My review for the movie SHUTTER

After watching so many failed Hollywood remakes of Asian horror films I didn't really have high expectations for this movie. For those of you who have seen the Thai "shutter" you would have pretty much known what the story is about. Apart from the first few scenes of the english remake, the rest of the story-line is about the same as the Thai film, especially the shocking discovery made near the end (those who have watched the Thai version should know_.

Unlike the Thai film where the movie filmed entirely in Thailand, "Shutter" was filmed in New York and then moving over to Tokyo Japan where the newlyweds encountered a very terrifying looking female ghost after an accident on the road. This she-ghost manifests herself into photographs, something we call spirit photography or Shinrei Shashi, the concepts borrowed over from the Thai version.

I feel that the film makes more sense now, not only because it is in English but also because it explains why the ghost took so long to take her revenge. Apparently Megumi (the she-ghost) was waiting for them to return to her territory before she starts playing her little game. Despite being a horror film, the producers managed to inject a little humor to make fun of spirit photography half way through the flick, showing how a paranormal magazine fabricates its own spirit photos for publications.

It is remakes like "The Eye" (which was a hundred percent rip-off from the Hong Kong Film) that makes you question the originality and creativity of Hollywood. However, I feel that the makers of 'Shutter" should be credited for their efforts to acclimatise the western audience to he Eastern horror film concept.

No you know why I posted an entry about Spirit Photography. Rumors on the net claim the 2 videos were a set of viral videos released by the producers of "Shutter" to boost marketing. They released only two videos, just about a year ago. Such length a marketing team will go to promote a film, so much dedication.

Keep posting,

Mickey

P.S. Don't forget to comment on this movie as well.

Mickey (not the mouse)

:)