Don't Be Afraid of the Dark
Miramax Films | Release Date: August 26, 2011
5.2
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 130 Ratings
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Positive:
45
Mixed:
52
Negative:
33
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5
JollyG87Dec 15, 2011
Horror movies don't have to be scary, but if they're going for the chills, they have to do one thing at least. They can't blatantly show the antagonists. This is a mistake "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" makes, and it completely kills theHorror movies don't have to be scary, but if they're going for the chills, they have to do one thing at least. They can't blatantly show the antagonists. This is a mistake "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" makes, and it completely kills the movie. Early on, the film is decently creepy. We get a very disturbing opener, but 30 minutes in the creatures come out to "play" and we get to see every bit of them. By seeing the creatures, "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" turns into an incoherent fantasy masquerading as a horror film. Another thing that bothered me was the little girl, Sally. Bailee Madison is a terrific actress, but her character is forced to make so many illogical choices that it's hard to appreciate what she does here. After she has been attacked by these creatures in a way that would force any child into therapy, her character pleasantly takes a bath and doesn't seem to mind that she's vulnerable and alone. What child does that? It's these inconsistencies that take us out of the situation. On the positive side, the cinematography is alright and the performances are all fairly strong. Katie Holmes, who is an average actress through and through, gives one of her best performances here as a concerned girlfriend of Guy Pearce. But there's not really much to appreciate here. If you want to catch a horror flick, see the new "Fright Night." It's not scary either, but it's a heck of a lot of fun.… Expand
4 of 4 users found this helpful40
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3
CitizenCharlieAug 28, 2011
Guillermo del Toro prefers his fairy tales to contain a certain amount of artistic fantasy, wonder, and even violence. Children today are exposed to a kinder, gentler sort of fairy tale than they were a few centuries ago when they were muchGuillermo del Toro prefers his fairy tales to contain a certain amount of artistic fantasy, wonder, and even violence. Children today are exposed to a kinder, gentler sort of fairy tale than they were a few centuries ago when they were much more graphic and held dire warnings for wayward children. In the past, del Toro has successfully revived those stronger veins of story. Donâ… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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6
ArkonBladeJan 5, 2012
a decent horror film although id call it more of a creature film and del toro i believe refers to it as well as being that . The movies pacing and acting are all pretty well done and i like how we get to see the creatures early on yet not aa decent horror film although id call it more of a creature film and del toro i believe refers to it as well as being that . The movies pacing and acting are all pretty well done and i like how we get to see the creatures early on yet not a complete look . to me the whole wait to the last 10 min of the movie to show the monster or monster's in this case has worn out its welcom a long long long time ago. sure it was great in jaws but movies like super 8 and cloverfield where you never ever really get a nice good look at the creature always disappoints me even at the end its always abit murky of a view. the plot is told well and thats usally another thing in theese movies is that they are just full of plot holes and most of the stuff is just never explained like in say cloverfield's case none of it is. this movie atleast left me feeling ok i understood whats all goin on hear at the end. i mean this move didnt break any ground and its nothing id really want to wach again any time soon but its fairly entertaining and worth a rental.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
hockeyfanatic13Sep 22, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After a long wait I was happy to finally happy to see this movie, the tralier was probably the scariest trailer I had ever seen. I had not seen the original so I had no clue what it was about. It started off well enough, but I just didn't dig these little creatures running around this house. It is a typical haunted house movie but I would like to have had more variety in terms of "what" was haunting the house, not just little creatures. They were ugly and scary but it kind of lost it's scare factor over the course of the movie, for me anyways.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
cat78Jan 7, 2012
Hahaha!!!! REALLY!!!!! Here is an idea, ummmm tear the wall down and go down that freakin hole with a team of suited men and a sh@*tload of flashlights and kill those little a@%holes!!! Im sorry but this movie did all the typical things thatHahaha!!!! REALLY!!!!! Here is an idea, ummmm tear the wall down and go down that freakin hole with a team of suited men and a sh@*tload of flashlights and kill those little a@%holes!!! Im sorry but this movie did all the typical things that I was hoping it wouldn't. Lets see: 1- don't believe your child and just call her crazy, 2-act like there is some unwritten rule saying the child must remain in her room to sleep at all times even if she is terrified of the boogie man! 3-never ask the important questions like, where did you see these things, should we put a lock on the basement door where the big strong handyman got "accidentally" hurt, why is there a mini creature arm on the library floor or those weirdos in the pictures our daughter took, how about why is the bathroom curtain all shredded up when sally fell into the tub.....I mean the list goes on and on!! Plus why is going to the library more important than "get the girl out of the house", you did go to see Mr handyman for a reason and does the hospital not have nurses that can bandage up cuts properly, old fart is going to die from infection!!! My last complaint(but by far not all of them) why.....oh why do people in times of crisis when needing to leave a home fast pack and fold clothes like they are going on a family vacation! I dont know about you but Im pretty sure if they just walked out the front door they would have all been fine. Ok so another false advertising preview about a haunted creepy home, but it ends up being about a dumba@* father and little gremlin fu@*ers that could be easily punted clear across a room!!!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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2
SorTeXApr 8, 2012
08-15-Movie without any exciting Scenes. Little fairies from the Underworld looking like some kind of ugly rats? After you saw the antagonists, there was no more sense to watch the movie to the end...
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
Nick5414Oct 13, 2011
creepy and atmospheric
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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6
TheQuietGamerNov 2, 2014
However Del Toro's presence can be felt throughout, and it keeps things entertaining. The soundtrack and the visual style of several scenes are reminiscent of his masterpiece "Pan's Labyrinth." The story as a whole is also very well-done withHowever Del Toro's presence can be felt throughout, and it keeps things entertaining. The soundtrack and the visual style of several scenes are reminiscent of his masterpiece "Pan's Labyrinth." The story as a whole is also very well-done with it's unique twist on the fantasy/folklore figure of childhood (the tooth fairy).

It's not hard to get frustrated at how dumb/oblivious the adult characters can be in this, and the movie inspires no fear at all. That being said I still found myself entertained. Del Toro's fairy tale-esque approach to the story is what kept me invested, and it's also cool to see a monster movie that actually gives us a good look at the monsters in question.

It may fail to bring any scares thanks to how unthreatening it's antagonists actually are, and at times it can be a little moronic, but as a whole I can say I did enjoy the film. It's worth a rental for horror or Del Toro fans, because Del Toro has written an extremely unique idea. Shame there isn't any fear though.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
carlosmacheteAug 26, 2011
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark is not the typical horror film ,the participation of Guillermo del Toro gives a certain atmosphere of mystery and magic at the same time, the successful performances of Bailee Madison Guy Pearce and give a touchDon't Be Afraid of the Dark is not the typical horror film ,the participation of Guillermo del Toro gives a certain atmosphere of mystery and magic at the same time, the successful performances of Bailee Madison Guy Pearce and give a touch of drama that requires.
At first very slowly and without emotion, then get the creeps with the creatures, of which there is always a mystery until the final enormous advances.
the movie is scary, mystery and magic, with great performances from Guy Pearce and bailee, nothing more 7 / 10… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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1
mostmoviessuckAug 27, 2011
I felt compelled to write this review to warn anyone who is thinking about spending their hard earned money and time watching this film. Absolutely terrible. You have been warned, this movie sucks, really, really, really, really, bad. I haveI felt compelled to write this review to warn anyone who is thinking about spending their hard earned money and time watching this film. Absolutely terrible. You have been warned, this movie sucks, really, really, really, really, bad. I have no idea what the critics saw in this film. There was absolutely nothing good about it.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
Bangkit20Nov 21, 2011
It's not a "good" movie. But I was thrilled and scream when I and my sister watch this movie.. I love the ending of this movie but sure predictable. And the actors performance are average.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
Xborn74Mar 29, 2012
"Do not Be Afraid of the Dark" is a remake of a 1970 movie, with the same name, by it turn is based on a story by the early 20th century American horror author, H.P. Lovecraft, called "The Things on the Walls". It was directed by Troy Nixei,"Do not Be Afraid of the Dark" is a remake of a 1970 movie, with the same name, by it turn is based on a story by the early 20th century American horror author, H.P. Lovecraft, called "The Things on the Walls". It was directed by Troy Nixei, and has as producer and writer Gullermo Del Toro, starring Bailee Madison (Sally), Katie Holmes (Kim) and Guy Pearce (Alex) in the leading roles. The film can be classified as a Thriller-Horror film with a theme drawn to fairy tales (a little scary and grotesque, like the Grim Brothers tales), and that is happening today, in a Gothic-Vitorian style mansion in Rhode Island.

The film starts the story with a prologue that shows the original owner of the manor, Lord Blackwood, who kills her maid to get her teeth, trying to please something mysterious, living in an oven in the secret
basement of the house, in an attempt to reclaim his son back from them. At the present, the mansion was bought by a couple of architects (Alex and Kim), one of whom (Alex) is recently separated and has one daughter (Sally), who will spend time with them (against her
will) as she is saddened by the events that occur in the marriage of her parents.

Exploring the house, they find the old basement, and Kim has a fascination by the strange oven, and the whispered voices she hears in it, trying to attract her. Throughout the story, Kim tries to get close to Sally, but this has a minor role, although important, in the story overall.

The setting and scenery that are observed in film are excellent with a very distinctive and high-level photography, as usually Del Toro movies are visually, with a touch of fantasy that matches the story. Especially the details of the house, call the attention, and the choice of colors used in general.

Scenes with violence or blood are only seen in rare instances of the film, but by its content, do not fit very well with the rest of it, and the way that the story unfolds and events are shown and told.

The story is based on the tale cited above (the tooth fairy one), but with some modifications, and different characters, and I noted that El Toro used interestingly almost the same "tooth fairy" character (with modifications, of course) in other movie, "Hellboy 2", of 2008. The inspiration for this mythological theme in turn, came from writer Arthur Machen, author and English mystic of turn of the 20th century, that El Toro is a fan (as he is a fan of Lovecraft also). This mystic-lore theme, also, is recurrent in other El Toro's works like "Hellboy II" and the "The Faun's Labyrinth". The story develops gradually after the discovery of the basement, but some facts later (and that would result in some "material evidence") are not well placed, or would not have much explanation (as well as the attitude of the characters in relation to them) if it all occurred into our "off-screen real world". The same can be said of Sally's attitudes about the creatures, which was initially of curiosity, then turns to fear and then, even fearful she takes some (dangerous) attitudes that a child would never take, for example.

But overall this is a nice movie, with a general element more of suspense / mythological theme than anything else, having some segments with more intense scenes only at the beginning, a short part in the middle and in the end - which may not please everyone. My score: 6.2 / 10.0 .… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
smijatovJun 2, 2012
The very opening scene of the trailer made it clear that this was influenced (through production and screenplay) by Guillermo del Torro. This film is rather beautiful visually with some great production design and good cinematography, but itThe very opening scene of the trailer made it clear that this was influenced (through production and screenplay) by Guillermo del Torro. This film is rather beautiful visually with some great production design and good cinematography, but it reminds of "Pan's Labyrinth" to such an extent that this is a problem. They both have magic and children as their basis, with the difference that the Labyrinth is a much better film. The character of Sally is just so inconsistent and annoying at times - the way she behaves is almost implausible to believe. That's where the film goes into typical "horror" genre, with characters doing stupid choices for no real reason, but to put them in vulnerable positions. Also, the fact that one can see the little creatures kind of completely kills the fear the director managed to instill in the film's first 20-30 minutes. Yes, they're gross, but they look like little rats. They lose all their scariness, at least for me that was the effect. As I said, the production design is rather beautiful and that is pretty much the highlight of the film. So nice musical score, too, but that's all there is. The characters are annoying, Guy Pierce's acting as atrocious and Katie Holmes looks perpetually confused and directionless, despite the fact that she was allegedly the first one to figure out what happens. Definitely an underwhelming film, but it is not necessarily bad. Just not good either. It's mediocre, at its best.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
TVJerrySep 8, 2011
This is a pretty typical haunted house scenario. In this case, a girl is pursued by beasties, who turn out to be quite vicious. Of course, her dad (Guy Pearce) and his girlfriend (Katie Holmes) don't believe herâ
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6
BadsniperAug 31, 2011
It's not a "bad" movie, it was just kind of boring. The scenes didn't drag, but I lost interest in each scene quickly. That's why it only gets a 6: the scares were decent, but the plot was predictable, and OK at best.
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2
ThemadcowApr 25, 2018
I came into this with an open mind. After all - GDT scripted/produced and Guy Pearce as the lead? What could go wrong?

Well, just about everything - hammy, awkward acting, terrible plot-holes and at least 3 occasions where you feel likeI came into this with an open mind. After all - GDT scripted/produced and Guy Pearce as the lead? What could go wrong?

Well, just about everything - hammy, awkward acting, terrible plot-holes and at least 3 occasions where you feel like screaming at your screen for all the wrong reasons. At multiple points throughout the film there are opportunities for the characters to reveal the 'evil' but they somehow conspire to keep it all going until the final, pretty silly few minutes.

Credit where it's due though - the sets are great.… Expand
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4
asthobaskoroFeb 11, 2012
There's no to worry about, just bring your flashlight or polaroid if you afraid of the dark. I believe it should be great if the movie could gorier. Guillermo Del Toro seems not 'sold'
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2
MorriBeyNov 3, 2011
Dont be afraid of the dark. Should be called dont be afraid of this movei. Its not scary. Its brings nothing new to the genre. The scenes seem to be badly cut and the characters have no weight behind them.
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7
Khunter4382Jan 5, 2012
An effective, spooky horror film that does some pretty great things. The performances are all good, and the creatures are reasonably terrifying, without being too grotesque. Though this film is predictable at times, it succeeds in inducing aAn effective, spooky horror film that does some pretty great things. The performances are all good, and the creatures are reasonably terrifying, without being too grotesque. Though this film is predictable at times, it succeeds in inducing a couple shivers down the spine. It hearkens back to two classic 80s horror films: "The Gate" and "Cat's Eye", and those horrified me as a child. I suspect this film will do the same for the current generation's younger viewers.… Expand
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5
MusicMovesMeAug 29, 2011
The movie was alright. The premise was good, the storyline was pretty solid. The downfall of this movie for me was that the little monsters weren't scary enough. They were creepy, but not really what I consider scary. del Toro co-wrote theThe movie was alright. The premise was good, the storyline was pretty solid. The downfall of this movie for me was that the little monsters weren't scary enough. They were creepy, but not really what I consider scary. del Toro co-wrote the movie, but wasn't the director, and maybe that would have helped some. I was sufficiently creeped out by Pan's Labyrinth and was hoping for similar with this movie.… Expand
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6
KAS--WillSep 6, 2011
Not a 'bad' horror movie, but the fact that the "monsters" aren't that scary, and make so many appearances that by the time your halfway through the movie you no longer fear them, you kinda just want the big epic battle against the clicheNot a 'bad' horror movie, but the fact that the "monsters" aren't that scary, and make so many appearances that by the time your halfway through the movie you no longer fear them, you kinda just want the big epic battle against the cliche 'evil monster(s)'. The movie is very boring, and very dragged and isn't really scary, just kinda suspenseful at times and could have been better done, because in the beginning of the movie it seemed really promising.… Expand
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7
Knicksfan7Sep 4, 2011
Im a very big Guillermo Del Toro fan, from Hellboy to Blade 2 to Pans Labyrinth, and i dont believe he was the director but he was the producer and screenwriter and i knew that if he was a part of this film it has to be awesome and it was.Im a very big Guillermo Del Toro fan, from Hellboy to Blade 2 to Pans Labyrinth, and i dont believe he was the director but he was the producer and screenwriter and i knew that if he was a part of this film it has to be awesome and it was. The movie started off with a good opening scene but then it got pretty slow for the next 20-30 minutes but after that it was great. Quite a few frightening on-the-edge-of-your-seat moments and a few jumps here and their and it turned into a good scary flick. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Very good and shocking ending. Looking for a good scary movie? Or a big Del Toro fan like myself? Then go see this movie, you won't be disappointed 7.5/10… Expand
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7
cabritaAug 29, 2011
This movie will not make you afraid of the dark but you will instead be attached into the life of a young girl and the new problems she faces in reality and in fantasy.
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3
kat43081Jan 7, 2012
WTF! really? Boring horror flick I have ever had the displeasure of watching. The previews really made me think how I HAD to see it. But of course I was seriously let down. To the point that i would have rather washed dishes by hand orWTF! really? Boring horror flick I have ever had the displeasure of watching. The previews really made me think how I HAD to see it. But of course I was seriously let down. To the point that i would have rather washed dishes by hand or laundry then be forced to watch this movie and what the heck about the ending???? Boo!… Expand
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5
xXRenTyrellXxAug 26, 2011
Have to say I'm a bit disappointed with this one. I was really looking forward to it, also Katie Holmes is one of my favorites, so the hype was indeed very high! Was not the horror film I was hoping for. However, the movie has it's moments,Have to say I'm a bit disappointed with this one. I was really looking forward to it, also Katie Holmes is one of my favorites, so the hype was indeed very high! Was not the horror film I was hoping for. However, the movie has it's moments, and is not a complete failure.… Expand
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7
jrouth22Sep 4, 2011
If it wasn't for Madison's attention-grabbing performance, I would have walked out of the theater and demanded my money back. The mix of strongly-undeveloped characters and a handful of haunted-house-flick cliches will leave you questioningIf it wasn't for Madison's attention-grabbing performance, I would have walked out of the theater and demanded my money back. The mix of strongly-undeveloped characters and a handful of haunted-house-flick cliches will leave you questioning Toro's "genius." I didn't see his "genius" here...just a bunch of garden gnomes.… Expand
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6
RyanPrattSep 12, 2011
Rent-it - Guillermo del Toro's protégé Troy Nixey stylishly directs this throwback haunted house film about a creepy mansion's restoration by an architect (Guy Pearce) and his new girlfriend (Katie Holmes).
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2
unisonrussSep 12, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It is a terrible film. They got the atmosphere right in the beginning, had a decent ending moment, and that's it. -Characters: completely one dimensional, and boring. No reason to care about them, and the girl was a brat...aren't we supposed to empathize with the lead? - Creatures: laughable. They are shown WAY too early, so no suspense is built wondering what they are. When you don't see the creatures for a while, it's scarier, but we saw them ten minutes into the movie! And TBH, the creature design was very uninspired (unlike his previous works). They could of at least had different looking ones, some small, some larger...diversity is always welcomed! - Pacing: it was really slow. A lot of exposition, and waiting for something to happen. - Plot holes: oh dear, the plot holes! For instance, when the little girl closes the bookcase on the creature, killing it, and severing it's little arm (they show a close-up of the little arm even!), NO ONE SEES IT! There are 20+ people in the room staring at the little girl like she's mad, and she doesn't even point to the bookcase, WTF? If you were her, wouldn't you pick up it's little severed arm and wave it at them, yelling, "Told you they were real!" Wouldn't you? Or at least show them the squashed bugger, or even one of the hundred pictures she snapped (BTW, what was up with that camera? It NEVER ran out of film!?)? Nope, instead we CUT TO: her laying in bed, drugged up, because she's a psycho apparently. There's more, but this one infuriated me in the theater (as you can tell). There's other threads here if you'd like to know more about these lovely plot holes. - Suspense: did I mention there was no suspense? - Katey Holmes: Yep. She's as bland as ever. Yup. I hated this *beep* movie. Worst part is, I tried to salvage my evening by watching Shark Night 3D...didn't work. It was an even bigger piece of *beep* but for different reasons. Which is sad, because I loved Piranha 3D. Why would they make a movie off the success of another, and make it so watered down, cliched, and just bad? A$$holes. A terrible night at the movies, indeed.

I am a huge fan of del Toro, so I feel really let down. He is a genius. so I must wonder what he was thinking. I would have done a ton of re-edits, and recast the three leads. I'm glad some people enjoyed it, I just don't know how they did. I really believe that critics are giving good reviews on the sole purpose it has del Toro's name attached. How were they not distracted by the familiar cliche's and plot holes?… Expand
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8
StonecutterFeb 3, 2012
Great movie! It was fun to watch. It wasn't real scary but a lot of fun to watch. I love those little guys killing and running around. Its a movie that i can watch over and over . They should make a part two and have those little guys killingGreat movie! It was fun to watch. It wasn't real scary but a lot of fun to watch. I love those little guys killing and running around. Its a movie that i can watch over and over . They should make a part two and have those little guys killing more people.… Expand
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1
woaima82Nov 27, 2011
this may be the worst movie ever. You have to be both deaf and blind if you will appreciate it .... In the end you just want them to die so that the film could end .....
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5
TTW107Feb 8, 2012
It definitely was a well made movie I just didn't like what it was about. Little creatures that live there that eat little children's teeth? It seemed dumb to me and a few parts would've been different if some of the characters used more thanIt definitely was a well made movie I just didn't like what it was about. Little creatures that live there that eat little children's teeth? It seemed dumb to me and a few parts would've been different if some of the characters used more than 1% of their brain.… Expand
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6
RegOzApr 12, 2012
I have mixed feelings about this movie. The performances were decent (especially, Katie Holmes's, even though I didn't expect it, hers was the only on performance I would call 'good' ) I didn't feel, however, that Baylee Madison was good forI have mixed feelings about this movie. The performances were decent (especially, Katie Holmes's, even though I didn't expect it, hers was the only on performance I would call 'good' ) I didn't feel, however, that Baylee Madison was good for this movie. I still remember when Dakota Fanning was about that age...she was so charismatic and talented! A real star! Back to the movie: I loved the photography, and the atmosphere was perfect...yet, the script fails to deliver. There are a few plot holes, and when the truth is revealed to Kim, it is just too abruptly. That doesn't work in horror or thrillers! I did enjoy this film, but I didn't love it. Paradoxically, unlike other people, I was ok with the ending of the movie and I kind of expected it; that even though I never watched the original film and had no idea about its plot. Still, I acknowledge that a more elaborated ending was required. An observation: Guy Pearce's reaction (as a boyfriend seeing his girlfriend disappearing) was not very credible, a real let down . I would give the movie a 6.5 but I can't so a 6 will do it.… Expand
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9
ILHMFeb 3, 2013
Young Sally comes to live with her father in a beautiful old estate that he and his new girlfriend have been renovating to resell. Sad and lonely, Sally takes to wandering throughout the house, when she begins to hear whispers calling her toYoung Sally comes to live with her father in a beautiful old estate that he and his new girlfriend have been renovating to resell. Sad and lonely, Sally takes to wandering throughout the house, when she begins to hear whispers calling her to come play. After discovering a hidden doorway that leads her down into a long-forgotten basement, Sally learns of an ancient race of faeries that live deep beneath her new home, but once she releases from their rusty tomb, the creatures terrorize Sally and her family as soon as the lights go out in the house!

DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK stands as one of the best Gothic fairy tales since PAN'S LABYRINTH, which shouldn't come as a surprise considering Guillermo del Toro's involvement in the screenplay. Director Troy Nixey has modeled the look of the film after traditional haunted house pictures like THE INNOCENTS, while adding a group of mean-spirited little imps that live off of the blood of children. Their whispers in the dark that beckon Sally to join them are quite chilling, but Nixey takes great care in keeping his creatures hidden until just the right moment... Del Toro's script draws from classic storytelling elements and childhood fears that any viewer can relate to. Katie Holmes and Guy Pearce are each good in their respective roles, but it is Bailee Madison that steals the show as young Sally. Her excitement and terror are heartfelt and real, heightening the emotional impact of the film.

The only room left for improvement for newcoming director Troy Nixey lies in subtlety. DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK is built on a rising terror, but Nixey also includes a few gratuitous moments of gore that the film could do without. They immediately shift the mood from creepy to shocking, which goes against the carefully-crafted suspense that he has developed. Several unnecessary shots use sweeping camera movements and conspicuous computerization to take us through long corridors and into the ventilation ducts where simple dissolves would have been much more effective.

Minor complaints aside, DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK is an excellent entry into the Modern Gothic revival that may even top the 1973 original. Beautifully shot and surprisingly scary, it is a must-see for all Horror fans! -Carl Manes
I Like Horror Movies… Expand
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1
fatherskytribeMay 29, 2012
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie is trash. First off, there are continuity problems with the story line. The male lead is a huge P word and the story is written in such a way that you cannot connect with the characters. In fact, it has you hoping that the little girl or father will soon be murdered. There were holes in the logistics of the writing that made this movie holier than swiss cheese. For example: At one point a man gets attacked by a bunch of little D suckers, leaving like 25 stab wounds all over his body along with a pair of scizzors sticking out of his shoulder blades and the family, the cops and medical officials pronounce it an "accident." After the fact that the house is being overrun by little D suckers and after one is smashed leaving a dead body, the father still puts the girls to sleep, in a dark room, by herself, to let the little monsters diddle the little girl. The "man" of the family caters to old men perfectly but wastes a solid 20 seconds of life threatening crucial time to get a mallet break off the door nob rather than just kicking it around. He does this same thing with a window oping to find something to break it with rather than using his fist. To best describe the end of this movie, I felt more at peace at the end of the Titanic than I did with this movie. Katie Holmes who gave the only acceptable performance and played the father figure of the movie was apparently transformed into one of the monsters. That's a theme that cannot be introduced in the last 15 seconds of the movie. That's elementary essay writing. The only saving grace was Katie Holmes' sphincter clenching leg snap scene. Overall this movie comes in as a close second to Lady in the Water. If you've seen this movie we suggest writing Mr. Del Toro a letter requesting a return of the two hours that were so brutally taken from you. Awful. Just awful. :(… Expand
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5
worleyjamersDec 7, 2012
Not my favorite film of 2011, nor one of my favorite horror films, but this is well done nonetheless. Pearce, Holmes, and young Madison carry the film nicely. Great musical score. The concept isn't that great or even remotely scary, but theNot my favorite film of 2011, nor one of my favorite horror films, but this is well done nonetheless. Pearce, Holmes, and young Madison carry the film nicely. Great musical score. The concept isn't that great or even remotely scary, but the film is well done.… Expand
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5
ThegodfathersonJul 13, 2013
This is not to say that Nixey has done a bad job; more that there is no sense of the director in the film. This film is Del Toro's in story, content and some of the style. But unlike his previous films, this does not have the same depth (thisThis is not to say that Nixey has done a bad job; more that there is no sense of the director in the film. This film is Del Toro's in story, content and some of the style. But unlike his previous films, this does not have the same depth (this could be because his other work was set in a turbulent historical time.) Certainly, Don't be Afraid of the Dark is extremely entertaining for what it lacks in depth, and the creatures are nasty enough that you wouldn't want to find them hiding in the corners of your basement. This films feels like Pan's Labyrinth light: a lone girl against the monsters with little assistance from her parents, a kindly non-relative who swears to protect her at her own expense, and a creepy wilderness. Without the gravitas, its strengths lie in its better-than-average-horror cast and good scares.… Expand
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4
MarkMusicMar 19, 2013
I gave it a four mainly for how they wrote the film and the atmosphere was creepy. However it wasn't scary. I have no idea what really went on beside the girl being harased but the parents dont believe her. The movie was eh....If you find 1I gave it a four mainly for how they wrote the film and the atmosphere was creepy. However it wasn't scary. I have no idea what really went on beside the girl being harased but the parents dont believe her. The movie was eh....If you find 1 foot tall bald rats that stand up and whisper then this is for you but if your looking for a movie that is scary this isnt it.… Expand
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9
CherryxldNov 23, 2014
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark es un film del género de terror que no se concentra tanto de dar sustos y hacer que la gente le de un poco de alterego, si no que se concentra en brindar una historia interesante y hábil que da un poco deDon't Be Afraid of the Dark es un film del género de terror que no se concentra tanto de dar sustos y hacer que la gente le de un poco de alterego, si no que se concentra en brindar una historia interesante y hábil que da un poco de escalofrío, en especial a los niños.

La forma en que desarrolla la trama es de una manera un tanto siniestra y hábil en donde el director Guillermo del Toro hace que el público le de preocupación en las situaciones que se presentan en la película, y eso se hace una manera bien lograda., en general, una buena película.… Expand
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8
audreythomas25Feb 16, 2016
If the scares aren't all quite as effective as the rest of the film, then there's still plenty to tickle the nerves of a less jaded horror fan.

Watch it here for freeIf the scares aren't all quite as effective as the rest of the film, then there's still plenty to tickle the nerves of a less jaded horror fan.

Watch it here for free http://www.watchfree.to/watch-1eaab9-Dont-Be-Afraid-of-the-Dark-movie-online-free-putlocker.html… Expand
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4
HellHoleHorrorFeb 15, 2022
Looked and sounded great as you would expect. The use of surround was especially enjoyable with the little demon's voices. It didn't feel original or special at all. It felt pretty generic actually. Sadly very forgettable, it felt like aLooked and sounded great as you would expect. The use of surround was especially enjoyable with the little demon's voices. It didn't feel original or special at all. It felt pretty generic actually. Sadly very forgettable, it felt like a cross between The Gate (1987) and The Others (2001) but failing to live up to either.… Expand
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