Sci-Fi Storm

While not my normal fare for this site, I had the opportunity to see a pre-release review copy of th Michael Keaton movie White Noise, a supernatural thriller based on the paranormal science of Electronic Voice Phenomenon, or EVP. White Noise goes on sale May 17th. You can also visit the official site, and even send someone your own creepy EVP message. Updated 5/10: Another official web site with some good use of Flash is here.

This isn’t our typical review, because the the final DVD was not available yet, so I don’t know what the DVD menus will look like, or what the final features will be (although I’m not aware of any changes).

For those unfamiliar with the plot: When architect Jonathan Rivers (Michael Keaton) loses his wife in a tragic accident, he turns to the shadowy, unnerving world of Electronic Voice Phenomenon – communication from beyond the grave. But as he begins to penetrate the mysteries of EVP, Jonathan makes a shocking discovery: once a portal to the other world is opened, there?s no telling what will come through it.

More precisely, after his wife Anna dies Jonathan (Michael Keaton) meets up with Raymond Price (Ian McNeice, Dune) and learns about EVP, and that Anna has been communicating with him. He meets fellow voice-seeker Sarah Tate (Deborah Kara Unger, Payback), and the learn that sometimes the voices aren’t so nice.

Raymond dies mysteriously with all his equipment smashed, so Jonathan sets up his own equipment. He starts getting messages from Anna and images – except these people aren’t dead yet, and he may have a chance to save them. But who are the three shadows that seem to be trying to stop him?

The movie proved to be interestingly directed. I expected a jump-out-of-your-seat movie based on previews, but there were only a few “shock” moments – instead, there is more thought-provoking moments instead. How is Jonathan seeing images of the future? Who killed Raymond? Who seems to be trying to set Raymond up? And the ending wasn’t the typical Hollywood ending.

I actually rather enjoyed the movie, although there are a few plot holes here and there – like how the police tracked down Jonathan.

The expected special features include deleted scenes (not much, definitely not necessary to the main story), and three featurettes on the actual science of EVP – a look at some of the experts, how do do it at home, and some actual EVP sessions. Just over 38 minutes total.

Definitely a must-see for paranormal lovers, without the “shock” typically used in such films.