Simon Says

Simon Says is a thrilling horror movie released in 2006. Directed by William Dear, the film stars Crispin Glover, Greg Cipes, Margo Harshman, Carrie Finklea, and Kelly Vitz. Best known for his idiosyncratic roles in mainstream Hollywood films, Crispin Glover brings a riveting performance in this horror flick that tantalizes viewers with its unexpected twists and turns.

As the movie opens, the audience is introduced to a group of five college friends, who decide to take a quick breather from their monotonous routine pressure. With high spirit and a longing for thrill, they plan for a loosely scheduled weekend filled with fun and adventure in the wild. They set their sights on hitching a mountain biking trip in beautiful yet eerie surroundings, aiming to venture off the beaten track for the sake of pure excitement and discovery.

Margo Harshman portrays Kate, one of the college students who exhibits a calm persona, in contrast to her adrenaline-pumped peers. The energetic adventure awaits the group, but their josh quickly turns into a daunting journey as they meet brothers Simon and Stanley, played by the eccentric Crispin Glover. Glover dons a character with an intriguing dual role, adding a chilling, ominous presence with his actions and dialogue.

While Simon is a mentally unstable murderer, Stanley is more amicable - at least on the surface. They both run a remote roadside store within the forest, and an eeriness surrounds their establishment. The travelers become tangled in a web of sheer horror and surprise as their fun-filled adventurous trip starts to look like a dreadful nightmare. The events that follow are intricately crafted by the director in the skin-crawling horror genre.

Greg Cipes, among the unforgettable characters, gives an emotionally oscillating performance as the fun-loving and carefree 'Riff'. His rugged charm and audacity add intrigue and maintain an eccentric vibe throughout the movie. Meanwhile, Carrie Finklea's character, Leanne, brings some well-needed light to the script with her wit and humor, adding an interesting dynamic and balancing the tension-filled scenario.

The film's horror builds steadily throughout the narrative, setting pulses racing, employing a blend of psychological manipulation and visually shocking elements that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It unfolds in a succession of unforeseen circumstances that generate suspense and emphasize the turbulent psychology of Glover's characters. The forest's backdrop adds an additional touch of murkiness that amplifies the horrifying atmosphere.

Simon Says is a cut above the traditional horror film, with its compelling story, memorable performances, and a unique narrative that maintains an unsettling tone from start to finish. The plot's unpredictability keeps pulling in viewers, creating a crescendo of fear within the otherwise tranquil wilderness.

Crispin Glover's portrayal of Simon and Stanley is particularly threaded with mystery and the macabre - his versatile acting radiates the strange and terrifying aspects of the human darker side. This film is most definitely a retelling of classic horror cinema with a unique story and an unforgettable performance from Glover.

Despite the chilling themes, the movie isn't without its elements of comedy. There are plenty of humorous exchanges and absurd scenarios that lighten the overall somber mood. These well-placed comedic elements make Simon Says not just a relentless horror flick, but a movie with a considerable range of emotions.

The film uses various camera techniques to create fear in the unsuspecting viewer's mind. The shadowy framing, abrupt close-ups, and tilted angles used by the director magnify the film's unease and tension levels, resulting in a heightened sense of dread.

In conclusion, Simon Says is a movie that toys with your nerves, stretching the boundaries of conventional horror flicks. The captivating storyline, powerful performances, and the psychological fright imparted by Simon and Stanley's characters offer the audience a gripping and terrifying cinematic experience. This horror film is surely a treat for fans of edgy psychological thrillers, as well as those that appreciate a masterful blend of fear, suspense, and wit.