My Review Of "Reborn"

"Reborn" is a paranormal horror released by Jinga Films. The film is directed by Julian Richards and stars Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator), Michael Pare (Streets Of Fire), Chaz Bono (American Horror Story), Rae Dawn Chong (Commando), Monte Markham (We Are Still Here) and introducing talented newcomer Kayleigh Gilbert. It is described as a nostalgic celebration to classic horror.

Reborn is a contemporary Frankenstein story about a stillborn baby girl brought back to life by an electrical storm before being abducted from hospital by a morgue attendant. On her sixteenth birthday, empowered with the gift to manipulate electricity, she escapes her captor and sets out to find her birth mother leaving a trail of destruction behind her. 

The film really does have a classic horror feel, the almost supernatural fantasy-inspired atmosphere surrounding such a paranormal tale is instantly intriguing. And there is very clear references to Stephen King's stuff, the tragic nature of Tess' origin story and ongoing troubled existence is reminiscent of both Carrie and Charlie oozes from this character. The whole telekinesis aspect aside, "Reborn" really does play like a video rental from the past.

The characters are rich and engaging. I would have loved a bit more time spent on exploring the dynamic between the story's two main characters, but if more kills supplants stronger story arc then I'm cool with it. "Reborn" does have some flaws, for one it moves too fast for any real connection to develop between audience and character. The second I will get to in a moment. The cast is great. There are recognizable genre actors attached to this one and they all deliver. Especially newcomer Gilbert. Her and Crampton's time on screen is a sweet spot for this movie.

The special effects in "Reborn" are mixed, both in technique and quality. Usually a paranormal film has some leeway when using CGI. And for the most part this film has some shinning moments, blending CGI effects to enhance more practical stunts. However some moments come off cheaper than what this film deserves. That being said, there is some quality kills in "Reborn", and one really awesome jump scare, brutal kill that got me- got me good! Definitely check it out. (4/5)