I'm generally not very critical of these types of horror movies. I'll forgive overacting and predictable plot-lines so long as its entertaining, but I kept spacing out while watching this one. The basic premise of the movie is kinda cool imo but the writing just kinda sucked, the dialogue was cheesy, and that last scene seemed to drag on forever.

Saw 'House of the Witch' because the concept was an interesting one and the cover/poster and advertising were cool. Also have a general appreciation for horror. Despite being intrigued, part of me was rather apprehensive watching 'House of the Witch' as well.

Especially when the rating was quite low, which from personal experience recently has not been a good sign. Most of my recent low-budget viewings with low rating and mediocre to terrible reviews have been as bad and in some cases even worse. But went with my gut instinct and saw 'House of the Witch' anyway because it did seem like it would be one of my better recent low-budget viewings. And it actually was, far from perfect and the potential is not completely lived up to but in no way is it completely wasted.

Starting with the good things, Vernon Wells is great and generally the main performers were better than average. The music is both quirky and ominous and the direction when the film gets going is assured. 'House of the Witch' had unsettling parts, didn't take itself too seriously while being fun without being too cheesy.

The characters were not as annoying as feared and don't make as many frustrating and illogical decision making like some films seen recently did (this is always also including bigger budget films that were box office successes if variable critically). Parts are creepy and there is are a few fun set pieces. The threat actually has personality and generated creepiness.

Low budget however does show, the film did need a grander and more elaborate setting while the photography can be too claustrophobic and the effects ropy at best. The dialogue has a lot of cheese and awkwardness and the secondary cast are wooden and some of the chemistry bland.

As said, 'House of the Witch' can drag. Some of the second half is silly and on the wrong side of strange with some weird inclusions.

Overall, better than expected though very flawed still. 5/10 Bethany Cox