380. Max Winslow and The House Of Secrets; movie review

 

 

MAX WINSLOW AND THE HOUSE OF SECRETS

Cert 12A

98 mins

BBFC advice: Contains moderate fantasy threat

How many film-makers will attempt to get on the Hogwarts Express and find themselves stuck at platform nine and three-quarters?

They don't seem to understand that the reason for the success of the Harry Potter franchise was the brilliant writing of J.K.Rowling.

She introduced all sorts of magical shenanigans but she also stuck fast to the three main characters.

Children could imagine they were Harry, Hermione or Ron and live their adventures in their shoes.

Sean Olson's Max Winslow And The House Of Secrets has a similar thread although it combines elements of wizardry with tech and life-or-death gaming.

It stars Sydne Mikelle as geeky teenager Maxine who is among five youngsters invited by a world-famous tech genius (Chad Michael Murray) to take part in a contest to win his mansion.

Of course, it is not straightforward - they have to outwit the artificial intelligence, called Haven (voiced by Marina Sirtis) which controls the house.

Unfortunately for them, it soon becomes clear that it has an evil mind of its own.

As well as the obvious Harry Potter links there are other Hollywood influences at play here including Westworld in which AI take over a luxury holiday resort.

Therefore, Max and those who had initially seemed to be her opponents have to fight to save their lives.

The problem is that there isn't enough character exploration for us to care if they survive and the special effects are not dazzling enough to compensate.

In addition, the acting is weak and the movie's conclusion is dismally unsatisfying.

I wondered at whom the movie is aimed because I couldn't imagine teenagers, brought up on a diet of Marvel and DC would think it any better than a damp squib.

Maybe the sevens to 11s? Even that would be stretching it.

Reasons to watch: If you are 12

Reasons to avoid: Disappointing lack of impact

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 3.5/10

Did you know? A report in The Mirror stated in 2020 that one of the next major leaps for the smart home will enable it to tailor your living environment to your personal health and lifestyle needs. For example, your smartwatch and smart bed monitor may monitor your sleeping patterns and ascertain you didn’t get much sleep last night. The next night your home may suggest or activate an environment more conducive to sleep – dimming lights, setting a warmer ambient temperature or suggesting more relaxed movies.

The final word. Marina Sirtis: "I did a panto in Bridlington two years ago and when I was doing the BBC local radio, he said to me: “How did they get you to come to Bridlington?” And I went: “They asked!” So basically, if you want me to appear in any project, just ask!" Sci Fi Now

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