#wendyglenn

You’re Next is a scary, suspenseful, and gory delight. While it may have flaws, you'll be excited to share this home invasion horror film with your friends because of the way it reinvigorates the genre.

A family reunion brings Erin (Sharni Vinson) to the home of her boyfriend’s rich parents. Unfortunately, predators have set their sights on the house. Three (or maybe more) armed men with creepy animal masks begin an assault that will see everyone dead, unless these would-be victims can get their act together.

The flaws present are only those inherent to the genre. It’s like if you had a pet tyrannosaurus. You could house train it and teach it tricks but just by virtue of being a carnivorous dinosaur, it would still eat your neighbours. So You're Next does have flaws but as the type of movie that it is, it deserves a perfect score as long as it's a home invasion movie you want to see.

Here we have a script and story made by someone who loved horror movies and wanted to make a good one. To begin, the film uses a novel idea that's seldom used in horror films: the characters are actually competent, and intelligent! When people get separated from the group and risk getting picked off, it's because they're emotionally distraught over someone's death or sent on a mission by the rest kind of thing.

The most exciting element of the film is Erin. She's one tough cookie, someone who takes charge when panic sets in the hearts of everyone else. She’s going to make the maniacs outside regret the day they set their sights on her. Single-handedly, she makes this the opposite of every bad slasher film where every teenager is there solely to add to the body count. Her competence adds tension to the story. She's got the skills it takes to survive this ordeal and save the others too.

This is a gory movie and it revels in its blood and guts. While you feel bad when someone gets it, at least director Adam Wingard delivers when someone kicks the bucket. It's reassuring in a way. If the innocents are going to die horribly, you figure so will the bad guys and that's something you can't wait to see.

The soundtrack adds a lot to this picture. It's got a lot of energy and the action is fast-paced the music selection cranks it up that extra notch. It's a small touch but makes a big difference. Once all of the material this type of horror film has to offer has been expensed, You're Next moves onto something different. It once again confirms Wingard and writer Simon Barrett as fans of these types of films and individuals committed to delivering their very best.

You’re Next is gory, fast-paced, intelligently written, and a whole lot of fun. It’s got a terrific protagonist that will have you cheering and plenty of memorable scenes. Its mix of dark humor and genuine scares is just what you've been waiting for if you've been itching for something that'll drench the floor in the red stuff. (On DVD, February 13, 2015)