Mom & Dad
2017
The Cast
This story smacks of writer and director Brian Taylor having an idea... but not fully visualising that idea to it's maximum. I believe the idea was this... what happens if you wake up one morning and you just want to kill your children? And this is just what you get.
There's very little in explanation of the new drive parents, all over the globe, are feeling. There's a couple of scene's which have telly's, monitors, and electrical equipment being affected by some electronic or magnetic signal. But this is by-the-way and not looked at in-depth. Instead, Taylor decides to focus all his attention on the results of the "infection". This I reckon is a good idea as it shows a "slice of life" view of the event, which gives is a more realistic feel as this is how it would appear to anyone in this situation.
Though the story is pretty simplistic Taylor makes up for it with his direction. He is adept at creating atmosphere, whether it be tension, suspense, or action. He's also skilled at setting a rollercoaster pace throughout the film. There are some really nice sections where he slows the killing spree down so as to build up the characters. The basement man-cave-come-family-playroom is a good example. Here, we learn a lot more about the Ryan's. This gives the audience a chance to relate to the individuals whilst the characters themselves grow. Another positive is the black humour, though there could have been more. The best part of this for me is when Lance Henriksen appears because you have to remember that your parents are somebodies children.
As for the acting, well, it's no surprise that Cage plays Cage as Brent Ryan. Luckily I'm a fan so I found his performance enjoyable. Blair is great as the mother. Her performance is quiet and understated. For me, she was the scariest parent. Her quietness gives her the air of being a thinker and a planner... I wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of her. The rest of the cast is above average and help to make the film better and keep it enjoyable.
I think the true horror of this film is the enjoyment... not of the audience, but of the parents stalking their kids. They are having way too much fun. This is both darkly funny and a little creepy and actually made the movie for me.
If you enjoyed The Happening then you will probably like this one too... Though if you prefer your stories to be fully thought out and explained then I'd say stay away. If you're still undecided, it's not a bad way to waste an hour and a half; though it may be worth you leaving your brain at the door...
I give this a Killer Mater And Pater A Quietly Lunatic 6.5 out of 10.
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