Nothing New ‘At the End of the Street’

If you’re looking for a movie that provides anticipated jumps in your seat, and acting that makes you want to scream at the main character for being so oblivious, then go see “House at the End of the Street.” This past weekend, “House at the End of the Street” tied alongside film “End of Watch” for the number one spot at the box office, both bringing in $13 million, even though it was a mediocre horror/thriller with a huge plot twist near the end, this film is one that you’ll walk out of surprised, but forget about a few weeks later. 

The movie focuses on a mother, Sarah (Elisabeth Shue), and daughter, Elissa (Jennifer Lawrence), who have just moved into their new home in search of a fresh start. The home is located right next to what they believe is an abandoned house in which a young girl brutally murdered her parents years before. 

Lawrence, best known for her recent role in “The Hunger Games,” does a decent job of playing the typical teenage daughter who does not fear anything and will risk her life in a creepy house when any sane person would stay as far away as possible. Going against her mother’s wishes, she begins to develop a relationship with the son in the house next door, Ryan (Max Theriot). 

The first hour of the movie focuses more on the relationship between Elissa and Ryan. Slow moving and predictable, it seems that this film was never going anywhere. The romance that stems between the two is somewhat cheesy and confusing. Why would Elissa choose to go after this guy who lives alone in the home his parents were murdered in? A few quick scares were mixed in between, but nothing that you didn’t see coming. 

It is not until the last half hour of the movie that things take a crazy turn. A huge twist stirs up the plot of the movie, changing every perception you had of the characters and story line. Everything begins to make sense, revealing answers that you had questions to starting back from the opening scene. With a PG-13 rating, you do not have to worry about seeing any blood or gore. In fact, you’ll be left wondering how someone could possibly get stabbed in the stomach and have enough strength to get revenge on their attacker moments later. Less scary and more suspenseful, this is a film that is definitely not nightmare inducing. 

Even though the beginning of “House at the End of the Street” drags on a bit, don’t give up on this film. By the end, the twist will no doubt have you hiding behind your friends and picking your jaw up off the floor.

kgarafan@ramapo.edu