Devil's Backbone, Texas

If you can deal with the shaky-cam nausea, it is still a complete waste of time. There really is no spoiler, it is a documentary of someone trying to build something from nothing. It is so void of any substance that it is even difficult to fill in ten lines - mandatory - to post a review. As another reviewer mentioned, no need to waste your time watching this. Even the lack of planning to drive out to the ranch is laughable. Prepare for bugs, but hunters on a ranch. Also I feel bad for the academics that were interviewed for this documentary. I wonder how they feel after seeing the end result with their academic integrity attached.

Devil's Backbone Texas is a decent movie for what it is, a fictional documentary building on supposed "real life" paranormal activity in the region. The documentary aspect of the movie could have been more coherent and fluid as the protagonist is investigating his con man father's bizarre death, the claims of supernatural activity surrounding that event, and his goal of spreading his father's ashes on the property...but it works for the purposes of the movie, being amateurs and friends filming the documentary rather than professional documentary filmmakers. It's a slow burn with limited payoff at the end and a few attempted jump scares mingled with some attempts at tense moments during the latter half of the movie...though some of the tension is pulled off fairly well, with some creepy bits and pieces. What truly makes the movie worthwhile is the final couple of minutes with a twist that makes you think one thing followed shortly by another that wraps it all up. If the build up to the conclusion had been a little bit better, the whole movie could have been a pretty great fake documentary, but it stumbles a bit too much coming out of the gate.

Please read this review before watching this movie, and then don't watch this movie. I am saving you precious time, I sat through this, hitting horror rock bottom, so you don't have to. An intriguing beginning never developed into anything other than an absolute waste of time. From the played out format, the complete lack of pace, the running and screaming in the night, the boredom, oh God the boredom ! The arrogance that this was good enough to be made into a movie in the first place, then star in it ! not to mention the waste of resources, time and money of all involved beggars belief. I beg of you Jake Wade Wall, please stop making movies.

This movie set out to do this that it couldn't achieve. I don't think it was the fault of James. Unfortunately, he took a bunch of really shallow wannabe starlets out on a spiritual journey to his father's ranch in Texas. The people he took with them were incapable of setting aside their needs to help a friend do the things he wanted to do. I would actually venture to say this movie is a perfect example of how children who have been neglected by a parent(s) reenact that neglect in adult relationships. The main character, James, brought childish friends to support him in ways they most definitely were unprepared- at least that is how it seemed, but then something changes and your back I the psychological thriller. So, for a 2 AM and "I can't sleep" movie it is not bad and I can't really agree with the waste of time review. Yet, do not expect much.

I watch a LOT of movies and really enjoy found footage. I think it is a genre that you either love or hate. I believe the bad reviews that these types of movies receive are due to people who do not have an affection for the genre watching and then reviewing them. These types of movies are usually filmed on a budget by inexperienced actors and film makers so why people watching them expect to see superb effects, acting, editing etc is something that I have never understood.

If you enjoy found footage then I think that you would consider this an above average found footage film.

The acting was great and the build up of suspense while laying out the background and story was fantastic. It is one of the most convincing 'mockumentry' type movies I have seen. I also did some googling after watching this movie and it is very obvious that a lot of effort went into research and into ensuring that the film had a realistic vibe.

Despite what some reviewers are saying I thought the ending was very satisfying and unexpected. I found myself smiling and then shocked at what was happening.

If you are a found footage lover, then give it a go, I guarantee you will enjoy it.