Review of The Black Phone

Poorly executed and lacking in any form of intrigue or horror atmosphere. Symptomatic of modern horror trend to make a hallow, superficial and dull story without any character arc or depth. Why would anyone care about the characters in this story? Ethan Hawke's character is completely lifeless. The black balloons imagery was lazy and the mask was laughable. The fact that this was even allowed to have a worldwide theatrical release is a sign of the dumbed-down and watery culture we are currently experiencing.