School’s out for summer…but not in theaters apparently. For the second time in as many weeks, high school is the setting for another hopeful Summer success. This time, however, we’re not dealing with a nine figure super filled with franchise fanfare. A quality horror thriller is hard to come by these days but it isn’t for a lack of trying. Director John R. Leonetti brings new hope in the supernatural thriller Wish Upon. Is there substance behind the well done trailers that might actually scare up a strong box office showing?
Clare (Joey King) is haunted by memories of a tragic childhood event where her life changed forever. Even though more than ten years have passed since that tragic time, she still feels the loss as though it occurred yesterday. Getting through the normal everyday crap that high school throws at you is tough enough on its own, add in what Clare has gone through and it becomes almost unbearable. Thankfully she has a couple of close friends to help her cope and sometimes even laugh. At home things aren’t much better as her dad constantly embarrasses her with his dumpster diving antics since apparently he fully subscribes to the belief that one man’s trash is truly another man’s treasure. It is for this reason that Clare ends up with a one-of-a-kind gift, a mysterious box that is much more than it seems. Soon, everything changes in her life, and seemingly for the better, but not without a cost. How much would you be willing to pay for temporary happiness?
Joey King has amassed quite the resume before her 18th birthday. Her comfort level is very apparent on the screen and it’s obvious once again in her latest movie, Wish Upon. This role is right in her wheelhouse and she makes the most of it. Playing a teen may sound easy but many, MANY other actors have failed in their attempts. So right off the bat, that’s one positive for this movie. She is very convincing and may drive the more “mature” audience members a little bonkers her sometimes erratic behavior. Just breathe people. Her onscreen dad is played by Ryan Phillippe who looks at times like he’s old enough to be the father of a teen her age. That being said, he doesn’t really rise to her level of performance in this feature. Honestly, all of the focus is Joey King but for information purposes, here are a few of the other names that you might know. Ki Hong Lee, Shannon Purser, Sherilyn Fenn and Jerry O’Connell also have key parts.
John R. Leonetti has good experience in the horror genre. His list of feature length projects in the roll of director isn’t long at all. Of the five movies that he’s directed thus far, including Wish Upon, four of them are of the horror genre. Annabelle (2014) is probably the most notable of the bunch. The lion’s share of his experience has come as cinematographer and, you guessed it, there’s quite a few horror movies on that list. Leonetti uses his experience and vision to create a story, mood and ambiance that feels genuinely creepy. Not to the point nightmare-ish fear, but enough to create an uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach. The story is surprisingly well done from a script standpoint and it’s pretty thorough. You just have to let it all play out. Speaking of which, there is a mid-credits scene so don’t try to beat the rush out of theaters. Anyway, this doesn’t feel like a cheap or lazy venture.
Even with all that is done right, Wish Upon isn’t some amazing can’t-miss summer blockbuster. It is, however, a movie that shouldn’t be quickly passed over because there is a lot to like about it. I’m normally very difficult on how I rate horror films but I can say that this is one worth seeing in theaters. As I’ve eluded to, it isn’t great but it is entertaining and may even generate a conversation or two afterwards. Have the ability to get whatever you want may sound like a sweet setup in the beginning but things always seem to even out and this is no different. Be careful what you wish for and see this in theaters with a few friends.
