The Pointer UW-Stevens Point Student Newspaper
If you expecto me to review a Daniel Radcliffe movie without making Harry Potter puns, you need to Snape out of it. This week, Radcliffe stars in “Horns,” playing a dark, Moody character that is about as far away from the boy wizard as you can get. It is obvious that Radcliffe wands audiences to know that he can work magic in more than one kind of role, and for the most part, he succeeds.
Avada scary movies that come out in October, what sets “Horns” apart is its focuses on plot more thanscares. This is not an Auror movie, this is a supernatural melodrama.
Radcliffe plays Ig Parish, the boy who lived in a small town for his entire life only to find himself the most hated man in his community after the mysterious murder of his girlfriend, Merrin. This event leaves a dark mark on his life, and he takes Umbridge with God, earning himself the powers of the Devil. These new powers, specifically the titular horns, force everyone he meets to snitch their deepest, darkest secrets.
Ig becomes a seeker of justice, and the story does a great job of gradually solving the Riddle of Merrin’s death. The movie gets Lestranger with every scene, and some people will hate itbecause it is so different. The horror genre is in Sirius need of originality though, so I thought “Horns” was a refreshing change of pace.
Most refreshing was Radcliffe with his Grim, understated performance. The story is over the top, but he manages to keep it grounded with his sincerity and Charms. Every time “Horns” seems to be getting too crazy for its own good, Radcliffe takes control, and the movie Prophets from it.
There are only a few areas where “Horns” messes up. Some of the special effects are Krummy, and make Radcliffe’s demonic transformation look more riddikulus than frightening. The runtime is too long, making the story Draco on a bit. Lastly, I was stupefied by how inconsistent the tone was, switching from genuine drama to Black comedy at a moment’s notice.
These are all pet Peeves though, as “Horns” passes more often than it fails. If you Lovegood mysteries with a supernatural twist, this movie should bring you out of your house. “Horns” gets a seven out of nine and three-quarters.
Brady Simenson
Contributor
bsime172@uwsp.edu
