Boogeyman

from Film Forum, 02/10/05

In this week's forgettable horror flick, Boogeyman, a young man haunted by terrifying childhood memories must struggle to sort out the difference between fantasy and reality.

Similarly, those watching the film may walk away scarred by the experience and trying to escape the memory of it.

David DiCerto (Catholic News Service) says it's "a muddled mess of failed frights, horror-movie clichés and late-coming special effects pieced together by a mostly incoherent screenplay."

Marcus Yoars (Plugged In) says, "Despite the fact that Boogeyman contains fewer overtly problematic elements than most of its horror peers, its fear quotient and willingness to dabble its toes in dark spiritual waters are still pretty strong reasons to keep the closet door shut."

Brett Willis (Christian Spotlight) says, "Although the story is weak and manipulative, the cinematography … is very good, as is the acting. There are many films of this genre that dabble far deeper into the occult supernatural than this one does. But I still wouldn't recommend it to anyone."

Mainstream critics don't believe in Boogeyman.