Mama is an interesting case that I honestly can't say I wasn't that "scared" per se, but that never became a problem. I was always invested in what was going on, and a lot of that I think comes down to the acting, and the direction.
The films does have its weaknesses though. Now according to some sources (including this site), there wasn't that much CGI, but when there is, it's very obvious, and it doesn't hold up very well. While it's not terrible, it's not very good either. Also, while it generally avoids standard horror tropes, it does occasionally slip into them, and it can stick out like a sore thumb. The dialogue is also not much really to write home about, though I suppose it's get the job done.
In all, I really enjoyed Mama for what it was, especially for a first film on the part of the director. It does have its flaws, and I can understand some people being distracted by them. I'd honestly be more inclined to call it a "thriller" with horror aspects, than an outright "horror" with how it impacts the characters' and how the story progresses, but that's a weakness for me. Give it a watch, and decide for yourself.
An Interesting Balance
Mama is an interesting case that I honestly can't say I wasn't that "scared" per se, but that never became a problem. I was always invested in what was going on, and a lot of that I think comes down to the acting, and the direction.
Director Andrés Muschietti has a strength for telling horror stories that have emotional weight to them, and this film is no exception. The greatest strength of the film is its ability to mesh Heart Warming with Nightmare Fuel so fluidly. A scene can be creepy and ominous, and yet gentle and tender at the same time. It makes for interesting dichotomy, that ultimately benefits the story greatly. On that note, the characters in this are another major strength; they all have their arcs, and their bonds are sincere and believable. I makes for a strong, and investing film experience.
The films does have its weaknesses though. Now according to some sources (including this site), there wasn't that much CGI, but when there is, it's very obvious, and it doesn't hold up very well. While it's not terrible, it's not very good either. Also, while it generally avoids standard horror tropes, it does occasionally slip into them, and it can stick out like a sore thumb. The dialogue is also not much really to write home about, though I suppose it's get the job done.
In all, I really enjoyed Mama for what it was, especially for a first film on the part of the director. It does have its flaws, and I can understand some people being distracted by them. I'd honestly be more inclined to call it a "thriller" with horror aspects, than an outright "horror" with how it impacts the characters' and how the story progresses, but that's a weakness for me. Give it a watch, and decide for yourself.