Is Amusement Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Amusement is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 85 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Amusement Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2008, Amusement emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Mystery domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of While being interrogated by a police psychiatrist, the near-catatonic Tabitha tries to explain why she and two of her childhood friends are being hunted by a serial killer. Unlike standard genre fare, Amusement attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Amusement features a noteworthy lineup led by Keir O'Donnell . Supported by the likes of Tad Hilgenbrink and Katheryn Winnick , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Amusement (2008) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Amusement Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Amusement is a Horror, Mystery film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Amusement Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Amusement attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Amusement reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Amusement?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Amusement Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $170.3K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Amusement Budget
The estimated production budget for Amusement is $6.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Amusement
- Keir O'Donnell – The Laugh
- Tad Hilgenbrink – Rob
- Katheryn Winnick – Tabitha
- Laura Breckenridge – Shelby
- Jessica Lucas – Lisa
Top Highlights
Keir O'DonnellThe Laugh
Tad HilgenbrinkRob
Katheryn WinnickTabitha
Laura BreckenridgeShelby
Jessica LucasLisa
Reid ScottDan
Rena OwenPsychiatrist
Kevin GageTryton
Brennan BaileyDanny
Preston BaileyMax
Where to Watch Amusement Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Amusement is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.6/10, and global collection metrics, Amusement stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2008 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amusement movie hit or flop?
Amusement has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Amusement worth watching?
Amusement is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Mystery movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Amusement online?
Amusement may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Amusement Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Amusement
A bit of a mess but offers some _amusement_. Starts out more like a anthology horror type of movie with 3 seperate shortfilms (of sorts even though they are all very much in the same universe and get tied together after a while). The first two 'shortfilms' were good, maybe even really good. With some genuinly creepy and well-crafted horror moments and really good cinematography. The third 'shortfilm' however, was not very good. In fact I would probably say it was mostly crap. In that one Jessica Lucas takes the lead and she (as usual perhaps) doesn't really try to do much acting and instead focuses on looking pretty. The second half where they all get tied in together, is really despite having it's moments with the solid cinematography continuing and some decent enough atmosphere is in the end very much a very messy ordeal with one plothole after the other and in the end doesn't make a whole lot of sense, if any.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
