Horns (2014)

Horns Official Movie Poster.jpgDevilish Good Fun

Director: Alexandre Aja
Running Time: 120 Minutes
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Juno Temple, Max Minghella

In the wake of his girlfriends murder, Ig Perrish (Radcliffe) is made the prime suspect, which has him ostracised by his community, with even his parents questioning his innocence. After waking up one night, Ig finds he has sprouted horns, which allow him to hear the darkest secrets of those around him.

Ever since the Harry Potter franchise drew to a close in 2011, it's clear that Daniel Radcliffe has been trying to break away from the titular role which made him a star. He provides here the best case for people to actually call him by his name, giving a career best performance that's teeming with sorrow and anger, to a mesmerising degree.

Alexandre Aja does good in balancing a sombre tone with one that's blackly hysterical. The former tone has you sympathizing with Ig and the anguish he goes through, while the latter leaves you laughing your ass off. The films highlight is an all-out news-team brawl, which rivals the one in Anchorman for entertainment and shock value.

No matter the film, he still speaks Parseltongue

Max Minghella and Juno Temple play Ig's best friend and deceased girlfriend, two important figures in the life of our protagonist, who are each let down by the given performances. Minghella plays the role blandly, while Temple fails to leave much of an impression, leaving little to care about in regards to these two figures.

By the final act, it's clear the story has run out of steam, as things stumble towards the finish line. Also, the rules of Ig's powers could have been explained better, as one character conveniently forgets about a truthful encounter they had.

Horns may stumble in the final act, but Alexandre Aja holds things together with the balance of sombre and humorous moments, leaving a film that's still worth your time.

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