Rated R, 90 minutes
Vapid "Chernobyl Diaries" isn't a total disaster
I went to the new horror film "Chernobyl Diaries" believing that it would nothing short of disastrous, but the film has a few surprisingly jumpy moments, though it runs out of gas near the end. Produced and written by Oren Peli, the creator of the original "Paranormal Activity," the story is disappointingly flat and seems otherwise like a Russian-flavored "The Hills Have Eyes." The film concerns a few young American tourists (what else?) in Russia who are taken by an "extreme tour guide" to explore the abandoned city of Pripyat, the home of the workers of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster back in the '80s. After a brief exploration of the city they soon realize that they're not alone and face uncertain danger. "Chernobyl Diaries" is an unmemorable horror film with a handful of scary moments; it's based on a short story by Peli and is the directorial debut of visual effects producer Bradley Parker ("Let Me In"). The film's earlier, more mysterious sections are stronger before it falls apart under some vastly overused horror cliches in the last act (i.e. too many stupid people going in the dark to check on things...really?). Shot on various locations, including the actual abandoned city of Pripyat (a nice touch), the young actors are largely unknowns except young pop singer Jesse McCartney, in a minimal role. "Chernobyl Diaries" would've benefited more with Peli's direction, who seems to have a knack for building tension, instead the story isn't fleshed out from inexperienced director Parker. Interesting tidbit: the film is co-written by Shane and Carey Van Dyke, grandsons of veteran comedian Dick Van Dyke. If only "Chernobyl Diaries" were as interesting or as shocking as the trailers make it out to be; it starts out with a few scares but ends with a whimper.
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