'The Uninvited' review

Emily Browning and Arielle Kebbel (Credit: Dreamworks)

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After Anna (Emily Browning) is released from a mental institution, she and her sister Alex (Arielle Kebbel) become convinced that their dad’s (David Strathairn of “Good Night, and Good Luck”) new girlfriend Rachel (Elizabeth Banks) is responsible for the fire that killed the girls’ mother. This seems likely since Rachel, a nurse who cared for the deceased, makes no effort to hide her menacing glares and fits the profile of another nurse who allegedly knocked off a mom and her kids just to cozy up next to the dad. But wait, what’s up with Anna seeing deranged visions of her undead mom slinking around the house or the creepy redheaded girl who won’t go away?

The buzz: This remake of the 2003 Korean flick “A Tale of Two Sisters” is the second un-horror movie of the month (after “The Unborn”) and boasts a title that appears to have nothing to do with the movie. (No invitations in sight; what was wrong with calling it “Hot Killer Nurse”?) What’s more intriguing about this bland run through the creak-shriek-boom routine is the presence of Banks (“W.,” “Zack and Miri Make a Porno”), a blossoming star who will likely be the only actress to ever appear as a first lady and a porn star in the same month.

The verdict: More lame than terrible, “The Uninvited” is still a pesky strand of pointless, offering nothing new and pathetically dry versions of last week’s bologna. The twist—what, you didn’t think there would be one?—isn't necessary or effective, and turns an already grueling take on the grieving process into an even more insulting waste of time. Since pros like Banks and Strathairn don't make an impression or embarrass themselves, they have nothing to be afraid of. But neither do you.

Did you know? If you’re looking to skirt a question about whether or not you’re drunk, Alex offers an obvious yet vague cover to neither confirm nor deny: “I went to a party, and drinks were served.” Sounds like someone has a career in politics ahead of her.

Video: Watch Matt's review of 'The Uninvited'

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