Stonehearst Asylum *** (2014, Kate Beckinsale, Jim Sturgess, Ben Kingsley, Michael Caine, David Thewlis, Brendan Gleeson) – Movie Review

Most entertaining old-style horror movie, set in the creepy asylum of the title, with an exceptionally plush production and highly amusing tongue-in-cheek turns from Ben Kingsley, Michael Caine and David Thewlis.

Taking it all very seriously, Jim Sturgess stars as Edward Newgate, a young recent medical school graduate who takes up a position at a mental institution under Silas Lamb (Kingsley). Newgate soon finds himself taken with one of his colleagues, Eliza Graves (Beckinsale). But at first he has no knowledge of any recent, horrifying staffing changes.

It’s largely a serious-minded chiller, but, encouraged by the amusing performances, I chuckled a lot throughout! ‘Don’t drink the fickin’ champagne!’ LOL. Brendan Gleeson‘s remarkably hammy for such a good actor. Jason Flemyng, Sophie Kennedy Clark, Sinéad Cusack and Edmund Kingsley are also in the way above-average cast.

Joe Gangemi’s intriguing screenplay is based on a short story by Edgar Allan Poe, in a plotline that is typical of his work. It’s directed, rather uncertainly, by Brad Anderson, known for Session 9 (2001), The Machinist (2004), Transsiberian (2008) and The Call (2013). Anderson seems to be aiming at a much smarter, posher, more serious movie than the one he delivers, but it still works none the less as diverting larky entertainment.

The movie is based on short story written in 1844 by Edgar Allan Poe – The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether. I’ve tried desperately hard not to spoil the fun by revealing the plot. Do yourself a favour and avoid seeing the trailer or reading any more reviews. Just go and see it now.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2415

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