The Covenant *1/2
Cast: Steven Strait, Laura Ramsey, Sebastian Stan, Taylor Kitsch, Chace Crawford, Toby Hemingway, Jessica Lucas
Director: Renny Harlin
Running Length: 1:37
MPAA Classification: PG-13

The descendants of the founding families of Ipswich, Massachusetts, Caleb (Strait), Reid (Hemingway), Sims (Crawford), and Pogue (Kitsch), are kids who have it all. Including witch-like powers inherited from their ancestors. At the age of 18, which Caleb will hit first, they will “ascend” into their mature powers. The catch is that every time they use their powers, it ages them. On the eve of Caleb’s ascension, the group finds that someone else is using their powers to cause trouble. Now, they must find out who it is and put a stop to it before people start getting hurt.

“The Covenant” is a disappointing movie. And to be fair, I was not expecting much. I suppose it is a horror movie, but it is never really scary. The acting is weak, and the action is less than impressive. Director Renny Harlin is far from his glory days of directing “Die Hard 2”, and one cannot help but wonder if it is time to retire from directing. He is clearly on a downward spiral that didn’t start too high to begin with. The only way I can recommend this movie, is to wait for its inevitable cable tv showing on the SciFi channel. And then only for laughs.