Friend Request: Declined

Oh boy, where to start with this one. Friend Request is just not good. At all. Just about every aspect of this movie is frustrating. Let's start with the overall message that people's lives revolving around social media is a troubling development that seems to grow more and more by the year. This message is an acceptable one that has it's merits, however this film seems to forget it. Every death in this movie is punctuated by a live countdown of how many friend's are being lost by main character Laura. This movie seems to want the audience to be more affected by a stupid number, than the loss of her actual friends. Of course, it kind of does make sense when you consider that Laura, nor her friends are worth rooting for. There are no likable people in this cast, saving for two bumbling cops. This is one of those movies where you just wait for everyone to die already.

Another problem is that this movie is just got no originality basically at all. This movie follows almost all the beats of The Ring. Mysterious footage/characters that are explained by flashbacks and exposition? Check. Must go to the source of the evil to stop it? Best believe we are taking that trip! I have no problem with taking idea's from other movies and stories, but at least add your own twist to it.

Oh! Don't forget the jumpscares! So, so, so many jumpscares. No tension or solid buildup to make them feel earned mind you, just jumpscare after jumpscare just because, you know, make the audience react somehow! Of course what these, and honestly many other filmmakers needs to remember is overuse lessens the effect. Especially when it feels like they handing a button labeled jumpscares to a hyper infant, and just added one every time the button was hit.

Overall this is a film with almost no redeeming qualities. The acting is average, however the cop characters made me laugh, so there is one positive. Also some of the villain's drawings are gorgeous, and the locations in this are pleasant to look at. I mean, it's something.

Honestly, this is one of my least favorite films of the year. I spent most of the run time with my head in my hands, hoping it was almost done. Only watch this if you are into watching horrible films for masochistic reasons.

0.5/5 stars