The Black Phone is a well made and generally entertaining slice of horror that delivers a few thrills while never really doing anything especially unique or memorable. The film spends a bit of time introducing us to our main characters - a young boy and his sister, who apparently has some kind of psychic ability - and the main premise, which focuses on a guy in a black van going around kidnapping various kids in the area. Inevitably the main kid becomes the next victim and the main conceit of the film involves a disconnected phone that the previous victims use to connect with him from beyond the grave, apparently to help him out of his predicament. Probably the most notable thing about The Black Phone is Ethan Hawke, who plays against type as the sadistic child killer at the centre. He's deliciously creepy in the role despite having his face always at least half obscured by an ever changing mask. The story is interesting and portrayed in a way that is easy to follow despite a few gaps in logic. The way that all the pieces connect as we glide towards the conclusion is satisfying in itself, and the work in building up the characters and situation early in the story pays off as the film pulls on the heart strings at the end while delivering a message about standing up for youself. It's fine on the whole, but I wouldn't be in a rush to watch it again.