150 Words About . . .YOU’RE NEXT (2011)

by James Newman

I ignored the hype for the longest time, assuming You’re Next was just another “home-invasion-by-people-in-spooky-masks” movie (and I’m almost as done with those as I am with zombie flicks).  But after reading a ton of extremely positive reviews from folks whose opinions I trust, I had to see it.  And let the record show that I can admit when I am wrong.

While the film does fit snugly into the aforementioned subgenre, director Adam Wingard made it all feel original.  One thing that surprised me about You’re Next was the humor — I never expected it to be so funny!  It’s not a horror-comedy by any means, but a genuinely suspenseful film that finds its humor in the interactions between its characters, especially when things get tense.  You’re Next wasn’t perfect.  Few films are.  It was, however, a pleasant surprise, and earned a spot on my Favorites of 2013 list.