matthew “wally” wright

A couple of poor choices toward the end detract from an otherwise creepy, unconventional horror flick.

The Black Phone tries to make a connection but ends up dialing a wrong number. While the tone manages to be delightfully creepy, it sets the stage with a false sense of ’70s nostalgia. The film paints a picture of an era where kids innocently play baseball and ride bikes, yet it simultaneously exposes the dark underbelly of bullying and abuse both at school and at home. As the story unfolds, children go missing and a psychopath lurks just down the block, turning this suburban idyll into a nightmare. However, where The Black Phone fails is in its hazy depiction of the kids’ assumed psychic abilities. The plot dials into a sense of dread throughout, but when you reflect on the details, a lot of things just don't add up. The supernatural elements are left ringing off the hook, unexplained and underdeveloped. Despite its shortcomings, the film manages to keep the tension high and the atmosphere unsettling. But, if you hear the call of The Black Phone, be warned: Only major horror fans should pick up. The rest might want to let this one go straight to voicemail.

I’m more sensitive to ultraviolence with our country’s gun problem, and this is overly long. Keanu simply cannot emote, but that’s ok since there’s only the barest bones of a story. But! The sets are stunning and the action delightfully cartoonish. A fitting final chapter for Mr. Wick.