Tarot (2024)

Rating: 1/5

Plot Summary

"Tarot" is a 2024 horror flick directed by Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg, starring Harriet Slater, Adain Bradley & Jacob Batalon. It revolves around a group of friends who unwittingly unleash a malevolent force by breaking the sacred rules of Tarot readings. The story follows this gang of friends who decide to play around with Tarot cards, ignoring the warnings that come with them. Predictably, they summon an evil force that starts knocking them off one by one. The plot is as straightforward as they come, with no unexpected twists or turns. Imagine mixing "Final Destination" with a dash of "Ouija", but without the thrill or originality. My first impression? It’s like grabbing a book with an intriguing cover, only to find the pages filled with clichés and shallow characters.

Chopping Block - Hits & Misses

Hits

• The practical effects were decent and added a touch of authenticity to the gore.

• The cast did their best with the material they were given.

• The idea of Tarot cards as a gateway to horror had potential.

Misses

• The character development were as deep as a kiddie pool, making it hard to care about their fates.

• The storyline followed a paint-by-numbers formula, lacking any real suspense or originality.
  

• The finale felt predicatable and anticlimactic, leaving a lot to be desired.

Full Review

• Scare Factor — Points: .5 The scares in "Tarot" are pretty basic. You'll get a few jump scares, but nothing that sticks with you. It's more of a mild spook than a heart-pounding thrill ride.

• Storyline and Plot — Points: 0 The plot feels recycled and lacks originality. A group of friends breaking a sacred rule and unleashing evil? Been there, done that. The characters are so underdeveloped that their fates don’t really matter, which is a big miss for a horror flick.

• Atmosphere and Setting — Points: .5 The movie’s atmosphere is its strongest point. The setting and cinematography do a decent job of building suspense, and the eerie soundtrack adds to the mystical vibe. If only the story matched the setting’s potential.

• Special Effects and Makeup — Points: 0 While some of the practical effects were good, the editing was sloppy. Visible cables and poorly timed reveals gave away what was going to happen next, ruining any potential surprise.

• Acting and Performances — Points: 0 The cast is capable, but they’re given little to work with. The characters feel like cardboard cut-outs, and the chemistry between them is virtually non-existent. It’s a shame, really, because the actors deserve better material.

Final Verdict

"Tarot" had the potential to be a standout horror film with its intriguing premise and capable cast. However, the superficial characters, predictable plot, and lackluster ending left much to be desired. If you're looking for a groundbreaking or deeply engaging horror movie, this isn't it. Overall, "Tarot" is a one-time watch, if that. It’s the kind of movie you might put on in the background while you do something else.

Rating: 1/5

What did you think of "Tarot"?

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