In a few days we're having a midterm break. In the good old days, the October break would find us going to the cinema to see the latest releases. Thanks to the lockdown, our local cinema is closed for the unforeseeable future. Some cinemas around the country are still operating, with the additional measures.
If you are lucky to have a cinema open nearby you, there's a new film coming to the big screens on October 23rd - Max Winslow and the House of Secrets (SkipStone Pictures)
Five teens are invited to the home of an eccentric billionaire to compete in a game to win his mansion. The night takes a dark turn when they become trapped in the house and are forced to face off against each other and an evil AI entity who controls everything in the house including their fate.
Starring Sydne Mikelle, Tanner Buchanan, Jason Genao, Emery Kelly, Jade Chynoweth, Tyler Christopher, Anton Starkman, Marina Sirtis, Chad Michael Murray.
Check out where Max Winslow is showing near you here:
We've just watched a pre-view online this weekend. The film rating is 12+, but I watched it with my 10-year-old son, and he enjoyed it.
This is an imaginative morality tale of our times, which would appeal to the pre-teens and younger teens. The message it brings is that the hi-tech could bring both benefits and danger (not an exactly innovative idea, but it still rings true).
It's a Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory of the new generation, with the social media obsession and gaming addiction. Five kids from Bentonville high school get the much-coveted tickets to attend an event at the mansion with a promise of a big prize.
Atticus Virtue (Chad Michael Murray) - even his name is an allusion to the morality-based challenge ahead - is the billionaire who has built a mansion of epic proportions, using the latest technology.
The mansion is "ruled" by the virtual mistress of the house called Haven.
The guests have to solve a series of riddles and puzzles to navigate the mansion. They arrive, full of hope and excitement, to the house, and that's when the story acquires a more sinister aspect.
While Haven is supposed to guide them, she is not an indifferent automated voice. Her challenges turn more and more menacing.
The plot is a bit preachy, but tackles a lot of issues affecting the high school children - bullying, social media and self-identity, pressure to conform, mental health etc. There are even several faith-based clues and Easter eggs included.
Max Winslow is a tech geek, with a high IQ and a lack of social skills. Sydne Mikelle is good at portraying a socially awkward and vulnerable Max, who is nevertheless a strong protagonist.
Her father left the family, when she was very young, and this has stopped her emotional development.
Connor (Tanner Buchanan) is known as a Lacrosse guy in school, but he lives a big lie. He wants to be a musician, yet keeps a pretence to please his parents.
Aiden is an unpleasant bully with an attitude. Sophia is obsessed with selfies and her Insta followers.
Benny has problems with a gaming addiction.
As the story offers a character development, you can argue it is quite didactic, yet it is very entertaining as well. There are impressive visuals, showing the virtual interior of the mansion, and the video game effects. The story if fast-paced and amusing.
With Hallowe'en just round the corner, this spooky film could be enjoyed by the whole family.
No comments:
Post a Comment