The Possession (2012)

Directed by Ole Bornedal. Starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Natasha Calis, Kyra Sedgwick, Madison Davenport, Matthew “Matisyahu” Miller, Grant Show. [PG-13]

Derivative horror story doesn’t have a hook or gimmick to set it apart from the pack, and rarely exceeds the level of competent in terms of writing, craft or construction. A little girl finds a mysterious box at a yard sale, strange things start happening involving moths and aberrant behavior, you know what happens next. Inspired by an allegedly true story involving a dybbuk (a spiteful spirit of Jewish folklore), but hoax or real deal, I expect reality had far fewer clichés and unintentionally funny moments—the MRI scene, anyone?—than this movie, ahem, possesses. The actors try, but neither Jeffrey Dean Morgan nor Kyra Sedgwick (as the girl’s divorced parents) can get a firm grasp on their characters, who do what’s needed, regardless of consistency, in order for the story to continue and no more. Co-produced by Sam Raimi.

46/100