I read a few of the reviews on here and almost didn't watch it. It's not as bad as some would make out. You only have to check out their other reviews to see that this film wouldn't suit them. You don't need flailing of arms and screaming to make a half decent paranormal movie. Plus its lead character has a part that is a bit deeper than a shag pile carpet, so expect to do some of your own thinking, unlike American drivel that lays it out on a plate for lazy viewers.

Having said that, it is far from perfect and could have done with a bit of tightening, a better ending and more involvement from other actors. There were a few scenes that added nothing to the movie and should have either been expanded on or left out. For example one of the girl students calls to the teacher as he leaves to not forget his coffee and uses his first name (Gareth) when addressing him. He thanks her and calls her Miss Richardson. An obvious flirtation from the student, rebuffed by the teacher. And that was it, the scene never repeated, the student never mentioned it and there was no point in it being in the movie. Also, how do you have a hot cup of coffee still after lecturing for an hour or so? A bit pointless.

The only student in the group of friends that had any part what so ever was the girl who ended up being his GF. The rest were superfluous and hardly featured at all. It also fell into the American trap of 'one of everything' in the group of friends - hot chick, smart chick, black guy, weird guy...etc with no explanation on how a diverse group such as these ended up friends. It seemed that about 2 thirds through the movie they just disappeared, except the GF. Was also good to see them use a guy with acne as a lead without pancaking his face. Made it feel a bit more real although his hair was a bit weird looking....

The college used would have been a great addition to the mood but it was never used. A big sprawling stone castle looking building with turrets and numerous rooms, but they only filmed in the courtyard where they 'hang'. What a waste of a location. I couldn't work out what their living arrangements were and assume it was on the grounds in a dormitory or similar, this was never explained.

The biggest complaints I saw in other reviews was the ending. It was quicker than we normally get, and felt a little awkward, like it was bigger than it should have been. But overall it was satisfactory and if you watch to the very end you will see something that helps explain a couple of things.

Overall a reasonable but not good paranormal flick and it does create a mood only the British could do (low light effects, occasionally claustrophobic and done in a clipped British accent). I found the pacing to be quite good as the film is about the main character's journey so no scare jumps or overly gratuitous ghosts and ghouls. Wish they'd had more money though....

Room for improvement so a 5 from me although want to put 4.5.

Astral is a British "Horror" and I use that term extremely loosely, that centers around the concept of astral projection and one mans obsession with it.

The first thing that struck me about Astral was how incredibly boring it was, and I didn't notice that until around the half way mark which demonstrates how underwhelming it is.

I'm all for a slow burning movies but Astral simply goes nowhere, accomplishes nothing and bores you to tears along the way.

The movie is simply lifeless with a cast who they could have switched out in each scene and I genuinely don't think I would have noticed. They were so bland, like the pacing, the story and every other facet of the absolute mess.

I think that Hollywood have lost their way when it comes to horror, apparently the UK have as well. My advice, steer clear.

The Good:

The original concept is at least something barely touched upon before

The Bad:

Really boring

Lifeless

Alex (Frank Dillane) takes a pseudo-science class and opts to astral project to talk with his dead mother (Catherine Steadman) using an on-line ten-step program. He encounters evil shadow people who move pendulums, close doors and pull his girlfriend (Vanessa Grasse) out of bed.

They should have had all the students project with different, but similar results like a flat-liners film. Instead, they gave us one of the most boring astral projection films out there.

Guide: No swearing, sex, or nudity.