True horror with Cassie Scerbo, but the second half's too painful

RELEASED IN 2017 and directed by Nick Simon, "Truth or Dare" concerns eight college students who decide to party overnight at a house where several similar youths died under mysterious circumstances in 1983. Some kind of malevolent entity linked to the house forces them to play three rounds of 'Truth or Dare,' with each round upping the ante. Will any of them survive?

While "Truth or Dare" begins as a haunted house flick, it branches out after the first act. In other words, the youths aren't stuck in the house the entire movie. This is good because a one-dimensional setting like that can be challenging to pull off for filmmakers, as well as tedious to sit through for viewers (but 2017's "House of the Witch" surprisingly pulled off the challenge).

The first 15 minutes or so are kinda fun due to the party element, but things quickly take a dark, serious turn. The mostly no-name cast is effective with Cassie Scerbo standing out as the main protagonist. She's not so no-name, of course, and the movie doesn't fail to highlight her beauty (and I'm not tawkin' 'bout nudity). Alexxis Lemire & Christina Masterson are also notable in the female department, as is Taylor Lyons in the prologue.

The story is deeper than it first appears, as an interesting psychological element is eventually introduced. If you like austere TV-budget horror akin to "House of the Witch" mixed with "From Within" (2008), you'll appreciate "Truth or Dare," but be forewarned: The second half becomes increasingly painful to watch due to the "Hostel"-like 'dares' the kids must face. These parts aren't entertaining in the least, but they're gripping. And the actors are convincing.

THE MOVIE RUNS about 89 minutes and was shot in the Eastern USA (no info on the exact town/state). WRITERS: Thommy Hutson & Ethan Lawrence. ADDITIONAL CAST: Heather Langenkamp from "A Nightmare on Elm Street" fame has a small role.

GRADE: B

"Truth or Dare" (2017) starts off with a decent introduction to its characters, setting the stage for what could have been an engaging horror ride. The first half builds some suspense and excitement, but as the second act progresses, the story starts to lose its way. By the time the third act rolls around, things fall apart with a lack of payoff, no real climax, no satisfying answers, and no closure. It leaves you with the feeling that the movie could have done so much more with its premise.

The acting is solid but not remarkable, and while the cinematography is passable, it doesn't do much to elevate the experience. The score? Honestly, I barely noticed it, which says a lot. The sets and locations are functional at best, but nothing stands out or enhances the atmosphere. Overall, it’s a movie that had potential but ultimately settled for mediocrity. It’s not a terrible watch if you want something simple, but don’t expect it to leave a lasting impression.