SYNOPSICS
Fear of the Dark (2003) is a English movie. K.C. Bascombe has directed this movie. Kevin Zegers,Jesse James,Rachel Skarsten,Charles Edwin Powell are the starring of this movie. It was released in 2003. Fear of the Dark (2003) is considered one of the best Horror movie in India and around the world.
Twelve year old Ryan Billings has been diagnosed with an acute fear of the dark. He spends each night lying awake in torment, waiting and watching as the evil in the darkness grows stronger, feeding off his fear. His older brother Dale, suspects that there is nothing wrong with Ryan and that this is just a ploy for more attention. Regardless, he promises to watch over his little brother as their parents head off to a party for the night. Outside a storm rages and when the power goes out, darkness envelops the house. Ryan knows that tonight the evil has finally come to claim him. Dale desperately tries everything to try and calm him down, until the horrors in the dark make him realize Ryan had good reason to be so afraid!
Fear of the Dark (2003) Trailers
Fear of the Dark (2003) Reviews
Major Childhood Drama Brought to Life!
The gist is, there's this kid who is afraid of the dark. He sees things in the dark that others do not. What culminates from his fear is one of those 'dark and stormy night' scenarios with some very intense moments loaded with suspense. It's an excellent play on everyone's favorite childhood drama (including the Closet Monster) and the devisive measures kids take to ensure late-night safety (stay completely tucked in). I dare say the evils that await him in the pitch of night are genuinely creative and pretty darn threatening. There are some jumpy moments that renewed my faith in screenwriters and directors of the modern horror genre. I strongly urge all horror geeks to check into this one, even if you don't think it's your cup of tea. It will literally take you back to that time in place in your life when a pile of clothes in the corner of your bedroom was as threatening as the schoolyard bully--only worse! Sure, this is not a perfect movie but it beats the heck out of the boring horror drivel that's being released these days in theaters. Why this 2002 film was so overlooked is a mystery to me. It was 1,000 times better than 'Darkness Falls' or 'They' and doesn't even compare to crappy films like 'Cabin Fever' or 'House of the Dead'. I checked this one out at a local Blockbuster and if you like things that go bump in the night, you should too!
What you always thought was there... is
I have to disagree with some comments that I have read about this movie. Personally, I thought it started quite poor in that it would be another cheesy, cheap, suburban style movie. However, the route that it followed was surprising and interesting. Basically, from my own personal thoughts, this movie brought into reality, the fears that I've experienced as a kid. Whenever you think there's something in your room, the safest place is always under the covers and if you peak out there's going to be a scary face staring at you. Or if part of your body is not covered by the duvet it'll get grabbed by a hand... This film takes all these fears and myths into consideration and tries to tie them all in. No it's not necessarily scary in this sense, but I believe it tries more to 'relate' rather than scare, and perhaps 'spook' you rather than terrify. Without spoiling it for people who have not seen it, the film takes an interesting route as mentioned before, making these fears more than the kid's imagination, and that was a surprise. Some good camera work has been implemented but the film is still very basic. I would say it's an enjoyable film for those who are a little precautious of dark corners.
Recommended for newcomers to the genre.
Give this movie a chance even if your horror level is high. I mean, for example, if your favorite horror movie is "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (1974), or "Halloween" (1978) it's likely that you won't like "Fear of the Dark". The movie is PG-13 but it has some creepiness that makes it watchable. The best thing about the movie is the creepy setting. You've seen it before; thunderstorm, lights out, a cellar, kids alone in the house, etc. but believe me, it's creepy. The highlight in the movie is in my opinion, the old lady that comes out of the closet. Also, the killer (somehow inspired by Freddy Kruger) is scary looking. Good effort on that! "Fear of the Dark" is directed for a younger audience that likes horror and that is obvious because there isn't a single gory moment in the movie but gore is replaced by some jump-out of your seat scenes. It's like you are watching an episode of "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" but only creepier. I would only recommend it to newcomers to the genre or die hard fans of the genre with lots of patience...
Fear Factor.....
Excellent drama with a good message worthy of at least an 8 out of 10. The movie centers on a child's fear of the dark and there are many scary and dramatic moments climaxing in how to come to terms with ones fears. The script is good, the acting convincing and the direction very professional. And the youngsters who are the main leads give quality performances. Well done to those making this movie. More of the same please!
Do Not Let Fear Dominate You!
Ryan Billings (Jesse James) is a twelve years old boy having trauma with dark, after a prank of his friends. His protective parents Sandy (Linda Purl) and Eric Billings (Charles Powell) do not let him alone in the night, and their house has many emergency lights. Sandy and Eric have an important party at night and they are reluctant to go, but in the end, Ryan stays at home with his seventeen years old brother Dale (Kevin Zegers), who listens to his fears of the dark things along four hours along a storm followed by a blackout. Suddenly weird things happen in the Billing's home. "Fear of the Dark" is really a scary low budget movie! The story sets place in a house most of the time, and explores the psychological factor of the common fear of the dark that children (and some teenagers) have, using limited special effects. The excellent screenplay and direction are supported by the great performances of the young cast with the promising actor Jesse James, of "The Butterfly Effect", and Kevin Zegers. This underrated gem must be discovered by fans of simple but intelligent screenplays. I saw this film for the first time on 20 Aug 2004 on VHS, and today (27 Jan 2007) I have just watched on DVD. My vote is eight. Title (Brazil): 'Medo do Escuro' ('Fear of the Dark')