Don’t Hang Up (2017)

With the dawn of YouTube came an outlet for internet pranksters, gladly displaying their humorous tortures online for the viewing pleasure of hungry subscribers. This focuses on a trio of friends who own such a YouTube channel, and what happens when a prank goes too far. In their efforts to gain internet fame, it seems they have pranked the wrong person. They learn what it’s like to be on the other end of the torture they have brought upon others, only this time it’s definitely not harmless.

I admit I was reluctant at first to watch this movie after viewing the trailer – it seemed like just another found-footage teenage low-budget horror film, but I was pleasantly surprised that this turned out to be an enjoyable horror movie. That’s right, this might be the first decent horror movie of 2017. The suspense is unrelenting and the acting was very believable. I found myself, on more than one occasion, literally at the edge of my seat in wait for what the next scene would bring. What started out as a campy teen slasher turned out to be a suspenseful, psychological roller coaster – and this reviewer enjoyed the ride.

The entirety of the film takes place in the house of one of the pranksters, which is something that is difficult to pull off without the audience losing interest, but man do they pull it off. You’re so engrossed in what’s happening that you don’t focus on the setting, but instead the plot – which is something that should happen when watching any movie. Only when audiences get bored do their minds begin to drift but I dare you to get bored with this film. I think there are only five central characters in the whole movie but again they keep the story moving so well that any more characters would seem unnecessary.

I don’t want to give too much away but I will say the villain in the film is as unique as he is creepy. Seriously this guy is nuts, but he’s also extremely intelligent which makes him that special kind of crazy that makes each scene unpredictable. I suppose this would classify as a “slasher” horror, but if we’re doing that then this must raise the bar for future slashers. I know it seems like I’m only praising the movie, but honestly I really did look for things to complain about and came up short. I’m not going to give the ending away suffice to say that it leaves it open for a sequel, and I’m not too sure how I feel about that. To me, this seemed like the kind of film that deserved a final resolution instead of a possible franchise opportunity. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Whether you’re looking for a late-night horror to enjoy with friends or just a well-rounded movie to watch on your own, this movie is for you. And if you are disappointed, feel free to come tell me why I’m wrong – I welcome the feedback.

This movie is…

Finally, a good horror movie in 2017!

Cheers and goodnight.