Countdown to generic tropes

Writing Quality: So-so. If there had been more of an explanation about the alleged curse that takes place once somebody downloads the Countdown app, and more logic and credibility to it, the premise wouldn't have been so bad. Unfortunately, the script relies on more of an episodic feel (think The Flash meets Final Destination in a special TV series) rather than an actual feature-length film. The acting is OK, but nothing special, which doesn't help. There are attempts to create a deeper layer with the main character and her sister's relationship, but it gets buried under uninspiring plot points. In the penultimate scene, the main character goes over the top, which jolted me out of the scene for a bit. That said, I did enjoy the jump scares and the way the main characters reached out for help to put an end to the evil app.

Scare Factor: The director depends on sudden jump scares, a trite convention, but they do scare, especially once we start to see the unknown entity. The kill scenes are rather swift, and thankfully non-graphic, so the scare factor is minimal in that sense. However, the ringtone the app makes when death is near proves eerie and effective.

Content (sex, language, & violence): No sex or nudity, but a girl putting her hand in a man's pant is suggested, not shown, a few strong curse words, curt violence for the most part, aside from a stronger show of it in the penultimate scene.

Values & Themes: Guilt over a past event leads to deepening bonds and resolution/forgiveness. The main characters seek to put an end to the curse and prevent others from downloading the app. A priest is anxious about demons; armed with research and the Bible, he helps them implement a plan to stop it.

Saving Grace: The priest is hilarious, using his knowledge of the Bible and his excitement over a real-life situation with demons to help them combat the evil fate of the app.

#Countdown