Skinwalker Ranch (2013)
Film Review
By the Geezer of Oz
“A scientific research team investigates and documents the supernatural phenomena surrounding the disappearance of a cattle rancher’s 10-year-old son. Inspired by true events that shocked the paranormal community around the world.” (IMDb)
An entertaining film but not without its flaws.
While most people will give these kinds of issues a pass, I find that this film’s main flaw is that it seems unfocused and tries to shove too many sub-genres into one storyline.
In certain parts, the film felt as though first-time co-directors, Devin McGinn and Steve Berg tried to throw together supernatural horror, then Aliens/Sci-Fi, tribal elements and found footage all into the one film. Basically, imagine mixing Paranormal Activity, Area 51, Signs, Blair Witch and Poltergiest all together. If that sounds good to you, you might love this film.
Production value, though, was of fairly high standards and the cast made largely of unknowns, Berg and McGinn among them, were fairly good. The few familiar faces include Erin Cahill (The Watcher 2016), Kyle Davis (Friday the 13th 2009, TV’s American Horror Story) and Jon Gries (TV’s The Pretender, Napoleon Dynamite, The Rundown, the Taken films, Locker 13).
Personally, I thought it was a little messy, but all in all, still above average.
Mostly entertaining. 6/10.
