"Witchboard" Review: A Cheesy Thriller with a Star Turn from Jamie Campbell Bower
The supernatural thriller "Witchboard" brings the dark world of the occult to modern-day New Orleans, and for the most part, it's a messy but entertaining ride. The standout performance belongs to Jamie Campbell Bower, who plays Alexander Babtiste, an antiquities expert with a sinister past.
When Bower isn't the central figure in the story, however, "Witchboard" falters, relying on bland, doleful acting from its supporting cast and a cheaply conjured supernatural threat. The real magic happens when Bower takes center stage, delivering his lines with an effortless charm that's equal parts captivating and unsettling.
The movie follows Emily (Madison Iseman), a young woman who stumbles upon a mysterious Ouija board in the woods while foraging for mushrooms. As she begins to use the board, Emily becomes embroiled in a world of spirit possessions and flashbacks to a life she never lived – all courtesy of the 17th-century French witch that the board has summoned.
The trailer showcases some impressive production design, particularly when it comes to recreating an authentic New Orleans setting. Christian's (Aaron Dominguez) hipster-chef lifestyle is also noteworthy, if only for its attempt at injecting a modicum of realism into the proceedings.
However, "Witchboard" ultimately relies on low-budget thrills and the special effects capabilities of modern CGI. The visual effects are often laughable, such as the ill-conceived scene where a Maine coon attacks a drug dealer, transforming into a cartoonish blur of fake fur and visual trickery.
Despite its numerous flaws, "Witchboard" occasionally delivers on moments of genuine terror or surprise – largely due to Bower's magnetic presence. When he steals scenes with his signature blend of charisma and menace, the film transcends its campy nature and enters genuinely thrilling territory.
Ultimately, fans of supernatural thrillers may find something to appreciate in "Witchboard," particularly those drawn to Bower's performances. However, viewers seeking a more sophisticated or convincing take on the occult will likely leave feeling disappointed but entertained nonetheless.
The supernatural thriller "Witchboard" brings the dark world of the occult to modern-day New Orleans, and for the most part, it's a messy but entertaining ride. The standout performance belongs to Jamie Campbell Bower, who plays Alexander Babtiste, an antiquities expert with a sinister past.
When Bower isn't the central figure in the story, however, "Witchboard" falters, relying on bland, doleful acting from its supporting cast and a cheaply conjured supernatural threat. The real magic happens when Bower takes center stage, delivering his lines with an effortless charm that's equal parts captivating and unsettling.
The movie follows Emily (Madison Iseman), a young woman who stumbles upon a mysterious Ouija board in the woods while foraging for mushrooms. As she begins to use the board, Emily becomes embroiled in a world of spirit possessions and flashbacks to a life she never lived – all courtesy of the 17th-century French witch that the board has summoned.
The trailer showcases some impressive production design, particularly when it comes to recreating an authentic New Orleans setting. Christian's (Aaron Dominguez) hipster-chef lifestyle is also noteworthy, if only for its attempt at injecting a modicum of realism into the proceedings.
However, "Witchboard" ultimately relies on low-budget thrills and the special effects capabilities of modern CGI. The visual effects are often laughable, such as the ill-conceived scene where a Maine coon attacks a drug dealer, transforming into a cartoonish blur of fake fur and visual trickery.
Despite its numerous flaws, "Witchboard" occasionally delivers on moments of genuine terror or surprise – largely due to Bower's magnetic presence. When he steals scenes with his signature blend of charisma and menace, the film transcends its campy nature and enters genuinely thrilling territory.
Ultimately, fans of supernatural thrillers may find something to appreciate in "Witchboard," particularly those drawn to Bower's performances. However, viewers seeking a more sophisticated or convincing take on the occult will likely leave feeling disappointed but entertained nonetheless.
, he was born to play that role... and btw, what's with all these ouija boards in movies lately? 
makes me wanna get a bunch and try it out myself (no way lol) 
. And those special effects were kinda laughable... like a cat fighting a dude, what even is that? 
.
I mean Jamie Campbell Bower is literally the ONLY redeeming factor in this whole movie - his performance is so captivating I was HOOKED! 
The way he brings that character to life is seriously unsettling and I loved every minute of it 
And don't even get me started on the production design - New Orleans looks soooo real but the whole Ouija board thing is just a mess 
I mean I was totally here for it but like at the same time wasn't? 
this movie is like that one old VHS tape you found in your attic - you know it's gonna be cheesy and corny, but there's just something about it that makes it nostalgic? 
for me, Jamie Campbell Bower as the lead is what makes "Witchboard" worth watching, his charm and charisma bring this dark occult thriller to life in a way that's both captivating and unsettling 
. The guy can make even the cheesiest lines sound believable, but the rest of the cast is just... meh 
the ouija board plot is so tired, like we haven't seen this before 
. He's got this effortless charm that makes you wanna watch him even when the rest of the movie is tanking. I mean, who else can make a scene-stealing performance out of an antiquities expert with a sinister past? 
, but overall it's like they're trying to cram as much horror and mystery into this thing without putting in the effort 
. Still worth a watch if you're a fan of supernatural thrillers or just wanna see Bower do his thang 
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. But the rest of the cast is kinda meh, you know? And don't even get me started on those CGI effects 
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. Just don't expect too much in terms of originality or scares 
. But, yeah, the special effects are kinda laughable, like something straight out of an early 2000s horror movie