Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Don’t Look in the Cellar’

Written by Scott Edwards 

One of the hardest things growing up is figuring out how to fit in with the cool crowd. Everyone wants to be accepted into these ranks, but for some people it is more difficult because of how they look, act, etc. It is rare for a member of these groups to reach out to someone that is different and knows little about the person, but when they do, there is excitement like no other to join into the group and feel accepted.

Melissa has been an outcast for most of her life, and things didn’t change much after her mother died. Being taken care of by her older sister Cheryl, Melissa knows that she does not fit in anywhere and takes out her frustration whenever she can. Although times have been tough, Cheryl has a plan for the two to save up enough money to leave town and start over fresh, but it is taking time and that is not something that her younger sister is okay with.

At the local college, a group of friends have heard the stories about the abandoned asylum and are looking to make up some extra credit for investigating the story that has been told around town. The teacher starts off against the idea but gives in as kids will be kids and if they are able to find anything out, it could be beneficial to the class. The group pulls together a plan and is ready to make it a night that they will never forget and being on Halloween, there will be a great excuse to have a party while doing so.

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​Being able to secure a key to get in, the group invites Melissa on the adventure since she has lived in the town her entire life and there are stories about her mother being in the asylum as well. Trying to break through her quiet exterior the group enters into a game of Truth or Dare that leaves them all angry with the outcome. Running around the old building, they run into a former inmate named Wendell who wants them to leave as soon as possible before something bad happens. With all of the doors locked, the group has to find a way to escape before they get into trouble, or even worse, get killed.

Don’t Look in the Cellar follows the story between sisters Melissa and Cheryl. Cheryl has had to grow up quickly and take care of her little sister since their mother died. Melissa is at the point of not listening to her sister any longer and since Cheryl does not have authority over her, Melissa will do whatever she wants. Going to the old asylum with her new friends, Melissa sees how nice it is to be for accepted once in her life, but when things start to go wrong with the party aspect of the night, she starts to feel out of place once again. With her sister trying to find her, Melissa is upset once more, but finds out that there is a secret behind what really happened in the asylum and it involves her family's past. Trying to escape with her sister, the two are forced to team up and survive the attacks of an inmate of the facility that has never left.

A throwback to the old ‘Don’t” series of movies that changed the horror movie world.  What happens when you get told not to do something? Of course, you do it and that is what happens here. There are no deep messages to be found in this movie, just a crazy killer that does not want anyone in his space. There are parts that will make you squirm a little bit and a twist that will leave you shaking your head.  With plenty of blood, it is a good little slasher film that is fun and even though you know what will happen when you go down to the cellar, it is fun to see what happens next. Stay Scared.

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