Fear is Never Just Make BelieveDon't Be Afraid of the Dark (2011) is a horror movie produced by Guillermo del Toro who's famous for Pan's Labyrinth and Hellboy.
Synopsis: A young girl named Sally (Bailee Madison) arrives in Rhode Island to stay with her father Alex (Guy Pearce) and his girlfriend Kim (Katie Holmes) in a 19th century mansion. Alex and Kim are working together to restore the house which once belonged to a famous painter named Emerson Blackwood who had mysteriously disappeared. Sally soon encounters evil fairies that come from the basement of the house.
Quoting del Toro, "I love the Welsh author Arthur Machen and his idea that fairy lore comes from a dark place, that it's derived from little, pre-human creatures who are really, really nasty vermin but are magical in a way, living as they do for hundreds of years. His books are what compelled me to do this."
Yeah, the CGI-ed fairies are really nasty and malevolent. They like to eat children teeth and bones and that's why they choose Sally to be their next "meal". Sounds scary? Yes, it does, but unfortunately for horror fans, it doesn't deliver the kind of chill that runs down your spine and makes you think twice before you look under your bed. Generally, the movie's pace is rather slow and it lacks intense heart-gripping horror that makes you wanna hide under your chair.
Bailee Madison manages her character quite well considering her age. She's only 11 years old when she takes on this lead role. She really does look like a troubled, depressed child and that gloomy and unassuming look on her face adds realism to her character. Also, those fearful and teary eyes are pretty scary too. But, I really don't like her bloodcurdling screams. :S
Overall, this is a decent horror movie, one that doesn't scare the pants off you but will still keep you squirming in your seat once in a while.
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