If you wanted to watch “Signs,” “Poltergeist,” “Paranormal Activity” and “The Birds” all fused into one movie, that movie would be “Dark Skies.” It follows the Barrett family as they experience weird occurrences similar to those of “Paranormal Activity,” which comes as no surprise since the two films share producers. The Barretts set up video cameras in an effort to figure out the mysterious break-ins, signs and odd events, only to find out they are happening because they have been “chosen” by an alien race. While “Dark Skies” did not have a lot of original content, I found the story intense and compelling at every twist and turn.
Music and sound effects make "Dark Skies" compelling
I went into this movie wanting so badly not to like it. I had every intention of critiquing it without mercy. Once it started though, I became immersed in the story, hanging on every word and jumping at every surprise. It hung in the balance between being absolutely horrific and completely corny, and I think that is a rare find in this genre. A huge reason “Dark Skies” was able to find this happy medium was the sound. It was so powerful and overwhelmingly frightening. I am convinced that if the intense music and sound effects in the background were removed, the movie would be more comical than bone-chilling.
The struggles each member of the Barrett family faced also stood out. Daniel (Josh Hamilton) feels like he is failing his family because he is unable to provide for and protect them, and now he has to step up and protect them like never before. The pubescent son, Jesse (Dakota Goyo), has to confront his frustration with the strife within his family as well as figure out his role in the household since he is transitioning into a young man. Lacy (Keri Russell) feels like she is responsible for her family, yet she is constantly discredited and deemed an insane, unfit mother. Sam (Kadan Rockett) is about 6 years old, so all he really has to do is look cute and say no to the “Sandman.” They all realize they have to overcome their insecurities in order to achieve the unity that promises to save them.
Ending gives no closure to the plot
On to the negatives that prevent me from giving this mostly enjoyable movie a higher rating. The ending was just frustrating. It was not satisfying at all. I could hear half the audience groan at the end of the movie. There was a twist followed by inconclusion, and when moviegoers are yearning for a happy ending, ambiguity is not going to cut it.
Another thing that annoyed me to no end is that even though Lacy knew something weird and paranormal was going on, no one believed her; not even her husband. She did her research and found out they were being visited by aliens, and although he was experiencing every odd event alongside of her, Daniel took the majority of the movie to finally believe his wife. It just blows my mind that in every scary movie, they somehow try to logically explain and connect weird happenings that are obviously not explained by nature, or they attribute them to lack of sanity. That just does not make sense. I mean, when you see alien signs branded on your children, three flocks of birds fly into your house, your family’s bodies taken over and moving geomagnetic currents with weird figures on your surveillance cameras, you believe your wife when she says there are aliens.
"Dark Skies" lacked originality in screenplay
Finally, I just think the screenwriters could have been more original. Granted, I guess the movies they pulled from really are some of the greats, so copying their ideas is a tried and true method for success, but come on. Give us something we have never seen before.
Overall, though, I had a good time watching it. It has its flaws, but that did not distract me from its entertainment value. “Dark Skies” was scary without going overboard like some modern-day horror films, so it is worth watching, but maybe wait to watch it until you are at home, to set the mood even further.
