I’d read a an interview with director Bryan Bertino and I was extremely impressed with how smart and together he seemed for such a young guy. He loved movies, went to school to study cinematography, worked in the trenches, and spent time writing because he had stories to tell. Needless to say that interview peaked my interest in the film and made it a must see for me. And even after all the negative press I’d read on the internet I really dug the flick.

“The Strangers” started off by introducing two characters that are extremely easy to relate to, who are soon scared silly by three strangers that show up at their door, and I have to say that from the first knock at the door and the wicked sound effects I was hooked. Once the film kicked into high gear I felt like I was watching a new horror classic unfold before my eyes, but then the ending was thrust upon me. I’m not going to give away what happens because I’m hoping that horror fans that haven’t seen the flick will make their way into the theater, but I will say that the ending, while not terrible, left me wanting more.

On the production side I was extremely impressed with Bertino’s skills as a director and amazed that this was his first flick. The boy has skills, and the fact that he didn’t take the easy road by throwing in flash cuts and a pop metal soundtrack put a huge smile on my face. The film has flaws, but overall was a kick as time at the movies. I’m going to keep my eye on this director because he definitely made a killer film!