Sam Raimi turns a very predictable story into an entertaining two-hour flick. He injects many of his signature quirks such as the dark comedy, visceral horror, gruesome gore, and a kinetic filmmaking style which elevate the film. Rachel McAdams delivers a terrific, layered performance as the lead. She begins as someone awkward and cringy but gradually evolving into someone genuinely menacing and unhinged. The highlight of the film is the tension between her character and Dylan O’Brien’s. Despite all this, the film feels somewhat tame and isn’t among Raimi’s most memorable works. Still, it’s enjoyable enough that you’ll leave feeling you had a good time.
Liam Neeson plays an authentic 70-year-old man with a bad back. It’s admirable to see him give a more believable performance for someone of his age. The rest of the film is okay with some light chuckles and gory moments. It never takes itself too seriously, leading to a mildly enjoyable popcorn flick.