being shot in a school. There a are a few creepy scenes, but nothing that scary to make it a really good horror movie.

A lot of directors forget when it comes to found footage movies that a lack of a good score is going to ruin their film. A score can add a terrific amount of emotion and atmosphere. It can really help to build suspense up in a scene. A poor excuse for a horror movie. Very, very disappointing. Perfect for those that are really into their found footage, otherwise definitely worth giving it a miss.

1/5 stars