The Uninviteda.k.a. “A Tale of Two Sisters,” “A Tale of 2 Sisters,” “Der Fluch der zwei Schwestern,” “Apparition”

MPAA Rating: for violent and disturbing images, thematic material, sexual content, language and teen drinking.

Moral Rating:

_____

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Moviemaking Quality:

Primary Audience:

Teens, Adults

Genre:

Thriller, Drama, Horror, Remake

Length:

1 hr. 27 min.

Year of Release:

2009

USA Release:

January 30, 2009
DVD: April 28, 2009

Relevant Issues

Ghosts in the Bible

Death

Anxiety

Fear, Anxiety and Worry… What does the Bible say? Answer

“Fear moves in”

Producer’s Synopsis: “Based on Kim Jee-Woon's 2003 Korean horror film ‘Tale of Two Sisters,’ ‘The Uninvited.’ revolves around Anna (Emily Browning), who returns home after spending time in the hospital following the tragic death of her mother. Her recovery suffers a setback when she discovers her father (David Strathairn) has become engaged to her mother's former nurse, Rachel (Elizabeth Banks). That night, Anna is visited by her mother's ghost, who warns her of Rachel's intentions. Together, Anna and her sister (Arielle Kebbel) try to convince their father that his current fiancee is not who she pretends to be, and what should have been a happy family reunion becomes a lethal battle of wills between stepdaughters and stepmother.”

• Positive
• Negative
• Critics

Positive - Great movie! Loved it because it was creepy and had me on the edge of my seat. I was a bit frustrated about the scene where the girl's find their stepmom's sex toy. It was not necessary to the plot whatsoever, and the movie would have been better without it. Some cursing and other content, but nothing unique to this movie that isn't already prevalent in most movies.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
—K.R., age 27 (USA)

Positive - I went in, uncertain of what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised to find a movie that was actually worth seeing. It was refreshing to view a scary movie, or movie in general for that matter, which did not contain a bunch of sex and nudity. This movie focused more on the story rather than the actions of the characters.

Although, it did touch on the subject, there was little that offended me. Offensive content that comes to mind is: Anna's (Emily Browning) two make out scenes, Alex's (Arielle Kebbel) constant need to drink and party, Anna has a scene where she is shown in her bra and underwear, Alex wears skimpy swimsuits or revealing clothes throughout most of the film, a few curse words are scattered throughout (of which I do not recall exactly which or how many, I don't remember any Fs, but there were a few SHs), Rachel (Elizabeth Banks) wears a few revealing outfits, there is a lot of blood, violence, and killing, and the undead often visit or haunt Anna. I do not recommend this movie to anyone who cannot handle frightening moments and gore. Again, rather than relying on blood and gore to make the movie, “The Uninvited” focused on the suspense of the story and the twisted ending. Emily Browning (Anna) was excellent in the lead role, giving the character believability and depth. I thought she could have done a little better in portraying the character's complexity and emotions but, overall, I was satisfied.

It was fun to see Elizabeth Banks (Rachel), who usually makes us laugh, in a scary role. She pulled it off as the creepy-Stepford-wife-esque stepmother. One of the only problems I had with this movie is the way that they portrayed the father. The dad is completely oblivious to his daughters' needs and selfishly looks for love of his own. Sadly, I think this is all to true in today's world. Death and divorce tear apart God's vision of the family unit. From that reaps pain, sorrow, depression…the list goes on. I do not think it is right for single parents with children to run around and date whomever they please.

They need to grow up and parent their children rather than acting like hormonal teenagers themselves. Overall, “The Uninvited” was excellent, I don't know if it was worth the $7.25 I paid for it (maybe I'm just cheap). I recommend to other moviegoers who are seeking a good, clean thrill.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
—Nicole, age 19 (USA)

none

Positive - This is one superb film. It has a TERRIFIC plot, and the movie is emotional and almost sweet in a way. It does not contain graphic violence, nor language, nor sexuality. There's minimal offensive content, and the music, filmography, and characters are amazing. The only thing in this movie that bummed me out—it's not scary. It intertwines horror with reality and even some family love, which diminishes the scary factor. It's a great movie and the ending will leave you breathless, while the rest of the movie leaves you talking. Four out of four stars, three thumbs up.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5
—Paul, age 13 (USA)

…“I love you… and I have a condom.” These are the first words audiences hear in “The Uninvited,” which sets the bar so low that it means one of two things: Either this film will make fun of itself and every ridiculous horror trope out there and therefore wind up being unexpectedly smart and entertaining; or, it will be unintentionally vapid and the stuff that's meant to be scary will no doubt prove disappointing.… the film suffers from multiple flaws on multiple levels.…
—Vanessa Farquharson, National Post

…a minor horror flick…
—Joe Morgenstern, The Wall Street Journal

…A stylish horror thriller in the vein of “The Ring,” it's well-acted, frightening and handsomely produced.…
—Claudia Puig, USA Today

…Much blood, but too much torpor… “The Uninvited” doesn't startle and shock so much as it lulls you into a series of unsettling, hallucinogenic set pieces.…
—Steven Rea, The Philadelphia Inquirer

…standard stuff—cheap scares, arch menace and creepy music, with formulaic direction…
—Jim Lane, Sacramento News and Review