During one of the quietest weeks of the box office season, The House at the End of the Street finished at number three against several other movies opening this weekend, though it deserved a far larger audience. Even a nearby pack of screaming babies ( seven separate babies at a horror film constitutes a pack ) couldn’t kill the mood of the theater.

For this horror film proves far smarter than the average genre offering by being far more effective at the moments where direction and pacing matters most in a movie. Also, the story felt fresh, as did the careful blend of recognizable and more obscure–yet properly cast–actors.

Usually I avoid PG-13 horror movies during their theatrical runs, since the rating often reflects a studio’s attempt to reach the widest possible audience, by making sure no teen in America is left behind. But in the process of toning down the movie to avoid the dreaded R stamp, the final product often loses the edge that might have resonated with more audience members in total. While I understand the logic, I wonder if the PG-13 rating can’t keep out babies, can the R rating really stop a motivated teen looking for a good scare? Survey says: Probably not.

In any case here’s what worked about The House at the End of the Street:
1) Story. Original enough that the audience appeared surprised by the plot twists several times.
2) Photography. It’s hard to do location shots in the woods and without making the audience wish the director stuck to a set or dirty alleyway. This film looks creepy instead of contrived.
3) Ending. Twisted enough, yet plausible given the narrative and characters development.

Verdict: DVD or matinee. Baby not required to have a good time.

I had planned to write a review of a great movie released nearly a month ago, posting the entry an hour or so after the first midnight showing shuttered, but tragic events in a theater Colorado that same night made any sentiment of ebullience and awe about the film seemed, well . . . ill-timed. Thus that post will appear later.

For now, time to shift gears with a comedy: The Campaign. No matter what one feels about government, politicians and the election process, this movie offers some honest laughs about a system that probably intends to be neither so funny nor broken, but in practice is really both.

What works about The Campaign:

1) The cast is solid and well placed. Will Ferrell shines as the archetype career politician – narcissistic, shallow and possessing the moral flexibility of an orphaned pimp. Zack G’s approachable delivery serves as the perfect counterpoint to Ferrell’s shyster ways.

2) With the Presidential election looming, it’s timely story, without being preachy. And even though some scenes rest on actual events from recent election seasons, it’s not necessary to recognize the factual basis to get the joke, or savor the caricature.

3) It’s definitely a comedy for adults. F-bombs abound.

Verdict: If you like well done comedies, The Campaign is worth seeing. Theater full price.

Some children are bad. Really bad. And in the case of the movie Oprhan, Esther is dreadful. Worse than Damien from the Omen even.

An adopted child from Estonia ( a small town near France ), she wins the hearts of a family who recently lost their own daughter.

Simply put, Esther is pure evil incarnate, but everything about her wickedness makes sense, given the back story. Orphan is a good, solid thriller. A worthwhile movie experience, though not for the weak of hearts. The first scene is possibly the most disturbing ever rendered on celluloid. After that it turns wicked, and I could not look away.

To those who champion the case of children in marriage and the value of adoption–stay the hell away from this film. It’s meant to entertain, not sell one on the merits or challenges of procreation, directly or by proxy.

What works:

1) The audio / visual synergy is particularly masterful. Sounds enhance the tension without calling attention to either.

2) Plot. Tight, well-delivered and believable.

3) Cast. A mix of unknowns and established actors, it’s a perfect blend. Esther ( Osabelle Fuhrman )is top shelf.

What needs improvement:

1) Yes, adoption proponents have much to hate about this film. I sympathize. But let it go. It’s a movie.

Verdict:

DVD purchase or matinee.

Mom always said, “If you can’t be nice, don’t say anything.” I took her advice to heart by ignoring it when writing this review. Sorry, Mom.

There is little to say about Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen and less of it is nice. So let’s get puppy dog tails and ribbons out of the way, first. Hint: It won’t take long.

Without a doubt, the special effects, CGI robot enactments are incredible. Never for a second did I doubt the robots were cutting edge and believable. Secondly, Megan Fox has amazing cleavage and it’s constantly on display. Fantastic.

Now for the challenges working against this movie. Oh, where to start. Well, how about with the actual story? At the end of the day, the average five year old amped up one Mountain Dew and Sugar Smacks could have written much the same fare. Perhaps even better. See, the main driver of the movie is, yep, amazing special effects and Megan Fox cleavage. Maybe that cleavage is really a computer slight of hand.

And of Megan Fox, no offense but besides the squeaky Pam Anderson voice and tanned body, there is little going on there aesthetically much less visually. Yes, survey says: vapid and annoying. I’d prefer that left her tattoos visible on screen, rather than automagically removing them. Those are kind of interesting and suggest she has the traces of a personality. Somewhere out there. Or is it in there?

Despite the weak story and eh cast, Transformers 2 is a watchable flick, and I neither fault anyone for liking it nor am mystified by its break neck box office performance. After all the robots are amazing. But giving this movie a pass solely for CGI is like giving top marks to a porno because the “actors’ have nice lips. In the end, Transformers 2 is a McDonalds Value Meal straight to the brain. With a hot apple pie.

Either work for the patron for a little while. Then the stomachache starts.

Verdict: DVD rental or cable. Keep another movie handy at the ready for immediately afterwards. Wash away the taste. And the cleavage.