'The Covenant' falls flat - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Holly · 09-13-2006, 12:27 PM

If you have otherworldly powers, it's always better to use them for good instead of evil.

That's what the young heroes try their best to do, at least, in the supernatural tale “The Covenant.” The cast is comprised largely of unknowns, but they're in the hands of someone who definitely knows how to make a movie: Renny Harlin, the director behind such action machines as “Die Hard 2” and “Cliffhanger.”

Four allies with supernatural gifts team up to avenge the death of a college peer, but things don't necessarily remain collegial between them. Rivalries surface, and those have deep roots: They date all the way back to the 16th century, when their cult-member ancestors weren't quite as pure of purpose. That more sinister vein has trickled down to the modern counterparts, so their initially shared mission could unravel quickly over jealousies that arise.

Steven Strait and Sebastian Stan are among the stars of “The Covenant,” and if the names ring no bells, don't worry. The story is meant to drive the film more than any one actor, especially with Harlin at the steering wheel. The result might be acceptable to fans of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “The Craft” and the like...but for others, it probably will hit just as mumbo-jumbo with elaborate special effects and not a whit of lasting relevance once the theater seats are emptied. If not before.

Fall traditionally is a time when lots of horror invades movie theaters. New chapters of “Saw,” “The Grudge” and even “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” are on the way in the next several weeks, and if “The Covenant” is meant to be an appetite-whetter, one can only hope the screen terror yet to come will be much more filling.

(Rated PG-13)

09-13-2006, 12:27 PM	#1
Holly I LOVE SUNSETS :) Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: Albany NY Posts: 5,748	'The Covenant' falls flat If you have otherworldly powers, it's always better to use them for good instead of evil. That's what the young heroes try their best to do, at least, in the supernatural tale “The Covenant.” The cast is comprised largely of unknowns, but they're in the hands of someone who definitely knows how to make a movie: Renny Harlin, the director behind such action machines as “Die Hard 2” and “Cliffhanger.” Four allies with supernatural gifts team up to avenge the death of a college peer, but things don't necessarily remain collegial between them. Rivalries surface, and those have deep roots: They date all the way back to the 16th century, when their cult-member ancestors weren't quite as pure of purpose. That more sinister vein has trickled down to the modern counterparts, so their initially shared mission could unravel quickly over jealousies that arise. Steven Strait and Sebastian Stan are among the stars of “The Covenant,” and if the names ring no bells, don't worry. The story is meant to drive the film more than any one actor, especially with Harlin at the steering wheel. The result might be acceptable to fans of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “The Craft” and the like...but for others, it probably will hit just as mumbo-jumbo with elaborate special effects and not a whit of lasting relevance once the theater seats are emptied. If not before. Fall traditionally is a time when lots of horror invades movie theaters. New chapters of “Saw,” “The Grudge” and even “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” are on the way in the next several weeks, and if “The Covenant” is meant to be an appetite-whetter, one can only hope the screen terror yet to come will be much more filling. (Rated PG-13)