Directed by Christian Alvart and starring some big names including Renee Zellweger (Bridget Jones Diary), Ian McShane (American Horror Story) and Bradley Cooper (The Hangover), Case 39 is an entertaining effort.
The story bases itself around dedicated social worker Emily Jenkins (Renee Zellweger) who is totally consumed by her work. She is given a tough case in which she suspect’s pretty young Lilith Sullivan (Jodelle Ferland) is being abused her seemingly cold and unloving parents. When Emily receives a desperate phone call from Lily in the middle of the night she rushes over there only be greeted with what looks like a pair of sinister parents with dark desires and treating their child like a roast chicken. The movie has a strong start and you can’t help but feel sympathy for the young girl.
Lily latches on to her rescuer, and against her better judgment, Emily agrees to find the girl a suitable loving environment. Things start to go well for Lilith within in her new beginning but the more that Emily gets to know Lily, the more she realizes that the innocent child isn’t as innocent as she seems and perhaps her parents had the right intentions.
Lily begins to take on a very creepy attitude that is extremely convincing, using intelligent mocking dialogue and evil smirks, with Jodelle doing extremely well at playing her character.
Case 39 does its job in delivering solid entertainment aspect, if derivative in some parts. Of course it’s not without its faults and probably isn’t going to top anyone’s greatest horror movie list but it does have a couple of nice memorable set pieces, some effective jumps and a fine supporting cast. I enjoyed it.
If you like a mystery thriller with some decent acting check out Case 39.
WICKED RATING: 6/10
Title: Case 39
Director(s): Christian Alvart
Writer(s): Ray Wright
Stars: Renée Zellweger, Ian McShane, Jodelle Ferland, Bradley Cooper
Year: 2009
Studio/ Production Co: Paramount Vantage, Misher Films, Anonymous Content
Budget: $27,000,000 (estimated)
Language: English
Length: 109mins
Sub-Genre: Mystery, Thriller
