With all the talk about Oscar hopefuls and mega blockbusters, it’s easy to forget those aren’t the only movies hitting theaters this holiday season. If you’re a scary movie fan and want an alternative to “Avatar” or “Up in the Air,” “Case 39” might intrigue you.
The movie tells the story of an idealistic social worker named Emily (Renee Zellweger), who adopts an abused 10-year-old girl, Lillith (Jodelle Ferland). Lillith’s parents neglected her, kept her locked up and threatened to send her to hell. But once Lillith moves in with Emily, Emily finds the girl’s situation may be far more complicated and dangerous than she initially thought.
When people are around Lillith, unusual and supernatural things start to happen to them, sometimes even leading to death. Emily tries to figure out what is happening to Lillith and save herself and the girl from a brutal demise.
“Case 39” doesn’t look like anything special, but if you love scary movies, odds are this one will appeal to you, and it might be a nice, escapist adrenaline rush between more heavy-hitting Oscar contenders. Zellweger is very hit or miss for me, but the film also stars Bradley Cooper and Ian McShane.
The film is directed by Christian Alvart, whose “Pandorum” I actually really enjoyed, but it’s also written by Ray Wright, whose last film was the technology thriller dud “Pulse.” “Case 39” could be hit or miss, but I’m willing to give it the benefit of the doubt for now.
“Case 39” is scheduled to open on New Year’s Day.
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I haven’t much cared for Renee Zellweger in a long time.
Same here.