BETTER WATCH OUT (2016)

Directed By: Chris Peckover 
Written By: Chris Peckover & Zack Khan 
Story By: Zack Khan 
Cinematography By: Carl Robertson 
Editor: Julie-Ann DeRuvo 

Cast: Olivia DeJonge, Levi Miller, Ed Oxenbould, Dacre Montgomery, Aleks Mikic, Virginia Madsen, Patrick Warburton 


When you think the suburbs, you think safety, but this holiday night the suburbs are anything but safe. Ashley thought this babysitting job was going to be an easy night, but the night takes a turn when dangerous intruders break in and terrorize her and the twelve-year-old boy, Luke, she's caring for. Ashley defends her charge to the best of her ability only to discover this is no normal home invasion.


This film is similar to THE BABYSITTER in story and outline mainly, but as for tone they are different where as the other film is more comedic and feels action oriented to a degree. This is works more in a thriller landscape with some dark humor thrown in.

This is a film that is best to go into knowing as little as possible, but in this review I am going to spoil things. So if you haven’t seen it atmosphere and go watch it then come back for discussion of certain subjects and actions.

Both are similar but only one has more satanic worshipping. Each has a similar subject but the approaches are very different.

Just like the other film. This one involves a young boy who has an unending crush on his babysitter. Which to the babysittee seems possible as they are relatively close in age. So there is that delicate sexual tension brought on by hormones of one of them going through puberty.

This film’s tone is more of a trying to stay ahead of the audience and keep them guessing. As it packs more thriller elements. As the film goes along you have fun, but then are shocked and disappointed in yourself for what you find humorous.

The film is a mini reunion of Olivia DeJonge and Ed Oxenbould who played siblings and were the stars of the movie THE VISIT.



SPOILERS AHEAD

As here the roles are reversed. Where as in the former the babysitter was the crazy killer. In this film it;s the kid who is a killer who sets an intricate trap that he plans to use to seduce her and take out all competition and her past.

So that the film shows the beginnings of a sociopath. Where he has been so coddled by his parents that he knows his way around to totally look innocent.

Levi Miller really excels in his role here. Deadly serious but treating it all like some kind of game show. Where he is the host and only winner allowed.

The film involves a number of twists that the film depends on going a certain way by chance to work. As we watch his plan go into action and all the variations he has to make to have it all go right.

Because of one particular prank that seems like an homage. As well as being able it seems to think two steps ahead of everyone and provide a plan with booby traps this film will be compared with HOME ALONE to a degree. More like an evil version. As it also has a similar setting and time.

It does follow formula to a degree as some characters feel like they are only there to be victims.

While a fun film it feels like an alternative to the typical holiday season film offerings and also ends up feeling like an extended episode of TALES FROM THE CRYPT. That keeps it’s sense of humor and surprise until the end. That makes you wonder is it really over? Is there a sequel coming? Trust me you will hope so. As there is a bunch of hope and polish in this film. which seems like a labor of love.

Grade: C+