Summit Entertainment’s Sinister had a “secret” screening last night at The SXSW Film Festival in Austin. I had to put “secret” in quotes because a certain trade magazine decided to spoil the surprise just because they could. Directed by The Exorcism of Emily Rose‘s Scott Derrickson, the film stars Ethan Hawke, James Ranson, and Juliet Rylance and there’s been quite a bit of anticipation for it, especially considering that it doesn’t open until October 5th. Sadly, the film didn’t live up to expectations. Mr. Disgusting writes in with his review.

“While the chiller will cloud your mind with extreme visuals and a brooding score/sound design, you shouldn’t be tricked into thinking this is a good movie… Sinister is a plot-laden mess that requires an incredibly high amount of suspension of disbelief. The best way to describe it is ‘8MM’ meets ‘Paranormal Activity’. In an odd turn of events, this film is still highly recommended for those seeking one good scare and an unnerved stomach, it’s highly effective.”

Penned by Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill, “the story follows a journalist who moves his family into a house where another family was murdered. After moving in, he uncovers found footage that leads to clues about the murders.”

Click here for the review.