Read Mixed User Reviews for The Babadook

6

marc5477Jan 28, 2015

Definitely overrated. Its not a bad movie but I thought it was long winded and ultimately not very convincing regardless of what you thought happened in the end. The biggest problem however is that it was not original, which is hard to do.Definitely overrated. Its not a bad movie but I thought it was long winded and ultimately not very convincing regardless of what you thought happened in the end. The biggest problem however is that it was not original, which is hard to do. But for that reason, I cannot really rate this thing over a 7. It brought nothing new to the table that we had not seen before and frankly I thought the kid was over acting while the mother was underacting or was just not believable in many ways. Again, its a horror movie so I am not expecting much but at the same time the movie itself didnt have much else to talk about. It was not fun like some horror movies and it was not written well enough to feel plausible. Its kind of like Friday the 13th taking itself seriously... A solid 6 in my opinion.… Expand

15 of 24 users found this helpful159

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6

JonNajemMar 13, 2015

As a horror movie, this movie suffers from what a lot of decent horror movies do today.An intriguing build-up, with an unsatisfying ending that completely goes against the rest of the movie. In fact, the beginning to the last 20 minutes wasAs a horror movie, this movie suffers from what a lot of decent horror movies do today.An intriguing build-up, with an unsatisfying ending that completely goes against the rest of the movie. In fact, the beginning to the last 20 minutes was EXTREMELY promising. A fantastic introduction to the Babadook entity, and a few thrilling sequences. The acting was also great. By both the woman and the son. But, again. That ending. it just crushed me.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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4

MrCayugaMar 7, 2015

I can't believe that some well established critics called this "a movie of the year". (namely Mark Kermode).

The movie was NOT scary one tiny bit. The actual "scary moments" made me laugh. Maybe if someone can actually be scared by aI can't believe that some well established critics called this "a movie of the year". (namely Mark Kermode).

The movie was NOT scary one tiny bit. The actual "scary moments" made me laugh.

Maybe if someone can actually be scared by a cartoony character from a children's book, then this movie might be actually for him.

On the plus side, actor performances were on the good side.… Expand

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

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6

katezoeApr 17, 2015

A major let down after all the great reviews from critics and audiences. Very predictable story and not the thriller or psychological movie I was expecting. Ending was the final disappointment.

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

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6

brafcauknidApr 16, 2015

This is a decent movie, I had heard nothing but rave reviews for it so I was definately let down. It had potential to be an amazing movie but just never ties everything together in a coherent way, and the "payoff" feels copletelyThis is a decent movie, I had heard nothing but rave reviews for it so I was definately let down. It had potential to be an amazing movie but just never ties everything together in a coherent way, and the "payoff" feels copletely nonsensical...the first 80 minutes go in one direction only to have the ending basically ignore what the first 90% of the movie has lead to and/or established.

The actress that plays the mother is ok, but she comes off very coldhearted and hateful even to her son who is a total nightmare so I never could make myself even remotely care about all the terrible things that happened to them. I ended up rooting for the babadook, only to have him reduced to a slinking cellar dweller pet at the end. Worth watching but temper your expectations.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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4

TVJerryDec 15, 2014

A pregnant woman's husband is killed on the way to have their baby. Six years later, the widowed mother and child are still a mess and to make matters worse, an evil presence invades their home. Anyone who has seen Japanese spirit hauntingA pregnant woman's husband is killed on the way to have their baby. Six years later, the widowed mother and child are still a mess and to make matters worse, an evil presence invades their home. Anyone who has seen Japanese spirit haunting films like "The Grudge" and "The Ring" will recognize the scare tactics: ominous music, loud crashes, quick glimpses of a creepy presence and lots of terrified reactions. While the characters are compelling (especially young Noah Wiseman), the suspense is low-key and predictable. I wasn't scared or surprised once.… Expand

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

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5

nicholasbertSep 6, 2015

As a horror per se, The Babadook isn't terribly scary, and obviously follows nearly all the usual tropes of the genre: supernatural monster, fear of the dark, self-moving objects, lightbulbs that go out, kids, just a few jump scares. However,As a horror per se, The Babadook isn't terribly scary, and obviously follows nearly all the usual tropes of the genre: supernatural monster, fear of the dark, self-moving objects, lightbulbs that go out, kids, just a few jump scares. However, this is nearly inevitable, so we'll let it pass. On the other hand, the film also isn't psychologically torturing enough to really impress, As a movie, the "artsy" feel is way too protruding, the hipsteria runs very high as it is shoved into your face - especially with the extremely clean shooting and the sometimes theatrical acting of the lead.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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5

LowbrowCinemaNov 30, 2014

THE BABADOOK is a standard premise but in its first half is truly terrifying for being not a film nightmare or nightmare but a true living nightmare. Does that make sense? It will if you see the film. The nightmare in THE BABADOOK isTHE BABADOOK is a standard premise but in its first half is truly terrifying for being not a film nightmare or nightmare but a true living nightmare. Does that make sense? It will if you see the film. The nightmare in THE BABADOOK is parenthood and specifically, single parenting. Nothing could be more frightening. But then the horror shenanigans began and the film loses its way falling into standard contemporary horror land which is really a major disappointment. So much good is washed away by the standardness of THE BABADOOK's second half.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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6

BaelishDec 29, 2014

Highly praised, but I don't get it. Starts building tension but somehow fails to hit the mark. The kid is just annoying. Decent work but nothing special.

3 of 9 users found this helpful36

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6

ApolscJan 6, 2015

It combines stuff from the exorcist, the shinning and other great from the genre. Great perfomances by the two leading, specially the boy. Besides from that it is still a regular horror film.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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6

Jarhead335Aug 3, 2015

The Babadook was a decent horror Australian horror film whose imaginative story heightens the intrigue from the get-go. The Babadook is itself a horrifying antagonist, creepily done and eerily real. The atmosphere that is built up throughoutThe Babadook was a decent horror Australian horror film whose imaginative story heightens the intrigue from the get-go. The Babadook is itself a horrifying antagonist, creepily done and eerily real. The atmosphere that is built up throughout the movie was done wonderfully, particularly The Babadook's signature call, which you'll hear two or three times en route to the end. Unfortunately, though, the amazing atmospheric build-ups never culminate in a defining moment of fear. The viewer is never grabbed fully even once to feel the movie to the fullest.

However, there were a handful of wrinkles in the overall delivery, not the least of which was the terrible supporting cast. The two main characters, Amelia and her son, Sam, were portrayed beautifully, but the rest of the cast was downright D-List. Similarly, the sound work was pretty disappointing, particularly when the second encounter with the monster, where viewers will hear an all-too-familiar B-List dinosaur roar we're supposed to associate with horrifying monsters. It was pretty glaringly in contrast to the rest of the film, and detracted from the terror of the moment.

The worst part, though, was definitely the ending. It was almost as if the writers were intruded on and told that all of a sudden their deadline had been moved up to 5 minutes from then, and they for no reason had to wrap everything up with no thought or respect to the rest of the movie. Literally, the ending makes zero sense in the context of the movie itself. Not only that, but it wasn't even a GOOD ending, it was pretty brutally bad, with the usual 'everyone's hunky-dory at the end' trope tossed it when it seems nothing was actually solved.

I threw this movie on at 12:30 AM to see how scared I could make myself before I fell asleep. Despite some uneasiness after watching, I managed to drift off no problem. To me, that's not the mark of a horror classic, despite the movie's pleasantly chilling vibes.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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6

heloheDec 6, 2014

It is a good movie. The kid is a good actor. I liked the idea of the movie and that babadook book they find. That was kind of a cool idea, and I was hoping it will get more interesting. Unfortunately it did not get much better after the firstIt is a good movie. The kid is a good actor. I liked the idea of the movie and that babadook book they find. That was kind of a cool idea, and I was hoping it will get more interesting. Unfortunately it did not get much better after the first half of the film. It is like they just lost interest in the movie, or run out of ideas half way through. Just exorcist-like or shining-like ideas copied into this movie. It could have been so much better. I was much looking forward to seeing something scary, especially after reading many reviews that said it is a very scary and terrifying movie. Unfortunately I was disappointed. There was not a single scary thing in the movie. To the contrary, that babadook thing is kind of charming. They should have considered making a childrens movie with mr. babadook instead.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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6

DedBraneMikeDec 16, 2014

A certianly above average horror film, The Babadook is somewhat familiar but, (for the most part) well done. The big crippilng flaw I found with this film is the main child actor who was pretty crap to be honest. Also, the movie isn't reallyA certianly above average horror film, The Babadook is somewhat familiar but, (for the most part) well done. The big crippilng flaw I found with this film is the main child actor who was pretty crap to be honest. Also, the movie isn't really scary. Even so, I was moderately entertained by the story and great performance from the lead actress, that I can say The Babadook is at least worth look.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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6

hotfromcauldronNov 28, 2014

The bad seed meets mommie dearest with glimpses of Polanski's Repulsion in this horror from down under. In the end , our inner demons are far more frightening then the fairy tale book pop-up - Babadook. Minimal special effects and maximumThe bad seed meets mommie dearest with glimpses of Polanski's Repulsion in this horror from down under. In the end , our inner demons are far more frightening then the fairy tale book pop-up - Babadook. Minimal special effects and maximum performances deliver enough scares to drop in on this haunted family.… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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5

annbdOct 27, 2018

Unnecessary paid attention on minor aspects of the story line, without lining up the main subject - Babadook, who was that dude? I think it could have been freaking good if the monster was actually the death husband, for whom the motherUnnecessary paid attention on minor aspects of the story line, without lining up the main subject - Babadook, who was that dude? I think it could have been freaking good if the monster was actually the death husband, for whom the mother suffers and can't get over. But in this case he would not wants the child. Idea without realization by stable directing is useless. Either it is the idea or the directing that's lame and failed the whole thing. I would say the acting of the mother and the child save the movie.… Expand

2 of 9 users found this helpful27

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6

Feels64Apr 20, 2018

I really hate to be "that guy", but this movie has some problems. It really does. I heard so much about it.. I'm not a BIG horror fan, but I respect the genre a lot. It's not that I don't enjoy the films unless I'm scared, it's actually thatI really hate to be "that guy", but this movie has some problems. It really does. I heard so much about it.. I'm not a BIG horror fan, but I respect the genre a lot. It's not that I don't enjoy the films unless I'm scared, it's actually that I'm easily scared, and this film did scare me! There were a few scenes that were truly unsettling. Essie Davis really saves this movie in my opinion. She is fantastic she really is. I don't know if anyone would talk about this movie at all if not for her. The whole concept is a bit goofy, and "The Babadook"... I mean, come on. The sounds for the monster were literally ripped straight out of 'King Kong vs Godzilla 1962'. I'm not even joking about this. A sound used in various meme videos and even video games. I can't believe they used this sound for the creature. I laughed so hard when I heard it. Despite these flaws, watching Essie act was worth enduring Noah Wiseman's (child actor that played Samuel) laughable portrayal of a stubborn child with temper trouble, and a goofy monster who sounds like that one creature from Resident Evil 4.
Despite my issues, it's a good film and I'd reccomend it. It's not groundbreaking, it's not amazing, but it's decent, and worth a watch.… Expand

1 of 18 users found this helpful117

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5

SquezeJul 19, 2015

The entire movie is pretty much like this:
"MOM!, MOM!, MOM!, MOM! BABADOOK-DOOK-DOOK!...MOM WTF?..SCREAMS..MOM I WILL SAVE YOU!... ENDING."
Not scary, ears breaking, poor acting, waste of time. I dont really understand this big fan baseThe entire movie is pretty much like this:
"MOM!, MOM!, MOM!, MOM! BABADOOK-DOOK-DOOK!...MOM WTF?..SCREAMS..MOM I WILL SAVE YOU!... ENDING."

Not scary, ears breaking, poor acting, waste of time. I dont really understand this big fan base about it.
Report for abuse of the word MOM.
5/10.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

MarickJun 30, 2015

I expected to be more horror. He had some scary moments but not quite succeeded .

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

CameraBounceGodFeb 21, 2015

itd be nice if the movie didn't have a masturbation scene...but the little boy was a great little actor and great mother casting job.....such a good push out of the treehouse....loved it...loved how it seemed like the mom wanted the sedativesitd be nice if the movie didn't have a masturbation scene...but the little boy was a great little actor and great mother casting job.....such a good push out of the treehouse....loved it...loved how it seemed like the mom wanted the sedatives for herself kinda...i love horror movies because it really is what its like to be ugly....also i found that it looked like a giant hat was on the kids bed after the floating mom scene and she walks in his room to check on him...it was clearly designed that way...it seemed like the camera started to focus on her ass once it entered her.....coincidence...? No… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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4

havenbasketballJun 17, 2015

The Babadook has incredible acting and a creepy atmosphere, but it has a sad and depressed feeling to it and it makes moviegoers feel more the characters, but ultimately fails at it's main job...TO SCARE!!!

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

KayVen17Dec 29, 2016

Deutsche Review - Kritik

Der folgende Test ist in 5 Kategorien zusammengefasst. Diese 5 Kartegorien ergeben die Gesamtpunktzahl von 0 - 100 Punkten. Um einen passenden Userscore zu geben wird auf oder abgerundet. Bei 84 Punkten ergibt dasDeutsche Review - Kritik

Der folgende Test ist in 5 Kategorien zusammengefasst. Diese 5 Kartegorien ergeben die Gesamtpunktzahl von 0 - 100 Punkten. Um einen passenden Userscore zu geben wird auf oder abgerundet. Bei 84 Punkten ergibt das einen User Score von 8. Bei 86 einen von Userscore von 9. Falls eine 85 kommt entscheide ich ob ich es eher positiv oder negativ nehme. Regeln verstanden?
Dann sind hier meine Punkte.

Mein persönlicher Score = 54/100
Mein User Score = 5/10… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

Tabarra3Sep 5, 2016

Of course considering that this movie is in the horror genre, so it indeed loses a lot of points because it follows the usual format, camera angles, clichés, but i felt nothing was in too much quantity, it was all just "ok", nothing came outOf course considering that this movie is in the horror genre, so it indeed loses a lot of points because it follows the usual format, camera angles, clichés, but i felt nothing was in too much quantity, it was all just "ok", nothing came out of the usual, nothing that for me deserves a higher score than a 5, but then, you understand the details of the story that isnt that simple as you thought before, so it gets a bit more score for that reason...
It is also, because of not exagerating in the amount of the clichés the most sufferable horror movie in the past few years, it is not a masterpiece though... didnt quite fetch my full dedication or atention, it was a normal horror movie, with a quite interesting story in fact.
In conclusion, it´s not special, it is quite common, everything happens as you expect it to, even though it is a new story, the film develops just the same as any other horror movie do... it is highly overrated, because people keep getting impressed by the same old story and dont want anything new or exciting from movies... thats why cinema is dropping in quality... 6/10… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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6

henryesparzaSep 5, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The movie takes such a brilliant approach to introduce and tease the audience with the "monster". However, when it comes down to delivering the goods, it really falls short.
Even though the Babadook is not the main perpetrator in this movie (it is actually Amelia's struggles to move on from Oskar and reason with her kid/accept this is the way Sam is), the portrayal of the Babadook leaves you wanting so much more.
The first half of the movie was an easy 10/10, the anticipation and eeriness of the Babadook were spot on.
The second half was really subpar.
HUGE SPOILER/CONSPIRACY:
At the end of the movie the real villain is easily acknowledged, I said it up top, and Amelia is shown to have domesticated her own demons, come to love Sam as he is, and come to accept the troubling life of single parenting. Hopefully y'all understand what I mean from that.… Expand

0 of 6 users found this helpful06

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6

FilipeNetoAug 22, 2018

This horror film revolves around the difficult relationship between an imaginative and active son and his mother, a recent widow, both of whom seek to overcome the trauma of a very poorly resolved mourning. From an early moment, we understandThis horror film revolves around the difficult relationship between an imaginative and active son and his mother, a recent widow, both of whom seek to overcome the trauma of a very poorly resolved mourning. From an early moment, we understand the difficulties that the child brings to his mother, both of which are very poorly understood by all those around them. Sooner, the poor mother seems closer to a fit of nerves or deep depression. This finally happens when the character of a children's book (apparently written by herself) begins to take on a life of its own and to terrorize mother and child. The film is a lesson about depression, mourning and trauma. Sometimes, the bogeyman lives within ourselves and its us that we should be afraid of. The scares exist but the tense and terrifying atmosphere is something that is hardly ignored. Concerning actors, Essie Davis is the protagonist and carries the film on her back with great courage, presenting herself without makeup in order to look much more worn, as it requires her character. She is undoubtedly an artist of great talent, capable of embodying difficult characters.… Expand

0 of 5 users found this helpful05

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6

FatalBrushSep 24, 2018

The movie started of as confusing and revealed one bit of information at a time. The acting was great and the setting was introduced quite well. However, at one point the movie failed to keep up with itself and all the build up tension, theThe movie started of as confusing and revealed one bit of information at a time. The acting was great and the setting was introduced quite well. However, at one point the movie failed to keep up with itself and all the build up tension, the thrilling sensation, became just laughable and mediocre. Specially the ending was a huge let down in my opinion. Although the movie did everything right at first it failed to deliver eventually.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

bl_nkJan 24, 2022

One of the most overrated horror movies I've ever seen. Reeks of budget constraints, with a terrible performance from the child actor and cheesy ending. Was very excited to see what the fuss was about, and walked away from the experienceOne of the most overrated horror movies I've ever seen. Reeks of budget constraints, with a terrible performance from the child actor and cheesy ending. Was very excited to see what the fuss was about, and walked away from the experience disappointed and confused.… Expand