Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
Lionsgate | Release Date: August 9, 2019
6.5
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 186 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
101
Mixed:
64
Negative:
21
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
7
GinaKAug 13, 2019
For me this was a disappointing film with one or two really good moments (for example, the monster in the hospital), but overall it was never as good those very few parts. The mostly mediocre actors, the dull story, and the slow pacing wereFor me this was a disappointing film with one or two really good moments (for example, the monster in the hospital), but overall it was never as good those very few parts. The mostly mediocre actors, the dull story, and the slow pacing were just not good enough to create even one real moment of true horror.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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7
destinyfan1Jul 12, 2021
It was a cool movie,but nothing more,didn't really do anything original,i guess they needed to follow the story and not be to gory because this movie loooks to be tyargeting a relative young audience but they could have done so much more withIt was a cool movie,but nothing more,didn't really do anything original,i guess they needed to follow the story and not be to gory because this movie loooks to be tyargeting a relative young audience but they could have done so much more with this story.I guess that is why a sequel in probably in the making.Overall i felt kinda dissapointed because this movie wasn't scary at all but it was still a cool and enjoyable movie.O and the actors did well.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
JPKAug 9, 2019
Pretty Good
It’s not the perfect adaptation, But it’s still one worth watching.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
manningn15Aug 11, 2019
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is my 3rd favorite horror movie of 2019, one of my favorite movies of 2019, and one of my favorite horror movies. The creatures were phenomenal and so cool, creepy, scary, and disturbing, I was especially creeped out by the Pale Lady and the Jangly Man. The visual effects were fantastic. The story was terrific. The acting from Zoe Colleti, Michael Garza, Austin Zajur, Gil Bellows, Lorraine Toussaint, Dean Norris, and Gabriel Rush was excellent. This was a great horror movie.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
Hugi09Aug 9, 2019
Voilà un film original, angoissant et flippant ! J’ai beaucoup aimé ce film
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
GLADIADORAug 12, 2019
Um filme para deixar vc tenso e levar alguns sustos, com criaturas medonhas e assustadoras apesar de serem um pouco mal feitas digitalmente, mas concerteza vale o ingresso
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
qbaseOct 23, 2019
Η προσεγμένη παραγωγή υποβάλλει μια πειστικά τρομακτική ατμόσφαιρα, με σκηνές οι οποίες διαχειρίζονται εύστοχα το σασπένς, σερβίρουν τα απαραίτητα jump scares κι επιβάλλουν την απαιτούμενη εφιαλτική αίσθησηΗ προσεγμένη παραγωγή υποβάλλει μια πειστικά τρομακτική ατμόσφαιρα, με σκηνές οι οποίες διαχειρίζονται εύστοχα το σασπένς, σερβίρουν τα απαραίτητα jump scares κι επιβάλλουν την απαιτούμενη εφιαλτική αίσθηση
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
chetlySep 13, 2019
Engaging, suspenseful and an original story. Ias a horror movie buff, I recommend it to anyone interested in the genre.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
moviewatcherclbAug 13, 2019
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark does have some really good elements to it, but it’s missing things and falls short in other areas. Great job bringing the original artwork to life on the big-screen. Great job with the writing. Not sure itScary Stories to Tell in the Dark does have some really good elements to it, but it’s missing things and falls short in other areas. Great job bringing the original artwork to life on the big-screen. Great job with the writing. Not sure it was the best cast of kids... acting could have been better. Check my review here - https://youtu.be/gZiewZ88yHI… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
Stafford1983Aug 30, 2019
The movie could never be as good as the illustrations from the book but there were some disturbing images from the movie I won't forget for along time.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
ckeppnerOct 28, 2019
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark faithfully brings the stories that terrified us as kids to the big screen. If you remember the books fondly, you will be delighted from start to end. While the overarching story tying its individual partsScary Stories to Tell in the Dark faithfully brings the stories that terrified us as kids to the big screen. If you remember the books fondly, you will be delighted from start to end. While the overarching story tying its individual parts together is a little cheesy, the various stories throughout the film promise to scare and delight horror fans. As a huge fan of the original trilogy, I loved this film and hope there are more Scary Stories in our future!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
AverycrosslinNov 3, 2019
I was scared to walk into this movie, but I was shocked by how good it was. It was an awesome horror movie that didn't ruin my liking of the book. It has some pretty scary moments for a pg-13 movie. I love the scares, the suspense, and actingI was scared to walk into this movie, but I was shocked by how good it was. It was an awesome horror movie that didn't ruin my liking of the book. It has some pretty scary moments for a pg-13 movie. I love the scares, the suspense, and acting (they actually gave a really good performance in this movie). I didn't care too much for the characters, but they have just enough exposition to make me sort of care for them. Also, there was one sentence character said about a dream (no spoiler), but it just felt so out of place. Other than that it was a great horror movie, better than other pg-13 horror movies that don't seem to do well. 8/10 or B+… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
Hellhound80Nov 18, 2019
I can honestly say this movie surprised me I went into it not expecting much but it kept me gripped right to the end and had me on the edge of my seat.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
SoyHenryVNov 24, 2019
La magia y el horror de esta cinta viene de sus impecables y maravillosos monstruos. Es una cinta de aventuras con cierto toque de suspenso. Estoy seguro de que ganará más cariño y seguidores en el futuro.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
tellmikeyyJan 23, 2022
Growing up these books where a staple in my childhood. Was hyped when I saw they were making them into a movie. After finally giving it a watch on Netflix, I can say overall it was a decent depiction. I had heard the use prosthetics on setGrowing up these books where a staple in my childhood. Was hyped when I saw they were making them into a movie. After finally giving it a watch on Netflix, I can say overall it was a decent depiction. I had heard the use prosthetics on set but went with a more CGI look with some of the monsters and it makes me wish they had left it to just the prosthetics. Still a good movie, wouldn’t be opposed to a sequel.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
halfbloodprinceSep 5, 2020
A fun and technically well executed scary movie, pretty much exactly the definition of a good popcorn flick.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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7
Muskrat147Aug 13, 2019
Following the similar style and simple premise of 2017's IT, with slightly more horrifying imagery and greater nightmare fuel, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is a solid and simple gateway film for emerging genre fans and younger filmgoers.Following the similar style and simple premise of 2017's IT, with slightly more horrifying imagery and greater nightmare fuel, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is a solid and simple gateway film for emerging genre fans and younger filmgoers. It should not be much of a surprise, largely because of del Toro's involvement in the writing process. However, Norwegian talent Andre Overdal deserves credit where credit is due - the leading quality in Stories is suspense, and Overdal constructs his sequences masterfully. Each individual character's narrative culminates in either one or more personally scary moments, which all add to the absolutely spot-on recreations of Stephen Gammell's disturbing illustrations. On top of this, the acting all around is solid and quite convincing, similar as well to that of IT. Though minor flubs in pacing and needless exposition occur sporadically, there are no real, game changing flaws or issues. Simply put - Stories fits in well with the likes of other young adult classics, and will certainly become a classic of its own within several years time.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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7
LamontRaymondAug 8, 2019
As a fan of such horror fare as Tales from the Crypt and Creepshow, I appreciate what they're doing with this film. The kid actors are fantastic - kudos to the casting team. I was hoping that the "horror" sequences would be a littleAs a fan of such horror fare as Tales from the Crypt and Creepshow, I appreciate what they're doing with this film. The kid actors are fantastic - kudos to the casting team. I was hoping that the "horror" sequences would be a little scarier, but hey - I get the feeling (based on my audience) that this is one of those horror films meant to get younger audiences into the genre. Mission accomplished, from what I saw.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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10
Darkjoker28Aug 9, 2019
I Enjoyed every scene of this movie!
A nice building up to most of its scenes, with fun, scary stories to check best on a foggy night.
Del Toro manages to did it again, in helping to create this little horror gem, even for a more recent generation.
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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7
BrushedRedAug 9, 2019
It’s not perfect, but it is perfectly enjoyable. I knew it was going to be visually stunning from the moment I saw Guillermo Del Toro, and it absolutely was. It was fun and nostalgic and it felt like the movie I wished Goosebumps had been aIt’s not perfect, but it is perfectly enjoyable. I knew it was going to be visually stunning from the moment I saw Guillermo Del Toro, and it absolutely was. It was fun and nostalgic and it felt like the movie I wished Goosebumps had been a few years ago, rather than it taking the full on comedy approach. It was cute and definitely more kid-oriented than it would be for adults, which is understandable. Felt more like 90’s Goosebumps episodes brought to today’s world. But even with all this praise and nostalgia I felt, I must retract some points just for the fact that the monsters felt hollow and lifeless and more of a means to an end or some sort of “scare factor” rather than having some sort of character or purpose or personality. A lot of the meat of the stories in here was taken out and I felt the overarching narrative was drug our a little too much or too long. Wish they had focused more on the stories within and cut back a little bit on the overarching narrative. Still, it was fun and I enjoyed it. Looking forward to the coming sequel. The ending pretty much promised one.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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10
ShadowMan64Aug 25, 2019
Wonderful movie. Definitely feel Del Toro had a part in this. The story is well written and the way the smaller stories (from the book) comes together here is marvelously done.
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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10
Zeal0tAug 9, 2019
Perfect scary movie. Would be a great gateway horror film for younger viewers. As always with del toro the creatures are the highlight.
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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7
Compi24Aug 24, 2019
The elementary school book fair staple whose illustrations have traumatized children for decades finally gets the Hollywood treatment in André Øvredal's "Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark," yet another unassuming gem hidden within the roughThe elementary school book fair staple whose illustrations have traumatized children for decades finally gets the Hollywood treatment in André Øvredal's "Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark," yet another unassuming gem hidden within the rough that is the 2019 cinematic landscape. A movie far more concerned with trying to explore the limits of what we can still call "PG-13 horror" rather than with going through the same motions we've seen with these sorts of films time and time again, "Scary Stories" will have your stray jump scare here and there, yes, but it'll make sure that the image on display contains something well-designed and -- most importantly, especially considering the namesake in play here -- scary. It looks great, the acting is serviceable, but above all, I kept hankering to see what creature, effect, or scare they were going to try and pull off next. All in all, it's quite the chilling treat -- one that also ensures I'll never look at any pot of stew or spider bite the same way ever again.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
NightReviewsFeb 27, 2020
Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark is a revisionist tale of all of your favourite horror movies from the 1970s to our present time, amalgamated into one very solid and well done horror film. Directed by André Øvredal and heavily influenced andScary Stories To Tell In The Dark is a revisionist tale of all of your favourite horror movies from the 1970s to our present time, amalgamated into one very solid and well done horror film. Directed by André Øvredal and heavily influenced and produced by Guillermo Del Toro, Scary Stories is a fresh yet cozily familiar peak into a growing genre of cinema that is not only its due diligence, but gaining exponential notoriety in the film industry. The film manages to be youthful but not irritating and scary but not grotesque, blending clichés and devices together and delivering them with class and effortlessness.

The story kicks off on Halloween; no punches are pulled when it comes to nostalgia considering the film is based in the 60’s. Heavy nods to films like 1987’s Adventures in Babysitting are made, giving light to a very breezy yet heartwarming entrance to the characters. Our main protagonists Stella Nichols (Zoe Margaret Colletti) is a young aspiring horror fiction writer who has, as expected, a geeky group of friends. Auggie played by Gabriel Rush, the kindhearted rational player in this game and his best buddy Chuck played by Austin Zajur, are just a bunch of nerds trying to get back at the resident jock Tommy (Austin Abrams) who so happens also is dating Chuck’s sister Ruthie (Natalie Ganzhorn).

While the characters are somewhat cliches embryos, each character serves its purpose with glee; Chuck provides the main comedic relief in the film, Stella is the bookworm, Auggie is the realist and newly formed friend Ramon Morales (Michael Garza) is the newbie who they tumble upon and find shelter after chucking faces in Tommy’s car, stumbling upon Ramon at a local drive in. What’s interesting yet weirdly satisfying about the film is how Del Toro, who had a heavy influence in the creation of the film being the film’s main producer, incorporates some social consciousness and real-world dilemmas into the film with minority based subtexts and racist undertones, giving the film a familiar yet authentic feel.

So after thwarting off Tommy and his band of Outsiders inspired jocks, it being Halloween and all, it only seemed fitting that Ramon and the trio of main characters visit an old, resident haunted house owned by the small town’s primary original family. While some jokes and pranks are delivered throughout the house, Chuck comes across an unsettling encounter with an unnamed figure, and Stella, being the horror fanatic that she is, ends up stealing on the supposedly haunted Sarah Bellows’ books. What she doesn’t know is, the book starts to live out the deepest and darkest fears of our protagonists as well as antagonists, in horror delight fashion. Each story of our characters are done in a very interesting and ingenious vignette style with each spooky story in my opinion getting scarier and scarier, or in cinematic terms, more Del Toro. Del Toro’s contributions to the film are quite obvious; his signature coloring of scenes is prevalent and absolutely adds to the eeriness of Scary Stories. Heavy rich reds used effectively to show either impending horror or in one case thrusting us right into it, the grayish blues that I feel are Del Toro’s go to for atmosphere are breathtaking. My first exposure to Del Toro’s color palette was when I watched Pan’s Labyrinth back in 2006; yet despite the film being less of a horror film, the eerie atmosphere and tone of the film was spine-tingling, to say the least.

Scary Stories plays close to Labyrinth’s stylistically and I couldn’t have been more visually satisfied especially considering that palette paired with 60’s nostalgia which, [any of my readers would know] I adore. The monsters are all truly terrifying in their own way and possess an unsettling realness to them; no creature or ghoul feels too outlandish, or too far from our own reality. For the first time in a long time, the monsters actually feel like they were plucked from our own consciousness; our deepest fears and demons. That’s what Scary Stories so good is how the film and narrative revitalizes horror and the genre as a while, but allow it’s characters and spooky set-pieces to stand alone and create a world that is familiar, yet new. It makes you as the viewer feel young again, touching that place deep down that I don’t think horror has touched in a long time, a aura of retrospective and nostalgia.

Scary Stories does everything a horror film should do and more. Yes it scares, induces jumps, scream and terrors but like so many horror films of the 1980s, its also a good time at the cineplexes. Much like the Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th and Child’s Play were a riotous time at the cinema back then, those films didn’t take themselves too seriously yet were still as spooky, fun and entertaining. More than anything, Scary Stories had me entertained, from beginning to end.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
mbeckfordOct 27, 2020
Based off a kids book of very short stories, the movie picks a handful of them and gives them the full horror movie upgrade. Another great movie from André Øvredal of "Troll Hunter" and the "Autopsy of Jane Doe."
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
marcmyworksOct 19, 2019
This is a decent film made for a specific audience, pre-teens who are just getting into horror films. Though the acting, pacing and plot isn't the best at times, overall it works and is worth a pre-Halloween watch.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
Vikn01776Feb 23, 2020
6.5 or 7 stars. Well done, spooky imagery with a not particularly scary story. Enjoyable for any age, perhaps not scary for anyone older than 13 however. Enjoyable for sure, though. Flawed...the main actor (Stella) gives a particularly bad6.5 or 7 stars. Well done, spooky imagery with a not particularly scary story. Enjoyable for any age, perhaps not scary for anyone older than 13 however. Enjoyable for sure, though. Flawed...the main actor (Stella) gives a particularly bad performance in a group that doesnt really stand out. Doesn't detract too much from the experience, however.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
PanchogulOct 1, 2019
Entretenida, la verdad las películas de terror de este tipo no van conmigo (infantil y adolescente), pero disfruté bastante viendo esta y pienso que tiene la atmósfera suficiente para disfrutarse con amigos en Halloween.

Lo bueno: LaEntretenida, la verdad las películas de terror de este tipo no van conmigo (infantil y adolescente), pero disfruté bastante viendo esta y pienso que tiene la atmósfera suficiente para disfrutarse con amigos en Halloween.

Lo bueno: La ambientación, la historia y el diseño de las criaturas, en fin, todo el apartado técnico.

Lo malo: Los personajes, puesto que te importa un rábano su destino final sea cual sea. Se supone que es apta para mayores de 14, pero a mi criterio debería ser simplemente para mayores de 7 debido a que es una película muuuuy suave a mi juicio, la poca violencia es de risa y es muy blanda pero aún así es disfrutable a todo dar.

En conclusión, es una película para casi todos los gustos para ver de pasada, recalco en que podría ser indispensable para quien guste hacer maratón de películas en Halloween con familia o amigos.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
Davrosdaleks1Aug 13, 2019
I found this adaptation of the popular children's book trilogy to be one of those films that has great scares with an okay plot.

Director André Øvredal (who directed the excellent The Autopsy of Jane Doe) really knows how to bring on theI found this adaptation of the popular children's book trilogy to be one of those films that has great scares with an okay plot.

Director André Øvredal (who directed the excellent The Autopsy of Jane Doe) really knows how to bring on the scares. For those worried that the violence and gruesomeness is going to be watered down because this is from children's books, be rest assured that Øvredal manages to push the PG-13 rating pretty far. The movie does a great job with the atmosphere when the scares kick in. The characters are attacked by several stories come to life, and each one is accompanied by an unrelenting sense of doom.

The ghosts and monsters in this are heavily based on the original, iconic, and freaky illustrations by Stephen Gammell, which, let's be honest, are as much as responsible for the books' fame as the stories. They look great. They also rely on practical effects when... well... practical. I found the Pale Lady segment to be one of the best scares of the year. Only draw back is that the final foe, though still creepy, doesn't quite compare to the ones before it.

The plot is okay, just okay. The opening suffers from trying to both fit in the exposition and getting to the scares too quickly. The revelation of what causes all the evil to occur felt undercooked. On the plus side, there are a few clever lines in this.

Acting is mostly just okay. The weaker points are Tommy the bully (Austin Abrams) who even by movie terms is too over-the-top and Natalie Ganzhorn as Ruth, one of the teens, who just doesn't gel. In fairness to the actress, I don't know if the director and the screenwriters really had a grip on the character either.

Once again, I want to clarify that the plot isn't bad, just not great. I recommend this for the scares, which by themselves would've had this rated a little higher.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
GrachechkovskiAug 12, 2019
The good horror movie without screamers, but with a individual Del Toro's horror atmosphere. The last monster is very impressived to me and the story "The Red Room" is really scary for me and reminded me the "It Follows" film
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
imtheonlytyeAug 12, 2019
I absolutely loved it. Brought back so many memories from the books. I hope they make a sequel and maybe a prequel ;)
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
fsdgfdAug 19, 2019
Not really so much a horror fan but this movie was really impressive! With good performances and very well-crafted horror scenes this movie kept me on my toes and scared the whole time. Definitely would recommend Del toro is very talented!
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
thatdannerAug 20, 2019
Guillermo Del Toro is truly one of the greatest masterminds when it comes to horrifying imagery. The book has so many terrifying monsters that Del Toro has absolutely done justice for. Not a moment during the movie was I bored until the end,Guillermo Del Toro is truly one of the greatest masterminds when it comes to horrifying imagery. The book has so many terrifying monsters that Del Toro has absolutely done justice for. Not a moment during the movie was I bored until the end, the rest of the movie is tense and surprising to the core. The performances are very good; the teenagers they got to act are much better than, say, the kids from Stranger Things. The movie takes bold turns, with unexpected twists to shock you at every turn. I found the plot, however, to be very similar to It (Chapter 1). Also, the final act is unfortunately anticlimactic and predictable, which really makes this movie lose its steam; because otherwise, it was fantastic. I recommend it to any horror fans; I was scared way more than I expected to be.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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8
FelicityFenwickAug 8, 2019
The lead actress is perfect.... this movie reminds me so much of Lean on Me, and even Super 8. Not terribly frightening - not nearly as scary as the text. Solidly entertaining.
2 of 7 users found this helpful25
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10
Duggan5555Aug 10, 2019
The movie was really good and impressed me and everyone else in the crowded theater i saw it in. Critics who saw it privately and were just trying to impress someone with their cut-throat review of a book written for teenagers that turnedThe movie was really good and impressed me and everyone else in the crowded theater i saw it in. Critics who saw it privately and were just trying to impress someone with their cut-throat review of a book written for teenagers that turned movie didn't get it. Go see this movie for yourself and i am sure you will be spooked and enjoy your time at the theater.… Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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7
Rox22Sep 4, 2022
A kind of nice and creepy movie, perfect for Halloween. A collection of tales pieced together within a central plot and surprisingly well delivered. Good writing and world building, but the main cast are a little flat in their development.A kind of nice and creepy movie, perfect for Halloween. A collection of tales pieced together within a central plot and surprisingly well delivered. Good writing and world building, but the main cast are a little flat in their development.

Not the best movie, but it does have some old school charm that doesn't rely in shock and gore to deliver scares. Overall: A creepy set of tales with a some old fashioned fun.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
TrilobietmanJan 21, 2023
I'm just going to be honest. Good story, few jumpscares. Actually a kind of children's horror movie. (I mean 13 plus) Fairly little gore. And has a happy ending. There was quite little depth in the film when you realize that the film was madeI'm just going to be honest. Good story, few jumpscares. Actually a kind of children's horror movie. (I mean 13 plus) Fairly little gore. And has a happy ending. There was quite little depth in the film when you realize that the film was made by Guillermo Del Toro.

Conclusion:
Nice horror film for if you like atmosphere and a great story. For the diehard horror fans it is a fairly quiet and slow film.
Overall a 7/10.… Expand
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8
cris699Jul 6, 2023
Very underrated horror film, it deserves more recognition than the pure garbage that Warner Bros puts out with its Conjuring universe.
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