No sympathy for this 'Devil'

“Devil” is relatively successful at creating a sense of dread in its first few minutes.

Unfortunately, that only includes the opening credits.

The credits in question feature an upside down aerial sequence over Toronto. It’s such a simple effect, and yet it’s nearly impossible not to feel squeamish. In a regularly oriented aerial shot, there’s not much fear of a fall, but I couldn’t help imagining falling off the world into nothingness.

Everything else is disappointing compared to that clever sequence. Five people get stuck in an elevator while police detectives and unfortunate do-gooders do their best to free them. Oh, and the Devil is there too. Apparently it doesn’t have anything better to do.

The problem is that the people stuck in the elevator have no redeeming qualities whatsoever, so it’s a bit difficult to feel any sympathy for them. Chris Messina, who plays the detective in charge of trying to save these people, could be forgiven for calling it a day and just going home.

I wish I had done the same.