Better Watch Out (II) (2016) User Reviews

Better AVOID SPOILERS, You'll be Glad You did

[Jared_Andrews · 7/10 · 24 December 2017]

Let me give you some advice: the second that you finish reading this review, get off imdb.com, steer clear of any ratings or stories about this movie, don't watch any trailers, and don't ask anyone about it. Just find the movie, and watch it. Go in with a totally clean slate and enjoy.

I don't really want to say much more than that out of fear of ruining any element of the movie. I can tell you that it's part scary, part funny, largely surprising, and totally entertaining. The performances are great. I don't want to describe why they're great because that could give something away. Just know that they're superb.

Plot-wise, the most I can say is that an attractive female babysitter comes over to watch a junior high school boy while his parents go out for the night. After that, visitors arrive and stuff happens. Lots of stuff.

This is by far the shortest review I've ever written, but I've said all that I want to say. Now go watch the movie.

An interesting take on home invasion thriller

[SoumikBanerjee1996 · 7/10 · 20 July 2023]

The film begins as any other generic home invasion thriller, and truth be told, I was not getting the vibe at first. I was disappointed and quite annoyed with the series of events that felt so typical and devoid of any excitement. But then, around minute 30th, comes a twist, and the scenario changed, and I was hooked right then and there.

Although I cannot say much cause even a small word could spoil the story and subsequently ruin your fun, I will tell you this, the story or the trajectory it took to be precise, caught me off guard; I did not expect it.

Now, the movie does have several logical fallacies, or loopholes, in layman's terms, but it was still thrilling to watch, and as I said, I didn't see any of it coming, which certainly added to my overall enjoyment.

It Made My Blood Boil But I Give Them Credit

[Michael_Elliott · 25 December 2017]

Better Watch Out (2016)

*** (out of 4)

Ashley (Olivia DeJonge) is about to leave town but before doing that she agrees to babysit Luke (Levi Miller), which is something she has done for many years. After his parents leave the two sit down for pizza and horror movies but then someone breaks into the house and the terror begins.

BETTER WATCH OUT is Christmas themed horror film that is getting quite a bit of attention. The film has some calling it a great film while others are calling it one of the worst films of the year. It's funny that the film is getting such a wide responce but I think both sides could agree that the film made their blood boil. I say that because there's a twist that happens in the story and it goes in a direction that was quite brave and I'm sure even Hitchcock would have tipped his hat.

The problem with this twist is that if you're going to try something like it you had better know what to do with it and how to handle it. Director Chris Peckover also co-wrote the screenplay with Zack Kahn and I give both men credit for trying to do something different. Sure, the film's first quarter borrows from some other horror movies but I must give them credit for keeping me off guard as I was never quite sure where the film was going to go or how it was going to play out.

I don't think the second half of the film is nearly as good as the beginning but at the same time it kept me glued to what was going on. I've got to avoid spoilers but I will say that my blood was boiling at one of the characters and how things were being played out and perhaps this is why so many people are hating the film. It is a bit mean-spirited and it is a cruel. I think a lot of people are hating the film because of the emotions that it is making them feel and I completely understand that. Even I got angry at the movie but when it was over I couldn't help but feel that a good movie should make you feel these things.

I really thought DeJonge was exceptionally good in the lead role. Her character goes through a lot of different things throughout the picture and the actress nailed all of them flawlessly. Miller and Ed Oxenbould were both extremely good as well and you've also got Virginia Madsen in a small role as the mom. Technically speaking the film is quite impressive and there was some nice tension built up during the opening scenes.

BETTER WATCH OUT is a film that I'm going to recommend because I think it succeeds at what it attempted to do. It's not flawless by any stretch of the imagination but I give it a lot of credit for trying to do something different.

Expected the worst

[akilose · 7/10 · 3 December 2019]

Unexpectedly for me, the film turned out great, with unpredictable twists, I expected something more banal. The main character played well, the film recalled its crazy atmosphere - the house that Jack built. A little disappointed with the ending.

Approach this one as an E.C. Comic writ large...

[MrGKB · 7/10 · 4 November 2018]

...and you won't be disappointed. If you're looking for too much realism or an airtight plot, you look in vain. Despite characters that are mostly paper thin, the actors rise above with enough authority to satisfy all but the most jaded audiences. As well, the production design, cinematography, and so forth stretch its relatively low budget to maximum effect. No, this isn't on a level with Michael Haneke's unsettling "Funny Games" or its American remake; think of it more as a John Hughesian teen comedy that takes a dark turn into violent absurdity. It truly is a comic book potboiler in the vein of "Tales From the Crypt," crude tongue wedged in its cheek, nonsensical plot devices on full display. I understand fully why so many wags here hated it, but despite its flaws, I had fun with its earnest attempt to offer up its twisted take on teen angst. The three Aussie leads will all be actors to keep an eye on in the future, that much is certain.

unexpected and disturbing but still fun to watch

[easyasiali · 7/10 · 15 March 2018]

Without giving spoilers: don't babysit teenagers!

this movie is different from what the trailer makes it seem, I didn't see the plot twist coming. the main kid does a great job. disturbing yet fun, if you like Christmas themed horror.

very different

[jimvandemoter-50236 · 7/10 · 14 December 2019]

I really don't understand the really bad reviews. Yes, this isn't the best horror movie, but I liked the different take on the slasher theme. All in all a nice and weird take on the slasher genre.

Clever, Inventive Low-Budget Filmmaking - But Deeply Disturbing

[gogoschka-1 · 8/10 · 17 January 2018]

Man, what a ride! I love it when I know absolutely nothing about a low budget film and don't expect much - and then get completely surprised at how good it actually is.

This little gem is an unpredictable, often times either darkly funny or deeply disturbing thrill ride that should not be me missed by genre (or generally film) fans.

It's beautifully shot, acted and written, and I'm sure we'll hear more from filmmaker Chris Peckover in the future. This is clever, inventive low-budget filmmaking at its best, and it goes to show that a lack of money is not an obstacle that can't be overcome by sheer talent.

Good stuff: 8 stars out of 10.

Favorite films: IMDb.com/list/mkjOKvqlSBs/

Lesser-Known Masterpieces: imdb.com/list/ls070242495/

Favorite Low-Budget and B-Movies: imdb.com/list/ls054808375/

Favorite TV-Shows reviewed: imdb.com/list/ls075552387/

Not for me But It Is Still a Good Film

[Christmas-Reviewer · 7/10 · 15 October 2017]

BEWARE OF BOGUS REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW. WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION & THAT IS WHAT IS GOING ON HERE FOR THIS FILM! NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 300 Christmas MOVIES. I HAVE NO AGENDA. I AM FARE.

This film is a twisted take on Christmas. It is not for family's and the evilness in every frame of this film is not for me. However I recommend this to people that like inventive horror films and horror fans in general. This is not a film I am a fan of but I did not let that cloud my judgment. It is "Original & Well made". On top of that it is scary!

In this story a household is being attacked but the enemy is very unexpected and by the end of the night who will survive?

Don't waste your time

[marucciolu · 4/10 · 19 December 2020]

This movie isn't funny nor scary, don't waste your time.

Clever and well done movie. Something different.

[marlieH · 8/10 · 7 September 2019]

When i started to watch this, i thought this was just gonna be your run of the mill home intrusion slasher. but this really surprised me. with an unexpected twist and cleverly written. the actors were great and this movie really kept me interested. definately worth a watch

A Twisted Delight

[S_dot_M_dot · 7/10 · 3 December 2021]

During the holiday season, the Lerners (Patrick Warburton and Virginia Madden) leave their twelve-year-old son, Luke (Levi Miller) with the always responsible Ashley (Olivia DeJonge) while they go out for a night on the town. Luke, with the help of friend Garrett (Ed Oxenbould), has decided tonight is the night to make a move on longtime sitter Ashley. Before Luke can make his move, an unexpected intruder attempts to break in. With them being in the safe suburbs, the two are on their own as they have to navigate a home invasion with twists and turns at every corner.

This film keeps you guessing as each scene evolves. Director Chris Peckover, along with writing partner Zack Kahn, crafted an excellent story that drops hints at the big reveal throughout the movie, but never enough to give too much away. Keeping the film confined to the house keeps everything tight, which could hinder the production, but in this case, it let's the viewer experience everything with the cast. Setting this during Christmas helps make this work and actually adds to some scenes.

The acting in this film is exceptional, especially Olivia DeJonge and Levi Miller. Miller, for instance, unravels and becomes unpredictable as the film goes on. Olivia DeJonge brings a sense of realism to the situation. Ed Oxenbould is cast to perfection as the timid best friend. All around, the entire cast brings this film to life.

When you break down the film, there are some issues. The film is paced at a good speed, but some beats are rushed while others drag. Some scenes can become uncomfortable, which is good in a way, but easing up could let the scenes breathe.

Better Watch Out takes the traditional home invasion scenario and turns it on its head. The cast is tight and the setting is as well. Once this film gets going, it's hard to tell what track it's going to stay on. All the way down to the final shot, Better Watch Out will keep you guessing.

Its a solid 6.5/10 worth watching

[evans-j34 · 6/10 · 21 November 2021]

Best go into watching it without reading reviews , spoilers or watching trailers. If u need a new film on your Xmas list this is one for a chilled evening.

Best use of a paint can since Home Alone.

[Hey_Sweden · 6/10 · 2 December 2020]

The appealing Olivia DeJonge ("The Visit") stars as a teenaged babysitter looking after a pre-teen charge (Levi Miller, "Jasper Jones") at Christmastime. Soon, it seems as if they are being menaced by a psycho killer, but appearances can be deceiving. The plot takes a turn where the menace is coming from a place that DeJonge didn't expect.

Admittedly, for this viewer, this was rough going for a while, with too much bad dialogue and too many annoying characters. If you're anything like me, you'll build up such a contempt for the weaselly antagonist that you'll watch this through to the end in the hopes that they eventually get their comeuppance. And make no mistake: this person is despicable, using and manipulating others to their hearts' content. As the story deepens, co-writer / director Chris Peckover is able to maintain a compelling grimness as these macabre "games" are played out.

The cast does a good job with their roles, with DeJonge remaining angry and feisty throughout, never giving up the fight. She, at least, gives the audience a character with rooting interest. Ed Oxenbould ("Paper Planes"), Aleks Mikic ('Preacher'), and Dacre Montgomery ('Stranger Things') co-star, with token name actors / veterans Virginia Madsen ("Candyman") and Patrick Warburton ('Seinfeld') relegated to brief cameo appearances as Millers' parents.

This viewer has tried not to spoil too much here, knowing that potential viewers will appreciate this more if THEY don't know what to expect. I will say this: the filmmakers clearly do know how to manipulate their audience and get them involved; this is a purely visceral movie.

Six out of 10.

Better Watch Out wishes you a "Merry Christmas" by giving you 'Home Alone' on way too much mulled wine.

[TheMovieDiorama · 7/10 · 2 July 2018]

Having completely unacknowledged this horror for quite some time, I actually removed it from my mind. It caught me by surprise one day, bought it, and here we are reviewing a Christmas film in the peak of summer season (sounds about right...). So, naturally, I had no idea what I was getting into except that it resembled a home invasion film. Oh boy, was I wrong. A babysitter is summoned to watch over a family's son and house whilst the parents go out. The son is hoping to get to "second base" with the babysitter, but his plans are paused as the house is seemingly invaded by a masked individual. Let the festivities, begin! Reminiscent to 'Home Alone', it's a story involving mind games where the residents are at an advantage for knowing the layout of their abode, with a specific scene so self-aware that it actually admits to imitating that very film. But, it's not all sweet like gingerbread men and candy canes. Oh no, there is one heck of a twist that I just cannot verbalise, for it would ruin the surprise. And well, who doesn't like a surprise gift at Christmas? Writer/Director Peckover seamlessly persuades the audience's minds into a false sense of security, luring them down the route of obviousness. We are now Christmas pudding in his hands, and he moulds his way through many well executed twists and turns that unsurprisingly caught me off guard. Deranged, yet psychologically entertaining. DeJonge and Miller give fantastic performances, particularly the latter who was clearly enjoying the role. It's well shot, with technical inventiveness, and includes a rather funny screenplay, but above all it is fun. Good old fashion fun. Frequently, the pacing does dip and takes some time for the thrills to build back up. Also, as elaborate as the conclusion was, it just wasn't believable. Alas, the film knows what it is. A disposable thriller that injects some blood-soaked holiday spirit into Christmas. This will certainly be a new favourite of mine during the holiday season.

Not A Comedy Or A Horror, But A Decent Thriller

[isantistao · 6/10 · 18 September 2021]

There's nothing funny about this movie, so I don't know why it is labelled as a comedy first. I didn't laugh once. It's also not scary, but I can see how it would be mislabeled as a horror movie because of the themes of killing and terrorizing. But its more of a thriller than anything. And it is a twisted one. So watch if you are in the mood for a twisted thriller.

Absolutely love this clever horror experience!

[UniqueParticle · 10/10 · 13 December 2019]

My 680th review damn IMDb got rid of the number so I have to do it myself anyway I really enjoy Better Watch Out for what it is! Levi Miller and Ed Oxenbould are very fun to watch; I love how everything plays out. Definitely would wanna avoid spoilers I agree with who says that, I am very satisfied with the epilogue. Better Watch Out is not for everyone which is understandable because it has some outrageous stuff regardless I think the film is spectacular!!

It was actually quite alright...

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 12 June 2018]

I had no expectation for this movie, so I didn't even know what I was sitting down to watch.

It turned out to be a vamped up "Home Alone" just taken to a whole new level.

"Better Watch Out" definitely had an interesting concept and idea for the storyline. However, it also had a very unpredictable plot, which was a stone weighing the movie down. But the story as a whole seemed somewhat implausible.

There was some good acting from the cast, and it was clear that the people here were enjoying what they had to work with.

"Better Watch Out" is a movie that you immerse yourself into while watching. I will say that the movie is somewhat similar to the "The Babysitter" movie from 2017.

If you enjoy a good, albeit not overly scary, horror movie, then "Better Watch Out" is a fair choice for a single viewing.

The Most Manipulative Movie I Have Ever Seen

[olympicator · 1/10 · 5 December 2020]

Is this what we have come to? A horror movie that destroys our ability to connect to one another, just for the sake of subverting expectations?

Fine, I know I'm no connoisseur of horror movies. But in every horror movie that I have actually enjoyed or admired, we ended with a sense of renewed faith in humanity - because horror, like an abyss, can bring us catharsis. Looking at something horrific that should not be allowed to exist, we realize how important it is to connect with our fellow human beings. "Alien," "The Cabin in the Woods," "The Thing," "It Follows," even "Resident Evil" managed a smidgen of that.

But "Better Watch Out" just portrays evil and laughs at it, because it mocks us! Ha ha ha! It portrays the lazy, self-contented n'er-do-wells of American society. I cannot believe that I sound like such an old man as I write this. But I feel as if this movie tried, in quite a unique and ingenious way, to suck the soul out of me.

Doubtless many people will dismiss this review as the ramblings of a prude. But watch the movie and see for yourself how manipulative it is. I reserve the 1 star rating for movies that genuinely offend me, and this one did.

Home Alone and wild

[anil-kulkarni-108-85663 · 7/10 · 27 November 2022]

Call it Home Alone for the Internet age.

This is a delicious twisty tale definitely not for those being baby sat. Harkens back to the Adventures in Babysitting era but from the wrong end of the telescope.

Requires suspension of belief but if you get past that, it's manic energy sucks you in.

Call it Scream redux.

Its the cast that takes this tale to the next level. Again suspension of belief is necessary.

There's enough guns and psychos in America to make this a cautionary tale though.

There is quite a lot of blood and gore so tuck your kids in for the night before you switch this on.

But go for it!

Absolute classic...

[bchisenhall-73717 · 7/10 · 31 August 2022]

I came into this movie not knowing what to expect. I didn't see any trailers or read and summaries. Im a big fan of Ed Oxenbould and decided to give it a shot. The thing that I love about this movie is that there is no real down time. Throughout the movie you are guessing and trying to figure out what is really going on. Levi Miller does an outstanding job in his role. He genuinely made me hate him. I'm not one to "hate" kids, but good god I wanted to strangle this boy. This is the highest I've ever rated a horror movie. The acting, the plot twists, and the action is top notch. Highly recommend watching any time of year. It's in my top 10 favorite horror movies list. Give it a watch, you won't be disappointed.

Home Alone is inverted on its head filtered through the lenses of Patrick Bateman and Norman Bates in this darkly comic thriller that is disturbingly good.

[IonicBreezeMachine · 7/10 · 26 November 2022]

Set during Christmas time, teenager Ashley (Olivia DeJonge) takes a job for the evening babysitting Luke Learner (Levi Miller) while Luke's parents Robert (Patrick Warburton) and Deandra go to a Christmas party. As Luke makes a series of "moves" to Ashley to show his love for her, the two soon find themselves attacked by strange intruders, but there's more going on than it seems.

Better Watch Out is a 2016 Christmas themed horror comedy written by Zach Kahn and Chris Peckover and directed by peckover. Initially intended to be a $500,000 film shot in South Carolina, the budget was expanded to $3 million when Peckover was approached by an Australian produced who wished to collaborate on the film and film it in Australia due to Pecokver's Australian heritage. Distributed on VOD in 2016, the film received acclaim from critics thanks to its twisty nature and darkly humorous take on Christmas and things such as Home Alone and rightly so as Better Watch Out is the Home Alone/Black Christmas Mashup we didn't know we were missing.

A big part of why this film works as well as it does is in large part because of the twist, but let's just say it's a really good twist that shakes the very foundation of this film to the core and leaves you wondering how exactly they're going to go from where we are now. The movie starts as a pretty typical home invasion film, but thanks to the characters in combination with their performances by Olivia DeJonge and Levi Miller it elevates itself above many other home invasion flicks that routinely come out on VOD only to disappear into obscurity. The movie has a pretty savage take on certain thematic elements in this story with digs at things such as "nice guy syndrome", intelligence without emotional intelligence, and gender dynamics that helps to give this film a solid set of teeth it's not afraid of sinking into things.

Better Watch Out is good fun as long as you don't mind your Christmas cheer coming with a side order of terror and brutality. With great performances by DeJonge and Miller and scenes of palpable tension and dread Better Watch Out is a winner.

Fun Christmas horror.

[frances_farmer0 · 7/10 · 24 December 2021]

Home Alone meets American Psycho with a nostalgic vibe, is the best way I could describe it. If you like horror and are in the holiday mood, I'd suggest this one. I enjoyed it. Just don't take it too seriously.

Joy to the world, good Christmas Horror is NOT dead!

[Coventry · 8/10 · 8 January 2020]

Actually, I could even rephrase and state that good horror in general is not dead, because "Better Watch Out" would work just as effectively without the Christmas setting and decorations as well. I think I even read that, at one point, the film was planned as a "regular" horror release under the title "Safe Neighborhood". Still, I - for one - am very happy that it became a Christmas horror film, since I have the silly tradition to watch at least one of those during the holiday period! In case you love Christmas horror as well, I can warmly recommend "Better Watch Out"; - preferably even after having watched "Home Alone" with the entire family, and after the children went to bed.

If you haven't seen "Better Watch Out" yet, it is utmost crucial to avoid spoilers! I'll try not to reveal anything here, but it's simply better not to read any reviews at all in advance. Knowing certain plot twists from beforehand might not entirely ruin your viewing experience, but unawareness and the element of surprise are definitely major added values. I have seen more than 4,000 horrors and thrillers of all sorts over the past 20 years, including certain ones that featured more or less the same abrupt plot twists, but nevertheless I didn't see the twist in "Better Watch Out" coming. Love it when that happens! The script isn't totally unique or 100% original, mind you. The plot twist idea has been done before, but it's the accomplishment of co-writer/director Chris Peckover (previously unknown to me) that he brings it unexpectedly and even quite shockingly. And, as well, thanks to the very talented and convincing cast.

When browsing through the other user comments around here and online, I notice a lot of people deeply dislike "Better Watch Out" for the exact same reasons that I (and luckily many others with me) admire it so much. Bluntly said, yes, this is a "either hate or love it" type of film. Haters claim the scenario is utterly implausible, dumb and far-fetched. Fans, on the other hand, are likely to praise the writers' courage and out-of-the-box thinking style. Big fans, like me, even daresay the plot isn't too impossible at all. Aside from these discussions, "Better Watch Out" inarguably also is a very competent thriller/slasher with great suspense, twisted humor and a handful of nasty moments. The references and homages to the almighty and indestructible Christmas classic "Home Alone" are sublime.

Better Watch Out is incel revenge porn

[jhrader · 1/10 · 7 June 2020]

While this probably isn't the worst movie I've ever seen, it did leave me the most confused I've ever been at how a studio thought putting money up for this trash was a good move. Then, after watching it, I saw that it did, generally, get good reviews. And I was baffled. Here's why.

The premise of the movie is absurd. Now, I know that a lot of you will say "yeah, duh." But it's absurd in a way that only flies if we're all kind of in on the joke, and like the joke, from the get go. And honestly, the only way you could be in on this joke, or appreciate it after the fact, is if you're a sexless creep that's planning on shooting up a girls' dorm and thought "hey, Hollywood finally gets me." This movie plays like a less plausible Silence of the Lambs, if Hannibal Lecter were a snarky, post-woke adolescent that nobody but an actual sociopath -- one that doesn't know how physics or human bodies work -- could be rooting for.

Now I know that movies sometimes make the protagonist(s) a villain. I know that. But this protagonist/villain is so specifically about girl/chad hate that you'd need to have lived under a rock for the past few years to miss the connection. The disturbing elements of the plot seem less edgy, in the context of current events, and more slimy, creepy, and disappointing.

And beyond the edge factor, there is absolutely nothing good about it. So, that's that. Better give Better Watch Out a pass.