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Ouija (2014 film)

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Ouija
Ouija
Theatrical release poster
Directed byStiles White
Screenplay by
Story byStiles White
Based onOuija
by Hasbro
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyDavid Emmerichs
Edited byKen Blackwell
Music byAnton Sanko
Production
companies
Distributed byUniversal Pictures
Release date
  • October 24, 2014 (2014-10-24) (United States)
Running time
89 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$5–8 million[2][3]
Box office$103.6 million[2]

Ouija is a 2014 American supernatural horror film directed by Stiles White in his directorial debut, produced by Jason Blum, Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Bradley Fuller, and Bennett Schneir and written by Juliet Snowden and White, who previously together wrote The Possession.[4] It stars Olivia Cooke, Daren Kagasoff, Douglas Smith, and Bianca A. Santos as teenagers who have unleashed spirits from a Ouija board.

Ouija was released on October 24, 2014, by Universal Pictures. The film was a commercial success, grossing $103.6 million worldwide over a $5–8 million budget, but was overwhelmingly panned by critics, with many criticizing its performances, inconsistent tone, characters and story.

A prequel directed by Mike Flanagan, titled Ouija: Origin of Evil, was released in 2016 to much more positive reviews.

Plot

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Debbie recalls playing Ouija with her best friend Laine as children. In present day, she throws her Ouija board into the fire and implies to Laine that something strange happened with the board. After Laine leaves, the Ouija board reappears in Debbie's bedroom. Debbie becomes possessed and hangs herself inside her home.

Laine attends Debbie's wake with her boyfriend Trevor, sister Sarah, friend Isabelle, and Debbie's boyfriend Pete. The five friends meet at Debbie's house and use her Ouija board to try communicating with her. Strange things happen, and a presence smashes Pete's hand and face into a mirror. The friends start finding the phrase "Hi friend" (a message communicated during the Ouija board session) written in different places, like Isabelle's car and Pete's desk. Thinking Deb is trying to communicate with them, they have another Ouija session and discover that they are actually in contact with a spirit calling itself "DZ." Laine sees the image of a little girl with her mouth sewn shut. The girl warns them to run because her mother is coming. Laine later learns that Deb found the Ouija board in her attic and played alone.

Isabelle is possessed and killed. Laine and Pete search Deb's attic and find a box of old photographs that belonged to the previous residents. While researching the previous family's history, they learn of a little girl named Doris who went missing. Doris' sister Paulina, now an old woman committed to a psychiatric hospital, explains that her mother was a medium and used Doris as a vessel for the dead to speak through. Their mother went mad and sewed Doris' mouth shut, killing her. She tells Laine that there is a secret room in the house where Laine must find Doris' hidden body and unstitch her mouth in order for the girl to banish their mother. The friends go back to the house, where Laine finds Doris' corpse and cuts the stitches on her mouth. Doris' mother's spirit protests, but Doris chases away the ghost. Pete becomes possessed and is killed.

Laine revisits Paulina, realizing that she was in allegiance with Doris all along and had intentionally lied. Doris is the evil entity and her mother was trying to stop the friends from summoning her.[5] Laine's grandmother advises the sisters to destroy Doris' body and the Ouija board. Doris' ghost drowns Trevor and captures Sarah to sew her mouth shut. Laine plays the Ouija board alone to draw the spirit's attention. Doris starts possessing Laine, but Debbie's ghost helps Laine defeat Doris. Sarah and Laine throw Doris' body and the Ouija board into the furnace, stopping the paranormal activity. Later, Laine finds that the planchette has mysteriously appeared back at her home and looks through it.

Cast

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Production

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Development

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Ouija began development in May 2008 with Universal Pictures attached.[10] David Berenbaum was hired to write the script, while Michael Bay, Andrew Form, and Bryan Fuller of Platinum Dunes were slated to produce.[11] In October 2010, the studio had set a release date of November 21, 2012.[12] That same month, Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis had written a new script, while Sylvain White, Scott Stewart, and Pierre Morel were in talks to direct.[13] The film was described as a "four-quadrant supernatural adventure" akin to The Mummy and Indiana Jones.[14] By December, the studio had passed on all pitches from the aforementioned filmmakers, including John Moore, and were now considering McG and Breck Eisner to direct.[15] The next month, McG was set to direct.[16] In April, Evan Spiliotopoulos was hired for rewrites when Horowitz and Kitsis where tied to other commitments.[17] In June, Simon Kinberg, who previously wrote This Means War for McG, was brought in for further revisions.[18] In August, Universal abandoned Ouija due to its "tentpole level" budget, leading to the film's producers meeting with Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox.[19][20] Kinberg's draft would have cost $125 million to produce.[21] In October, Hasbro Studios opted to restructure the film to accommodate a lower budget.[22] Marti Noxon was hired to rewrite the script, in order to tone down the film's scale and instead craft a "more intimate, atmospheric -- and scary -- movie".[23] Following the project's reconfiguration, McG was no longer involved while Jason Blum of Blumhouse Productions and Universal boarded the film in March 2012.[24] A 2013 release window and a $5 million budget were instated.[25] In July 2012, Juliet Snowden and Stiles White were hired to write a new screenplay with White directing.[26]

Pre-production

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Across December 2013, Olivia Cooke, Douglas Smith, Bianca Santos, Erin Moriarty, Ana Coto, Vivis Colombetti, Daren Kagasoff, and Matthew Settle joined the cast.[6][7][8][9]

Filming

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Principal photography began mid December 2013 in Los Angeles wrapped in January 2014.

Reshoots took place in May 2014 after a poor test screening,[27] which, according to Olivia Cooke, resulted in half the film being re-shot. With the reshoots, Lin Shaye was added to the film to play a newly written character, Erin Moriarty's character was removed from the film entirely, and new plot points were added or changed entirely. The most notable of changes included the character of Doris Zander's physical appearance changing from that of a burnt looking girl to a rotting, decomposing girl with stitches in her mouth.[28] Mike Flanagan contributed ideas to the film prior to reshoots but denied directing the film in any capacity. Flanagan also affirmed the film had a "rough journey to completion" and "a long post-production phase".[29]

Release

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Theatrical

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Universal released Ouija in the United States on October 24, 2014.[30] A tie-in novelization for the film by Katharine Turner was released on September 16, 2014.[31]

Home media

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Ouija was released in the US on DVD and Blu-ray on February 3, 2015.[32]

Reception

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Box office

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In North America, the film was released to 2,858 theaters and earned $19,875,995[33] on its opening weekend (including its $911,000 gross on Thursday preview nights and $8.3 million on its opening day).[34][35][36] at an average of $7,000 per theater, debuting at number one at the box office ahead of newly released John Wick ($14.2 million).[37] The film played 75% under-25 years old and 61% female on its opening weekend.[38]

Ouija was released in five international markets and earned $1.3 million from 234 screens. The film went to number two in Malaysia ($545,000), number four in Taiwan ($331,000), number two in Singapore ($238,000) and also number four in Poland ($137,000).[39] In its second weekend the film earned $5.7 million from 1,166 screens in 19 territories for a two weekend international total of $7.7 million. It went to number one in the UK, Indonesia and the Philippines. In the UK, the film earned $2.2 million on its opening weekend, which is the second biggest opening weekend for a horror film in 2014 only behind Annabelle ($3.1 million). Ouija made a domestic total of $50,856,010 and $52,618,000 overseas, for a worldwide total of $103,674,010.[40]

Critical response

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According to the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 6% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 90 reviews, with an average rating of 3.2/10. The website's critics consensus states: "Slowly, steadily, although no one seems to be moving it in that direction, the Ouija planchette points to NO."[41] Metacritic, another review aggregator which assigns and normalizes scores of critic reviews, gave the film a weighted average score of 38 out of 100 based on reviews from 22 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews".[42] Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film a "C" grade.[43]

Novelization

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The film was novelized by Katharine Turner. The novel was released on September 16, 2014.[31]

Prequel

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Main article: Ouija: Origin of Evil

Throughout January 2015, reports of a sequel were announced. In February 2015, it was confirmed the film was in development and had no release date. Jason Blum stated "We're a ways away ..."[44] In April 2015, it was announced that the sequel would be released on October 21, 2016. Mike Flanagan would direct and co-write the sequel with his Oculus co-writer Jeff Howard. The film would be produced by Michael Bay, Brad Fuller, Andrew Form, Jason Blum, Brian Goldner, and Stephen Davis. Annalise Basso and Kaylee Procter would star in the sequel.[45][46] It was then announced that Ouija: Origin of Evil would serve as a prequel to the first film. It was released in the United States on October 21, 2016, and unlike its predecessor, it gained far more positive reviews.[47]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "OUIJA (15)". British Board of Film Classification. October 15, 2014. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  2. ^ a b "Ouija (2014)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
  3. ^ "Feature Film Study" (PDF). Film L.A. Inc. 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 1, 2016. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  4. ^ Kroll, Justin (July 16, 2012). "U recruits pair to rewrite, helm 'Ouija'". Variety. Retrieved February 6, 2014.
  5. ^ The prequel film Ouija: Origin of Evil reveals that the spirit inhabiting the body of Doris is actually that of a Polish man named Marcus.
  6. ^ a b c Kit, Borys (December 6, 2013). "'Bates Motel' Actress to Star in Universal's 'Ouija'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  7. ^ a b c d e Ford, Rebecca (December 11, 2013). "Universal's 'Ouija' Adds 'The Fosters,' 'Red Widow' Actresses". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  8. ^ a b "Daren Kagasoff Joins 'Ouija'". Deadline Hollywood. December 4, 2013. Retrieved February 5, 2014.
  9. ^ a b "Matthew Settle Joins 'Ouija' Cast". Deadline Hollywood. December 13, 2013. Retrieved February 6, 2014.
  10. ^ Kit, Borys (May 28, 2008). "Michael Bay conjures 'Ouija' movie". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  11. ^ Tilly, Chris (May 29, 2008). "Ouija Feature Planned". IGN. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  12. ^ Fischer, Russ (October 29, 2010). "Universal Sets Release Dates For Ouija, The Bourne Legacy, The Dark Tower And More". /Film. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  13. ^ Toro, Gabe (October 28, 2010). "Pierre Morel, Scott Stewart, Sylvain White Fighting To Direct Dubious Board Game Movie Ouija". IndieWire. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  14. ^ Lyttleton, Oliver (December 20, 2010). "Creatures From The Depths Of Hell: McG & Breck Eisner Competing For Director's Chair On Ouija". IndieWire. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  15. ^ Kit, Borys (December 18, 2010). "Exclusive: McG, Breck Eisner Vying to Direct Universal's Ouija". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  16. ^ Barr, Jason (January 4, 2011). "McG Will Direct Ouija". Collider. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  17. ^ Kit, Borys (April 19, 2011). "Evan Spiliotopoulos to Pen Universal's Ouija". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  18. ^ Barton, Steve (June 16, 2011). "Universal's Ouija Spells Out the Name of Another New Writer". Dread Central. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  19. ^ Lussier, Germain (August 23, 2011). "Universal Says Goodbye To 'Ouija'". /Film. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  20. ^ Kit, Borys (August 24, 2011). "Universal Scraps 'Ouija' Movie as Studios Eye Budgets Closely". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  21. ^ Weinstein, Josh (November 30, 2011). "Ouija Gets a Different Spirit From Buffy Writer Marti Noxon". TheWrap. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  22. ^ "Hasbro CEO Says 'Ouija' Board Moves to "Yes"". Bloody Disgusting. October 17, 2011. Retrieved February 6, 2014.
  23. ^ Weinstein, Josh (November 30, 2011). "Ouija Gets Different Spirit From Buffy Writer". Reuters. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  24. ^ Kit, Borys (March 5, 2012). "Hasbro's 'Ouija' Movie Returns to Universal, Set for 2013 Release". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  25. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (March 5, 2012). "Universal Re-Conjures Ouija And Sets 2013 Release". Deadline. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  26. ^ Kroll, Justin (July 16, 2012). "Universal Recruits Pair to Rewrite, Helm Ouija". Variety. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  27. ^ "New Ouija Trailer". Facebook. Retrieved July 27, 2015.
  28. ^ "Olivia Cooke Ouija Bates Motel season 3 interview". Collider. October 23, 2014. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
  29. ^ Grove, David (September 9, 2016). "Exclusive Interview: Mike Flanagan Talks Ouija: Origin of Evil: "I Understand the Skepticism"". iHorror. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  30. ^ "Universal Dates Crimson Peak, Ouija, Pitch Perfect 2 and More!". comingsoon.net. January 30, 2014. Retrieved February 5, 2014.
  31. ^ a b Katharine Turner (September 16, 2014). 'Ouija'. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-0316296328 – via Amazon.com.
  32. ^ "Ouija DVD Release Date February 3, 2015".
  33. ^ "Weekend Box Office: October 24-26, 2014". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved November 1, 2014.
  34. ^ Anita Busch (October 24, 2014). "'Ouija' Box Office Starts With $911K, 'John Wick' $870K – B.O. Late Nights". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 27, 2014.
  35. ^ Anita Busch (October 26, 2014). "'Ouija' Says Yes To No. 1, 'John Wick' No. 2 With A Bullet, 'St. Vincent,' Superb Exit Polls – B.O. Weekend". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 27, 2014.
  36. ^ Pamela McClintock (October 26, 2014). "Box Office: 'Ouija' Spooks Keanu Reeves' 'John Wick' With $20M Debut". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on October 27, 2014. Retrieved October 27, 2014.
  37. ^ Maane Khatchatourian (October 26, 2014). "'Ouija' Scares Up Box Office Win Ahead of Keanu Reeves' 'John Wick'". Variety. Retrieved October 27, 2014.
  38. ^ Scott Mendelson (October 26, 2014). "Box Office: 'Ouija' Summons $20M Weekend, Keanu Reeves' 'John Wick' Nabs $14M". Forbes. Retrieved October 27, 2014.
  39. ^ Nancy Tartaglione (October 26, 2014). "Int'l Box Office: 'Annabelle' Still A Doll With $26.5M Frame; 'Fury' Wages $11.2M; 'Lucy' Outmuscles 'Hercules' In China; 'Guardians' Warps To #3 On 2014 Global Hit List; More". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 27, 2014.
  40. ^ Nancy Tartaglione (November 2, 2014). "'Turtles', 'Maze Runner' Top Int'l Box Office; 'Guardians' Is 2014's #2 Pic: Update". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 3, 2014.
  41. ^ "Ouija (2014)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  42. ^ "Ouija Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  43. ^ McClintock, Pamela (October 26, 2014). "Box Office: 'Ouija' Spooks Keanu Reeves' 'John Wick' With $20M Debut". The Hollywood Reporter. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  44. ^ Donguines, Arvin (February 7, 2015). "'Ouija 2' Plot Spoilers, Rumors: Producer Jason Blum Talks Sequel Development". The Christian Post. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  45. ^ Petski, Denise (April 30, 2015). "'Ouija 2′ Set For October 2016; Jason Blum Back as Producer". Deadline. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
  46. ^ Kroll, Justin (August 14, 2015). "'Ouija 2' Lands Director Mike Flanagan, Actress Annalise Basso". Variety.
  47. ^ Mattson, Kelcie (November 1, 2023). "Only Mike Flanagan Could Make a Quality Prequel to a Bad Horror Movie". Collider. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
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