There's Something in the Barn

There's Something In The Barn is a Norwegian horror/comedy, easy to watch, not really hilarious nor frightening. Most of the movie is in English as it is an American family moving into a house they inherited in Norway. There's is some Norwegian but almost every Norwegian speaks English with their typical funny accent. The elves speak an non-existent language, they're not really scary looking, just mean if you don't treat them well. The acting was okay, the story as well but it's nothing you will remember in the future. In short, it could have been funnier and it could have been scarier. Well shot so worth a watch.

When a new age, nuclear, family pull up their American roots to relocate to Norway- after inheriting a "devil house" from the man's extended family- they try to fit in...but things don't exactly go as planned.

Because there is something living in their barn.

Their adolescent son quickly figures out what it is...and makes friends with it.

But no one believes him.

So when he tries to teach them the rules (on how not to piss it off).

They don't listen...and break every one of them.

However, it is one act that pushes things over the edge...

Thus turning this festive comedy into a complete horror show.

Albeit one made for children.

Is it the most innovative Christmas horror film ever?

No.

Is it the most gory Christmas horror film alltime?

Surely not.

Hell...it's not even the scariest Christmas horror film to come out of Norway.

But it's great fun!

With a decent amount of gore.

And a whole lot of laughs.

Though, not so much to make it unfit for kids.

So, if you are the type of family to watch an annual Christmas horror...and you got some kids you want to scare the "niceness" into.

This film is a great choice.

Norway definitely knows how to do it.

Except in the case of lutefisk.

Everyone hates that crap.

6 out of 10.

Plot

An American family fulfills their dream of moving back to their roots after inheriting a remote cabin in the mountains of Norway, but there's a surprise waiting for them.

Cast

A few vaguely familiar faces but only Martin Starr I could actually name.

Verdict

When the credits rolled on There's Something in the Barn myself and the wifey looked at one another with a smile and a head nod. The universal sign of, meh it was watchable and this we both agreed.

A multi nation collaboration the film has a sufficient budget to pull of what was intended and really does look the part. Great cinematography, solid visual effects and the sheer beauty of Norway.

Now let me be clear, this is considerably more a comedy than a horror. It does have elements granted, but this is borderline a family film. It has charm, it has laughs, it has great visuals. It does also have a lot of questionable writing, doesn't flow very well and Starr is simply not a leading man.

There's Something in the Barn is absolutely worth your time. You'll forget it within moments of watching it, but it's passable stuff.

Rants

Martin Starr is that guy who pops up a few times throughout the movie, delivers some memorable one liners and vanishes. You know what he's not? A leading man. Too much of him feels weird and just doesn't work. He's a secondary character, he's a bit character, he's most certainly not to be placed front and centre for 90 minutes. I like the guy, but he's just not lead material.

The Good

Fantastic visuals Martin Starr (For the most part) Some decent ideas

The Bad

Some weak writing Odd pacing Weak lead Too many Christmas songs!

An American family head to Norway, to move into a home that they've inherited. They find life very different, and discover something very strange and very dangerous living in the barn.

It's better than the score on here would suggest, compared to most of the Christmas films I've seen recently, this is way better. This was a fun film, an adventure that's suitable for most of the family.

There are several fun scenes, the first big attack was nicely done, and the elves looked really good.

It's very corny, and they really did go overboard with the loud, over the top American family, who of course are into self help and garish Christmas decorations, that syrupy mother and daughter moment was so naff.

I chuckled at that scene where the dad says that Norway is the most friendly place on Earth, I've been twice, even many Norwegians will admit, many Norwegians are very reserved.

7/10.

I love horror movies and ever since Dead Snow and Troll Hunter I also really enjoy Scandinavian horror movies with a snowy setting, so I thought I'd give this a try.

I had no idea what this movie was about and I was pleasantly surprised when I found out who or what the antagonists are. Minor spoiler but this movie really reminded me of a British movie from last year called Unwelcome. The premise is really similar except that this one place in the snow during Christmas time.

We have an American family that moves to Norway and has to deal with some sort of fish-out-of-the-water situation because they have cultural differences from the locals and while the parents are trying to fit in, the moody daughter just wants to go back and her little brother finds something mysterious in the barn.

Basically we have a pretty stereotypical family situation and some also stereotypical side character's, especially the towns Sheriff who was the main comedic relief which sometimes worked and sometimes not so much.

This is a lighthearted comedy with some horror aspects and some gnarly kills and I overall enjoyed the watching experience. This might not be some Christmas classic like Gremlins but it could still be an annual watch for me during the Christmas time. [5,9/10]