8213: GACY HOUSE
(not rated)
MOVIE: ***1/2 (out of 5)
DVD EXPERIENCE: **1/2 (out of 5)
BY KEVIN CARR
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
This fake documentary follows a film crew that ventures into the house built on the site of John Wayne Gacy’s demolished home. After the horrific outcome, their footage is assembled into a narrative that tells their story of what happened.
WHAT I LIKED
First of all, I give hella props to The Asylum for putting together yet another movie that isn’t just a knock-off of a current film in theaters. This relatively unique and chilling film uses the often overused fake documentary narrative to tell a spooky story.
“8213: Gacy House” is presented as something like “The Blair Witch Project” or “Paranormal Activity” with a series of found footage. It’s a slow burn, and paranormal events don’t start happening until well into the film. But with a good slow burn comes a good dose of suspense.
Unlike too many of these found-footage films, “8213: Gacy House” doesn’t overplay its hand. Like “Paranormal Activity,” it presents the footage in a relatively realistic manner rather than overloading it with special effects. It’s an exceedingly simple film but effectively done.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
Most of the problems I have with “8213: Gacy House” result from overusing footage of nothing (presumably to pad out the film to its final running time of 85 minutes) and getting a little cheesy with some of the effects. It’s nothing that really crosses a line. But a mixture of mediocre acting and lingering too long on an effects shot can damage the illusion a bit.
DVD FEATURES
Along with the feature, the disc includes a documentary about the documentary (and yes, it does feature the characters rather than the actors), as well as some info on the real story of John Wayne Gacy.
WHO’S GOING TO LIKE THIS MOVIE
Anyone who likes a good found footage horror movie.