13 Sins (2014)

Directed by Daniel Stamm. Starring Mark Webber, Devon Graye, Rutina Wesley, Ron Perlman, Tom Bower, Donny Boaz, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Lance E. Nichols, (voice) George Coe. [R]

Hapless sap Webber receives a mysterious phone call, challenging him to complete thirteen tasks for increasing rewards; he agrees, little knowing how ominous and dangerous the charges will soon become. Part real world horror, part black comedy, the set-up may be derivative of several sources (and is, of course, entirely implausible), but has the potential for tightening suspense and macabre entertainment. Never as inventive as one would like, it still provides moments of grisly dread and some wicked chuckles, until it derails with far-fetched twists at the climax (at least one of which can be seen well in advance and at least one other of which is really, really dumb). Webber finds the right notes of weakness and desperation, though even his character loses touch with reality by the final stretch. Remake of 13 Beloved from Thailand.

53/100