Handyman
Handyman

Movie spotlight

Handyman

2006
Movie
93 min
German

Mike Duerst gets dumped by his girlfriend, because she is pregnant by her former boyfriend. In his despair Mike gets in contact with Gregor Frank, a psychologist, who, in his radio show, claims to know all about women.Gregor promises Mike to find the perfect woman, if he agrees to be the subject for his upcoming psychological advisory book. Mike accepts. So Gregor explains Mike the typical patterns of women's behavior.

Insights

IMDb4.9/10
Director: Takahiro FurukawaGenres: Horror, Thriller

Plot Summary

A group of young friends decide to play a supernatural game called 'The Handyman' where they each have to say 'Handyman, Handyman, are you there?' into a mirror. When one of them goes missing shortly after, they realize their game might have had terrifyingly real consequences. As they try to uncover what happened, they are drawn into a dark mystery involving a vengeful spirit.

Critical Reception

Handyman was a low-budget Japanese horror film that gained a cult following primarily through online distribution and word-of-mouth. While not a mainstream critical darling, it was noted for its effective atmosphere and jump scares, appealing to fans of J-horror. Audience reception was mixed, with some appreciating its disturbing premise and others finding its execution to be formulaic.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its creepy J-horror atmosphere and unsettling premise.

  • Criticized for predictable plot points and reliance on common horror tropes.

  • Seen as a decent entry for fans of supernatural thrillers on a budget.

Google audience: Audience reviews for Handyman are scarce due to its niche distribution, but what is available suggests a divided opinion, with some viewers finding the film suspenseful and effective, while others found it lacking in originality and depth.

Fun Fact

The 'Handyman' game in the film is inspired by a real-life Japanese urban legend of a similar name, often associated with summoning spirits or a malevolent entity.

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