Movie: My Soul To Take

• Director: Wes Craven
• Release Date:
• Writers: Wes Craven
• Run Time: 107
• Genre: Horror, Thriller

Tagline: Only One Has The Power To Save Their Souls.

Review: Horror master Wes Craven returns to the teen slasher film, both writing and directing for the first time since 1994s NEW NIGHTMARE. The results are a little disappointing; the acting is a little forced and the dialog a little weak but these have never been Cravens strong points. Even going all the way back to his classics (the original A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, THE HILLS HAVE EYES and THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT) the same criticisms can be made. This film is no classic though and as far as Cravens resume is concerned it will probably be remembered along the same lines as a SHOCKER or CURSED. At least its better than VAMPIRE IN BROOKLYN, which in my opinion is probably Cravens lowest point (although he only directed, the same with CURSED).

The film tells the story of a schizophrenic father battling multiple psychotic personalities. Some believe he was possessed by multiple souls. On his way to the hospital, after being shot several times by the police, he causes his ambulance to crash and escapes into the woods. Hes presumed dead, due to his fatal injuries, but his body is never found. Sixteen years pass by and his story becomes legend in the small town of Riverton, where the events took place. The serial killer is known as The Ripper and seven teens all born on the day of his alleged death now celebrate their birthday in homage to his legend. This year something is different though and the teens are being slaughtered one by one. Has The Ripper returned home or have his killer souls now possessed one of the teens? The film plays out with several twists and surprises.

The idea of the movie is a great slasher film premise which is what Craven is good at. Hes a great idea man and a talented horror film director but like many great writer / directors he needs some help and his films are better when he collaborates with other writers and or directors (like the SCREAM films and the recent updates of THE HILLS HAVE EYES and THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT films, which are both superior to the originals in many ways). This film is still a decent horror flick though even if it doesn quite measure up to todays big screen horror film standards. Its nice to see Craven back killing teens again and in an R rated violent way (When I first saw the trailer I was afraid he was going the PG-13 rout). Its a little nostalgic as its reminiscent more of the 80s slasher films that Craven used to be known for. If you
e a fan of Craven and the genre its worth checking out, although not in 3D. The 3D is very subtle and not full of pop out of the screen gimmicks which is a nice extra visual touch but at the same time its not worth an extra $3. If you
e going to pay for 3D you should get more out of it than this film has to offer.