DVD Corner

Ready Or Not Blu-ray Review

“Ready Or Not” entertains, but doesn’t quite stick the landing.

In this horror-comedy, viewers follow a young woman named Grace who is about to enter a new phase of her life as she weds Alex (whose family is exceedingly wealthy). Instead of a honeymoon, however, Grace must first undergo a family tradition as she’s now part of the family. The tradition? To play a game selected at random. Not playing the game will “allegedly” cause the family to suffer grave consequences. Unfortunately, Grace picks the worst possible game- hide and seek. This is no ordinary game of hide and seek though. It’s a deadly version with the entire family hunting her down with weapons. The family members in question include Alex’s brother (Daniel), two sisters (Helene and Emilie), father (Tony) and mother (Becky), Emilie’s husband (Fitch) and Daniels wife (Charity). The odds are stacked against Grace’s survival, but can she make it out alive?

Directed by Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and scripted by Guy Busick and R. Christopher Murphy, “Ready Or Not” is a breezy horror thrill ride with dark comedy peppered about. Horror-comedy is always a tough subgenre to pull off, but the creative team does an admirable job balancing bloody, intense horror with outrageous comedy. Sure, some of the comedic “hip” dialogue is a bit eye-rolling at times, but it does fit with the demented and quirky vibe of the project.

As engrossing as Grace’s nightmarish wedding night journey is, the movie does stumble. Clearly, the premise is ripe with potential, but the team seems unsure of how to wrap it all up. The ending in particular left me thinking “That’s it?” There’s simply not enough here plot wise or thematically aside from an undercooked through line about class. Basically, you’re left wanting more.

Although the characters aren’t exactly well rounded, there are two standouts in the cast. First and foremost, Samara Weaving (Grace) further solidifies her status as a rising star. If you saw “The Babysitter” it was quite evident that she has a lot of talent. It’s even more evident here. Don’t be surprised to see her career taking off even more from here on out. The other notable actor here is Adam Brody who makes an impression as the scene stealing Daniel. The character arguably has the most depth out of anyone in the film and Brody really sinks his teeth into the part.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. Grade: A-

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. Grade: A-

Extras:
* Digital copy
* Fox trailers and a red band trailer for “Ready Or Not.”
* On-set photography and Le Domas Family Games still galleries.
* 4 minute gag reel
* “Let The Games Begin: The Making Of Ready Or Not”- A 3 part making of with interviews, set footage, behind-the-scenes tidbits, film clips, story discussions and more.
* A talkative and fun commentary by Radio Silence and Samara Weaving.

December 4, 2019 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Adam Brody, Hide and Seek, Horror Comedy, Horror Movie, Ready Or Not Blu-ray Review, Samara Weaving