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1. ›Film Review: Case 39 (2009)@drax588d

   

   When a film remains on the shelf for years before its release, it often indicates that the producers harbour significant doubts regarding its quality. Such was the case with Case 39, a horror film directed by Christian Alvart that was completed in 2006 but did not see the light of day until 2009. This prolonged delay typically suggests that the fears surrounding the film’s viability were well-founded, and indeed, the eventual box office performance and critical reception of Case 39 reflect this sentiment. Despite its lacklustre performance and harsh critiques, it would be unjust to label it as entirely without merit; there are elements within the film that redeem it from being a total failure.

   The protagonist, Emily Jenkins, portrayed by Renée Zellweger, is a dedicated social worker assigned to investigate Lillith “Lilly” Sullivan (played by Jodelle Ferland), a ten-year-old girl who exhibits signs of potential abuse at the hands of her parents, Edward (played by Callum Keith Rennie) and Margaret Sullivan (played by Kerry O’Malley). Emily finds that the truth is even more horrifying than her initial suspcions when she intervenes just in time to prevent Lilly's parents from committing an unspeakable act against her. Following their institutionalisation, Emily temporarily takes Lilly into her care before suitable foster parents can be found. However, as strange and unsettling occurrences begin to unfold around them, Emily starts to suspect that Lilly may not be the innocent child she initially appears to be.

   The screenplay by Ray Wright lacks originality, drawing heavily on well-worn conventions found in numerous horror films and psychological thrillers. This reliance on cliché makes it easy for seasoned viewers to predict plot twists and outcomes well in advance, including the film's conclusion.

   Christian Alvart, known for his work on the science fiction film Pandorum, manages to utilise Vancouver's locations effectively and assembles a commendable cast. However, his direction reveals a significant flaw in pacing; certain scenes feel overly repetitive and predictable, contributing to a runtime that stretches nearly two hours without sufficient narrative momentum.

   Renée Zellweger delivers a competent performance as Emily Jenkins, effectively portraying her character's emotional turmoil and dedication to her work. She manages to outshine her on-screen and off-screen love interest Bradley Cooper, whose role feels underdeveloped and somewhat superfluous. Veteran actor Ian McShane also contributes positively as Detective Barron, embodying the archetypal sceptical police officer with aplomb. His presence adds a layer of gravitas to the proceedings, even if his character is somewhat predictable.

   However, it is Jodelle Ferland as Lilly who truly stands out in Case 39. The young Canadian actress brings an unsettling depth to her role, successfully conveying both innocence and an underlying menace. Her performance hints at a talent that would allow her to transition seamlessly into adult roles in later projects such as Cabin in the Woods and Dark Matter.

   Ultimately, while Case 39 is not particularly good—nor is it particularly bad—it exists in a liminal space where it fails to satisfy critical expectations yet offers enough intrigue for horror aficionados willing to lower their expectations. Critics were understandably disappointed by what seemed like wasted potential given the star power of Zellweger and McShane in what otherwise feels like a low-budget genre film. Nevertheless, for fans of horror who approach the film with tempered expectations, there are moments of enjoyment to be found amidst its flaws.

   RATING: 5/10 (++)

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2. ›Case 39 was better than I expected!@trumpman1210d

   I was in the mood for a horror today, but unfortunately, after browsing for about 10 minutes I couldn't find something to really peak my interest on Netflix.

   So I settled with Case 39, a 2009 film which seemed to have a somewhat interesting premise and a mediocre IMDb rating of 6.2. I figured it would be good enough to kill 90 minutes of my pointless life.

   A social worker fights to save a girl from her abusive parents, only to discover that the situation is more dangerous than she ever expected. source

   Overall, I enjoyed the film way more than I expected!

   Maybe you don't want to read below, there are some minor spoilers. Nothing special, but I think it's better if you have no idea what to expect! So no trailers either! 😂

   . .. ... .... ..... ...... ....... ........ ......... ........... .,..........

   Ok the movie starts a bit slow as a drama, but nothing that will bore you too death and eventually the pace takes off becoming your typical paranormal/demonic horror movie. The concept has been played dozens of times before but it's imo executed perfectly by the two female protagonists that give an astounding performance! The secondary cast does an excellent job as well.

   My main complaints... First the plot that felt like it had some holes here and there but that's probably the autistic side of mr picking silly little details. And the other is the ending. I think a less happy ending would be more suitable. Still, it works GREAT and wraps up everything up. That's probably why there's also an alternate one that is a bit more dark :)

   Other than that, a very solid paranormal movie with great pacing and story telling. Relying mostly on setting a horror atmosphere rather than cheap scary tactics.

   I give it a 7.5 out of 10.

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3. ›Caso 39 con Jodelle Ferland: una icónica actriz del cine de terror ES/EN@ismaelgranados1697d

   Hola amigos de Hive, atendiendo al concurso de CineTV Contest: The Best Of Horror. | Show Me Your Best Scream, hoy he decidido hablarles sobre una actriz que me parece excepecional dentro del género de terror.

   Hello friends of Hive, attending the CineTV Contest: The Best Of Horror. | Show Me Your Best Scream today I decided to talk to you about an actress that I think is exceptional in horror movies.

   ---

   Español

   ¿Crees posible que la simple mirada de una niña te perturbe, que casi puedas leer sus pensamientos malignos con solo ver sus ojos? ¿Cómo lo hace? Es lo que me cuestioné cuando vi por primera vez a Jodelle Ferland en la película de terror Case 39.

   Source

   La actuación de esta actriz canadiense que para el momento de la producción de este film tenía 12 años, me impactó totalmente. Ferland interpreta a Lilith, una niña con extraños comportamientos, su personalidad silenciosa, asustadiza y algunos conductas antisociales parecen evidenciar un entorno familiar disfuncional y de maltrato, pero la verdad es otra.

   Sin duda, su actuación es excepcional, sus silencios se tornan tenebrosos, su mirada que aparenta entre inocencia y maldad es perturbadora. Lilith tiene la capacidad de utilizar los más profundos miedos de las personas para aterrorizarlos, hacerlos sufrir e incluso causarles la muerte, y para conocer los temores de sus víctimas, se convierte en una pequeña adorable y curiosa que luego muestra su verdaderas y diabólicas intenciones.

   Source

   Ferland interpreta realmente a un demonio antiguo, pues según la historia, este demonio la poseyó al nacer, y no parece haber forma de expulsarlo de su cuerpo, pues tiene un gran poder psicológico sobre los mortales, y parece que la única forma de vencerlo es asesinando a la pequeña Lilith mientras duerme.

   Source

   Esta actriz desde pequeña ha participado en películas y series de terror, como Ellos, Carrie, Silent Hill, The Messengers, Supernatural, Masters of Horror, me extendería mucho al mencionar todo su repertorio a lo largo de los años, solo hace falta verla en escena para darse cuenta cómo esta chica pasó a convertirse en un icono del cine de terror. Pero además, su capacidad actoral da para más pues también ha interpretado papeles en películas de comedia como The office Games.

   Esta actriz nos seguirá brindando horas de entretención en cine y series de terror. Sin duda valdrá la pena ver todas aquellas películas que cuenten con su participación. No le pierdas la pista.

   Espero les haya gustado mi Post, los invito a ver cualquier producción en donde participe esta gran actriz.

   English

   Do you think it's possible that the simple look of a little girl can disturb you, that you can almost read her evil thoughts just by looking into her eyes? How does she do it? That's what I questioned when I first saw Jodelle Ferland in the horror film Case 39.

   Source

   The performance of this Canadian actress, who was 12 years old at the time of this film's production, had a complete impact on me. Ferland plays Lilith, a girl with strange behaviors, her silent, frightening personality and some antisocial behaviors seem to evidence a dysfunctional and abusive family environment, but the truth is different.

   Undoubtedly, her performance is exceptional, her silences become tenebrous, her look that appears between innocence and evil is disturbing. Lilith has the ability to use the deepest fears of people to terrorize them, make them suffer and even cause their death, and to know the fears of her victims, she becomes an adorable and curious little girl who then shows her true and diabolical intentions.

   Source

   Ferland actually plays an ancient demon, as according to the story, this demon possessed her at birth, and there seems to be no way to expel it from her body, as it has great psychological power over mortals, and it seems that the only way to defeat it is to murder little Lilith in her sleep.

   Source

   This actress since she was a child has participated in horror movies and series, such as Them, Carrie, Silent Hill, The Messengers, Supernatural, Masters of Horror, I would extend too much to mention all her repertoire over the years, you only need to see her acting to realize how this girl went on to become an icon of horror films. But her acting skills are more than enough, as she has also played roles in comedy films such as The Office Games.

   This actress will continue to give us hours of entertainment in horror movies and series. Without a doubt, it will be worth watching all those movies with her participation. Don't lose track of her.

   I hope you liked my post, I invite you to see any production in which this great actress participates.

   Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

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