Actually wanted to like 'Malicious', and yes there was the intention to judge the film for myself after watching it and even more intention to judge it fairly. Both have always been the case with me when it comes to reviewing a film. The idea was attention-grabbing and it didn't look too bad, so there was potential.

Potential that was not lived up to very well at all. 'Malicious' was not a waste of time but it is a long way from a must watch from personal opinion. Didn't regret watching it and didn't find that my intelligence was insulted, something that cannot be said for some other films seen recently, it just didn't compel let alone unsettle me which is a primary factor as to why 'Malicious' as an overall film doesn't work.

Lets start with the good things. 'Malicious' started off very well, it does draw one right in, sets things up promisingly and has an eerie vibe. It's a decent looking film, with the setting giving off the right amount of unease and the photography has atmosphere. The music is haunting and not too obvious or intrusive.

Generally the acting was better than average. Nobody over-compensates and nobody looks uncomfortable or robotic.

However, while the characters don't annoy there could have been much more development to them. The script is an overload of cheese and awkwardness and the direction is at best lethargic.

'Malicious' biggest issue is the story. There is very little tension, suspense or dread, with the scares infrequent and being going-through-the-motions-like and obvious when they appear. It is dull too often despite starting off so well and is very predictable from the excessive over-familiarity of a lot of scenes, while it becomes increasingly far-fetched and confused. Not enough is explained properly either, too much is left vague and leaves one scratching their heads.

Not a waste of time but doesn't scare or compel enough. 4/10 Bethany Cox

Adam (Josh Stewart) got a dream job teaching math at a university that sets him up in a wonderful faculty home. His wife Lisa (Bojana Novakovic) who is expecting, loves the house. Her New Age sister Becky (Melissa Bolona) sends her a fertility box. Once Lisa opens the box, her problems begin as she sees things...including the woman killed in the first scene. Adam works for Dr. Clark (Delroy Lindo) who in addition to math, teaches paranormal studies. He is asked to help out.

It is a fair horror story. Nothing overpowering or memorable, but not a bad film either.

Guide: F-word, sex, nudity (Bailee MyKell Cowperthwaite)

College professor Adam (a fine performance by Josh Stuart) and his pregnant wife Lisa (a sound and appealing portrayal by Bojana Novakovic) move into a country house just outside of town. Things are okay for a while until a malevolent entity gets unleashed that targets Lisa and her unborn baby.

Writer/director Michael Winnick relates the absorbing story at a steady pace, takes time to develop the sympathetic main characters, grounds the fantastic premise in a believable everyday reality, and ably crafts a creepy and unsettling atmosphere. The solid acting by the capable cast keeps this movie humming: Delroy Lindo as laid-back blind occult expert Dr. Clark, Melissa Bolona as Lisa's meddlesome vamp sister Becky, and Ben VanderMey as likeable hunk David. The uncompromisingly grim ending packs a devastating punch. A neat little fright flick.