"My Soul to Take" Fizzles, Pops and Dies

"My Soul to Take", Wes Craven's latest horror film, fizzles, pops and then dies. The script has none of the punch displayed in Craven's original "Nightmare on Elm Street". Of course that isn't a bad thing for those who aren't into slash and dash films anyway. However, it also unfortunately lacks any heart.

The actors chosen for the ensemble cast have all the interest of guppies in a fishbowl. No one cares what happens to them because their characters are ridiculous. What little the audience learns about them isn't the least bit sympathetic. Pathetic would be a better word.

Of course, it would help if any of the actors could actually act. That doesn't appear to be the case either.

The biggest problem here, though, is the story itself. There really isn't one that makes any sense. It's about a family man that suddenly goes wacko and starts offing a bunch of townspeople with a knife. Then he decides to kill his own wife, daughter and unborn child. As if that isn't sufficient, then he goes on a massive killing spree against the police and medical personal trying to save his life.

The audience is never made privy to the reason behind Abel (played by Raul Esparza) and the murders he commits. At times it seems he might be possessed. At others, multiple personalities come to mind. Either way, it isn't explained.

That presents the first problem in making this film remotely believable. It makes no sense and doesn't seem to care that is doesn't.

The next problem is the whole concept of seven premature babies being born on the same night of the killing spree. Like that happens all of the time. It is an obvious setup for what will take place 16 years later. Still, it is too calculated and contrived.

Then there are the kids themselves, each more self-centered and self-absorbed than the next. They act like spoiled brats and bullies, picking on one another for no apparent reason. Their cruelty knows no bounds.

The hero of the movie is supposed to be Bug, played by Max Thieriot. While there is a hint of sweetness to this boy with the stupidest name ever given to movie hero, it is vastly overshadowed by his weird and childish behavior.

His best friend, Alex (played by John Magaro) is even worse. His character should be sympathetic given that his step dad hits him for the sheer pleasure of it. Instead; however, he comes off just as bad.

All of the so-called Riverton 7 are pretty much the same, making it hard to care that a killer is after them. Plus, there is nothing in the plot that actually encourages the audience to believe it could be Abel, returned from the dead. Everyone knows it is just one of the children. The question is which one? The answer is: Who cares? They are obviously all capable of it.

To call this movie bad wouldn't begin to explain what a horrendous a piece of work it is. It may well make it in my top 25 of the worst movies of all time. Of course, I'd have to go back and consider all of the other pieces of tripe that Hollywood has produced in recent years.

It is sad to see the once master of horror fail so miserably. However, since Craven both wrote and directed this piece of trash, there is no one else's feet at which to lay the blame.

I hated "My Soul to Take" from the first scene to the last. It has set the new standard for junk horror. I give it 0 out of 5 stars and even that is being overly generous. This one should be in the negatives.

RATING SCALE USED:

0 = A stinker. Don't waste the money!
1 = Bad. Rent it at your own risk.
2 = Below average. See only if you have time to kill.
2.5 = Average. A toss up.
3 = Good. Worth a looksee.
3.5 = Very Good. I recommend it.
4 = Excellent. Don't miss it!
4.5 = Outstanding. What are you waiting for?
5 = Destined to become a classic. You will be sorry if you don't see it.