Category: Movie Review

KILLER BODY COUNT (2024)

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Directed By: Dansihka Esterhazy 

Written By: Jessica Landry 

Cinematography: Manoel C. Ferreira

Editor: Lee Walker 

Cast: Cassiel Eatock-Winnick, Savana Tardieu, N’Kone Mametta, Khoshi Ngama, Bjorn Steinbach, Jessie Diepeveem, Ethan Saunders, Jason K. Ralph 

Mistaken for a sex addict by her devout father, Cami is sent to an isolated rehab center. But when a killer begins to hunt the teens, Cami realizes that her survival and her independence are intertwined in ways she could never imagine.

Considering the subject matter this film could have been a lot worse, bordering on pornographic or even exploitive. 

The cast is mainly made up of new faces for the most part and they do what is required, but don’t necessarily make too much of an impact. Except for Alex McGregor, who seems to be one of the more acting veterans of the cast who plays one of the brothers and sisters who run this camp.

A Horror film that revels in its exploitation that could’ve had a real message about conversion therapy and religious hypocrisy not to mention, power dynamics, and even the way sex is handled or dealt with between the sexes

Instead, it goes with the easy route of being an 80 slasher film being awkward and hokey humor makes it perfectly disposable and entertaining while you watch, but won’t gather too many thoughts or memories after 

It’s possible and a little more lighthearted, despite its violence like the director’s previous film banana splits the movie only here it doesn’t seem to celebrate or find fun in it in this film is more about presenting and hoping it’s shocking 

As each death scene seems to go a little further and its violence is almost like the film itself following the baseball euphemism when it comes to the sex of first base second base, and third base each goes a little further 

The film comes across as a nice attempt, but it’s never quite engaging nor do any of the characters stay particularly memorable. What would you expect when we’re not really ever given anything to really remember them by other than names and looks there’s nothing particularly memorable about them as even their personalities almost seem similar 

so that you care truly about them except for maybe the lead and that is because we’re supposed to as she is our introduction into the story, even as the action takes place a little bit before we meet her

There is a budding lesbian relationship, which might be why the lead character can’t seem to get an orgasm, which seems to be a major plot point of the film female characters consistently the lead characters are a little different than any other lady with those same byproducts.

Though truthfully you know what you are getting into and what type of film this is, as it goes for the easiest way out and tries to be more humorous at times.

The third act tries to surprise itself by piling on the surprises. as even the audience will be left, guessing and having their own theories until all is revealed. That eventually might make some in the audience’s eye roll. Though at least is trying for maximum entertainment. 

Grade: C- 

TOURIST TRAP (1979)

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Directed By: David Schmoeller

Written By: David Schmoeller and J. Larry Carroll

Cinematography: Nicholas Von Sternberg

Editor: Ted Nicolaou 

Cast: Chuck Connors, Tanya Roberts, Jocelyn Jones, Jon Van Ness, Robin Sherwood, Keith McDermott, Dawn Jeffory 

Four people go in search of their missing friend. What they find is Slausen’s Lost Oasis, and mannequin-dressed museum, and a seemingly abandoned mansion owned by gentle old Mr. Slausen. He agrees to help with their car trouble, but some of the girls decide to look for a working phone inside the house even though Mr. Slausen warned them not to. Hidden within the home is Mr. Slausen’s misunderstood mask-hidden younger brother. What they learn is that the mannequins seem very much alive, or is there something much more terrifying behind the mask?

A great old-school horror of the 1980s. That was a video store heyday that haunted the shelves. It took me this long to finally watch and it’s a shame as this is definitely a film that stays on your mind.

This is one of those films you think you have seen a long time ago then when watching realize you never did. Even as you have seen the poster title for the longest time.

This film at first seems like it will be run off like the poster that could be for any 1980s generic horror film, but this one set itself apart with a kind of creepy puppet tree. That leads to a disturbing atmosphere throughout.

The characters/victims are the usual suspects. You never get to really know them and barely care about them. You were just appalled that they have to go through this torturous violence for nothing. 

The mask of a character from an episode of the Nickelodeon show  SALUTE YOUR SHORTS. The episode was creepy out of nowhere and didn’t seem to be as intentional as it is in this film.

Were it not for the originality and creepy atmosphere the characters and kills are pretty basic and almost not eventful. Except for most of the cast, conveniently short summer outfits.

Especially Tonya Roberts cleavage heavy, and tube top that only adds to its exploitation factor.

This is a shame, considering its originality and other aspects as it becomes more and more unsettling 

There are some action sequences, though they are slow and it seems like the characters wound,  very easily.

The film is not too far off. it’s believable at least in the first half of the film. 

The film seems to be designed to be more atmospheric with a smaller number of characters which leads to the film feeling more intimate. When there is a Chase the film has more time like the killer to stalk.

As a fan of Chuck Connors, this film is quite enjoyable as he is clearly having fun in his role and he is truly the big-name star of the film, especially at the time of its release.

The film is inventive when it does things that are there to surprise you like switching around the final girl you might expect. The survivor truly ends up, becoming someone you would least expect. By the end, the film still offers something that makes it feel even creepier.

That makes you wonder in the end if there is still a certain psychosis meaning that the killer has succeeded. it certainly leaves the audience with something unexpected and unsettling. 

Grade: B 

THE STRANGLER (1970)

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Written & Directed By: Paul Vecchiali

Cinematography: Georges Strouve

Editor: Francoise Merville

Cast: Jacques Perrin, Julien Guiomar, Eva Simonet, Paul Barge, Jaqueline Danno, Katia Cavaignac, Jean-Pierre Miguel, Helene Surgere, Sonia Saviange, Nicole Courcel 

Unhappy women are being murdered by Emile, a psychotic young man suffering from the delusion that his acts are mercy killings.

The title seems simple, but there is a deeper meaning, and this film proves to be so much more.

This might’ve been regular fashion back when it was made but everything feels so stylistic Maybe because, to a modern audience, it is so far and was made to feel that way. As it is a French Giallo that provides less mystery and violence and seems to be more about the setup

The first kill in this film seems like the victim, experienced it, and welcomed it. It comes off as stylish and fetishistic in a romantic or erotic way

And choosing his victims, the title character it seems like they welcome him and aren’t surprised last encounter liaison or fling before the end so that it’s almost romantic and putting them out of their misery or granting a last request.

Which ends up setting the tone for the film as a romance yet not a love story 

Almost like his actions are doing the victims of favor, as they are suicidal and feel they have no reason to live anymore. He offers assistance So they don’t do it themselves. Or go through the experience alone, nor have to worry about depending on their morals or beliefs going to hell, necessarily if religious

The victims, female, fashionable, and gorgeous, and presentation before their last breaths

The choreography of the floor show of one victim’s death scene is memorable and a delight, its style or international attitude and ideas.

The film can be drilled yet makes much out of a little and remains truly unforgettable, as well as an underrated gem that can easily throw an audience a bit of valance as the film goes on. We get to know the victims a bit more as we see the melodrama with each new one giving them, brava last scenes of their character’s last moments

We never see the actual kills only the before, and a bit of the aftermath to know that the deed was done

Wow, also witnessing the investigation of the case buying adults, Nancy, Drew, the character, and the police captain who start a kind of romance or at least a relationship hence toward romance

We watch as the killer gets upset as someone perverts his act of mercy per se by following him to the crime scenes and then stealing from the victims, making it seem like the killer’s motives are more about material gains making his gift seem  more common and presents a rivalry

Victims come off as if they feel forgotten or betrayed by the world, or maybe just betrayed by a man or lover, and they will finally be immortalized and die and finally get attention special before the end. This desperation makes them feel sparkling before putting them out of their misery.

Presented as glamorous the Weathered it feels like a Hitchcock film as it has it set pieces that are usually the murders that come off as artistic and depth at times. As the film plays, Layfair and laid-back, not too concerned or drastic despite the actions and the film’s move.

When it comes to Giallo there is a certain beauty it provides it showcases. One of the reasons I like them is that they know how to present the female characters stylishly, sensual, gorgeous and fabulous. Like screen sirens. Sexy for sure but not cheaply classy and less exploitive all about beauty. They feel like women Of class and culture. It’s presented more as normal not necessarily down to earth. Special in fact but somehow normal and approachable

Amongst the crowd with Imperfections seemingly edited out. 

The Death scenes feel like little short stories that offer glimpses of life lives and characters are given more dignity and death than might’ve had in life

They are double-crosses as the thieves seem to turn to murder groupies with funny emotional moments of turmoil as the third act is dragged out, but has plenty of beautiful moments

The film is more than just its simple title. This Gallo is a weird romance of the killer, granting his victims, and lovers wishes and making them feel special. Laissez-faire laid-back look at the serial killer and the investigation around his killings. That seems to be in no rush and strives to be more artistic than surprised filled or a procedure, except for a random dream sequence. The film is never exploited but creative and its simplicity is not so much a psychological study nor a thriller

The synopsis seems conventional, but that’s the film’s artistic aim. It has mainstream scares with deeper meanings and emotions in between that get confusing at the end and make it more cultivated.. there is also a boom mic visible in the final scene

The murder towards the end seems to be out of a discussion with the society around him, which is depressing as even the film feels like it betrays itself towards the end. There is even a boom visible in the final scene 

The film also has a great score 

Grade: B+

1BR (2019)

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Written & Directed By: David Marmor

Cinematography: David Bolen 

Editor: David Marmor, Rich Fox And Anna Rottke 

Cast: Nicole Brydon Bloom, Giles Matthey, Taylor Nichols, Alan Blumenfeld, Naomi Grossman, Celeste Sully, Clayton Hoff, Susan Davis

When Sarah lucks into a sweet one-bedroom at Asilo Del Mar Apartments in Los Angeles, she thinks she’s hit the jackpot. It’s got plenty of space, friendly tenants, group BBQs, and even a cute neighbor next door. All is not what it seems: loud noises start keeping her awake at night; her cat is missing; everyone seems to be a little too helpful and friendly, except for the weirdo, Lester. Soon, Sarah learns she didn’t choose this apartment – It chose her.

This film is short. It might’ve been more effective as a short, but I don’t know if it could’ve made it or been felt as deeply if it was a short short. 

As you get a little more backstory and understand how everything works more.

The film is interesting though it’s never quite strong enough. The premise is strong, but it feels here. They try to do more hands-off presentations and try to be more psychological and subtle, which does work as more of the scares psychologically physically. 

There are scenes of violence. It seems the territory they’re trying to mental rather than going for shocks or anything that could be seen as exploited.

One of the hurdles, the film never quite gets over is how bland and basic the film feels no matter what happens as one can understand that it wants to be more subtle. No, the film feels like it needs to have more life in it. 

Even as you were talking about a certain subject that is played a little bit more clinical it doesn’t feel like it has that much of a spirit.

Though it keeps your interest up until the end and makes the mistake of trying to be shocking or at least add a new shock in each act, which then pushes it into overkill, also helps the film to keep the viewer interested as if it didn’t it would pretty much almost be a drama with some extremes.

Again, this feels more like the type of film that feels part of a yearly Halloween anthology or could easily be an episode of an American horror story except without as much sensationalism. It could’ve said the same thing in a shorter time. 

By the end, you can’t say that the film is bad as it has plenty of promise that it just falls short of truly fulfilling, but there are great ideas and decent acting throughout. Once the filmmakers get a little more season could really give the audience more of a run for their money.

Grade: C

CALIBRE (2018)

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Written & Directed By: Matt Palmer

Cinematography: Mark Gyori

Editor: Chris Wyatt

Cast: Jack Lowden, Martin McCann, Tony Curran, Ian Pirie, George Anton, Kate Bracken, Therese Bradley, Kitty Lovett 

A shocking deed turned their weekend trip into a nightmare. Now their only hope is to swallow their paranoia and act normal.

I knew very little about this film originally. Which is often best. Though wondered why it had gotten past my attention.

The film is a nice little atmospheric thriller. Whose premise played off as more all-knowing and clever or comedic. Here it is played deadly seriously.

While working as a thriller it also has more drama than you would expect. As not only fighting for survival but guilt that never truly lets up.

As it’s the worst that could happen scenario. That at first is shocking is played more realistic than expected. 

Throughout the film makes you feel uncomfortable as there is an uneasiness and sense of tragedy that hangs over the film. So much so that similarly like myself you might find you can hear or feel your heart beating faster as you wonder where the situations will lead or relieve the audience. 

The film Never wants to let the audience or characters off. At first, you wonder if they will get away with it and avoid trouble. Soon the villagers seem like the worst challenge you can have. Rather the. The supernatural or characters who are easily hateable 

The storyline might be familiar but the presentation style is noteworthy. Though this is quite an original vision. That never quite goes where you expect it to.

One only wishes the few female characters had a bit more to do. The troublemaker seems there only to add a bit of trouble early on and the compassionate one seems there to help humanize one of the characters in trouble and have someone in his corner once trouble arrives. 

The film will make some audience members as haunted as the ending leaves some characters 

Grade: B- 

THE POSSESSED (1965)

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Directed By: Luigi Bazzoni and Franco Rossellini

Written By: Luigi Bazzoni, Franco Rossellini, Giulio Questi and Ernesto Gastoldi 

Based on the novel by: Giovanni Comisso

Cinematography: Leonida Barboni 

Editor: Nino Baragoli

Cast: Peter Baldwin, Salvo Randone, Valentina Cortese, Pia Lindstrom, Pier Giovanni Anchisi, Ennio Balbo, Verna Lisi, Philippe Leroy 

Famous writer Bernard travels to a small lakeside town for an off-season winter vacation. He checks into an old hotel owned by Enrico and his daughter Irma expecting to meet Tilde, the maid he had a crush on the last time he visited the town. However, he discovers that Tilde has committed suicide, and when he meets the local photographer, Bernard learns that she was pregnant. He becomes obsessed with finding out whether she really committed suicide and to guess what really happened. When Enrico’s son Mario and his wife Adriana arrive at the hotel, Bernard has daydreams about Tilde’s fate.

It’s true they don’t make films like these anymore and it’s a shame

This is a film. I have only heard about it recently. It’s a film. I am happy to have discovered it’s based on a true story. It might remind some viewers of Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo more for its obsession and mystery aspects than necessarily the filmmaking or direction.

Only here it’s an Italian film and it’s beautiful to look at and the woman at the center of the mystery is pretty though not as haunting as other heroines in this type of film.

Which has the main character, a photographer, and writer comes to town to look up a female whom he had an acquaintance and took pictures of the year before and might be hoping to romance only to find that she is dead and that it was murder. He finds himself obsessed with getting to the bottom of it, aided by the few friends in town who give him hints but never quite the full story. 

It’s a short film you can pretty much guess who the guilty is, though throughout there are plenty of twists and turns and revelations that you don’t quite see coming that even the audience is introduced to that the author has until certain aspects of the story come into play.

This isn’t a very romantic film, but it’s a film shot in black-and-white and looks beautiful and the film does stay haunting even after the ending is revealed and the third act is full of twist. The film isn’t as deep and penetrating as you hope it is quite a surprise for those who don’t know about this film that is worth seeking out.

This isn’t a super sleuth tail, nor is it a tale of unrepentant evil characters. As it unfolds It’s a story that feels all the more human and it fails with characters who are more three dimensional, and ultimately tragedy is a fulfilling film by the end. 

it can only go so many places, especially based on a true story. I can’t say it’s something you’ve never seen before but it is a story that will keep your interest. It not only focuses on the who but also the Y and the aftermath

Grade: B-

MY SPY: THE ETERNAL CITY (2024)

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Directed By: Peter Segal

Written By: Pete Segal, Erich Hoeber & Jon Hoeber 

Based on Characters Created By: Erich Hoeber & Jon Hoeber 

Cinematography: Larry Blanford

Editor: Jason Gourson 

Cast: Dave Bautista, Chloe Coleman, Ken Jeong, Kristen Schaal, Anna Faris, Craig Robinson, Foula Borg, Taeho K., Billy Barratt, Tanner Burjaq 

JJ, a veteran CIA agent, reunites with his protégé Sophie, in order to prevent a catastrophic nuclear scheme threatening Vatican City, which disrupts a high school choir trip to Italy.

While the first film was surprisingly endearing and entertaining, this sequel isn’t horrible, but while it hits half of the same spots as the first film, this time, it feels a little more forced and unfocused as the first film felt specific this film felt general 

Now anyone who was looking forward to this sequel I’m sure won’t be greatly disappointed, though the problem here is that as with all sequels, it must be bigger while the first film was singular. This one is more international and foreign locals. It has its moments but seems to be missing that, and the sweetness that made the first film work

It also doesn’t help that this film has a much bigger cast a lot of bigger more recognizable names and small roles that you would expect more 

The film is predictable and it tries and all the characters do have their chemistry, but for some reason, it just isn’t as charming as the first though it is entertain 

The film feels like a successor of the Frankie Muniz starring film AGENT CODY BANKS this is a continuation and the kid’s spy genre, not the SPY KIDS franchise.  only here more of a buddy comedy like AGENT CODY BANKS, less a James Bond-type story, and adventure as this one is more all about teamwork.

Dave Bautista actually looks a little smaller this time around, but he is still an imposing force who gets stuck in more comedic situations, but he used well in the action sequences. 

Chloe Coleman is hilarious a girl with a crush, but who still also has her eyes on the prize as far as missions go and hold her own and all of her scenes of action and comedy and even a little romance. 

There is plenty of action in comedy and some jokes and languages that I am a little surprised they got away with a PG-13 movie but then again it’s all done and innocence and fun and not trying to be dirty or nasty. Even if it feels a little more risqué, the previous film was more of a children’s film. This is a little bit more of a preteen movie, but it’s still at heart a family film that you can watch together.

Grade: C

WONKA (2023)

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Directed & Story By: Paul King

Written By: Paul King & Simon Farnaby

Based on Characters Created By: Roald Dahl

Cinematography: Chung-Hoon Chung

Editor: Mark Everson

Cast: Timothee Chalamet, Calah Lane, Olivia Colman, Keegan Michael-Key, Sally Hawkins, Tom Davis, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Jim Carter, Natasha Rockwell, Kobna Holbrook-Smith, Rakhee Thatkar, Hugh Grant, Rowan Atkinson, Freya Parker, Matthew Boynton, Rich Fulcher

Willy Wonka is the mastermind behind some of the most delicious and innovative chocolate creations the world has ever seen. But before shaking up the chocolate industry and making a name for himself as a confectionery genius, the ambitious young creator had to defy all odds. As a result, Willy transformed his wildest dreams into reality with a bold vision, determination, and unexpected help from new friends. After all, hard work and a dash of magic can make anything happen. Because, as Willy already knows, it only takes a dream to make a difference.

One thing I can definitely say about this movie is that it has its charms it won’t. It doesn’t erase the memory of the first WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY but it still feels more pure and miles above Tim Burton, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY  doesn’t feel as predictable. Nor as made by the committee.

The film is a musical, which was a bit unexpected, but makes sense, and it does use a few of the original films’ classics throughout, though in quite a different way that does instill nostalgia, but also tries to make it its own. 

At times, it does feel like a big Broadway musical, but under a greater production and a grander vision, you could easily see this making its way the reverse way and going from a movie into a Broadway show.

The film perfectly fits Director Paul King’s style as it feels like a fantasy and a living storybook come to life. It’s as big and silly as the two PADDINGTON films that he has directed so this one is a little less comedic, even with all of its outrageousness. Though no nightmare scenes as the previous two films had.

Can’t help, but put a smile on your face in Timothee Chalamet actually works in the lead role, even though he is tasked with pretty much always being happy no matter what throughout even when disappointed. he’s not as iconic as Gene Wilder Daffy goofy, but ultimately wise and quirky Wonka but again we’re at the origins of Wonka as a character so he has a happier disposition, and is still full of hope at the beginning of his career.

This is a film that is fun for the whole family. It’s pretty much an offensive and feels magical throughout. It literally is another generation’s version of Wonka, or as this is more of an original story than an actual remake or reboot, which is refreshing, even if it is still Dealing with an existing IP.

Hugh Grant is here as comedic relief as an Oompa Loompa, and he mostly works as this is the most we’ve ever really heard an Oompa Loompa speak other than singing. The film is full of quirky characters that feel straight out of a children’s book, and have outrageous looks to follow. though again, he seems to be relishing and playing a more comedic supporting role just as he did, and PADDINGTON 2 only here he is, isn’t the villain

The production design and visual effects are excellent. The songs are catchy, but not as memorable as the originals again, I say this now, but at heart eventually, time will tell, and also the fandom of this film, if there will be one as great as the classic film in which men grew up with.

It’s a film that is definitely worth checking out. It won’t leave you mesmerized, but if this is your type of movie, you won’t leave sad or disappointed. 

Grade: B 

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM (2023)

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Directed By: Jeff Rowe and Kyler Spears 

Written By: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Jeff Rowe, Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit 

Based on TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES characters, Created By: Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird

Head Of Cinematography: Kent Saki

Editor: Greg Levitan

Voice cast: Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon, Ice Cube, Jackie Chan, Ayo Edebiri, Maya Rudolph, John Cena, Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, Natasia Demetriou, Giancarlo Esposito, Paul Rudd, Post Malone, Hannibal Buress 

After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtles set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. But they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.

Over the years, there have been many reboots of this franchise as well as ongoing, animated television shows. There were even two live-action films after the initial live-action trilogy of films.

I have to say that this animated film is the best of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise since the original animated series and also the first two live-action films which are near deer to my heart. I saw them in theaters and the first one I kept trying to see in theaters and I think, I tried five times to see it in theaters and it was always sold out. This was before you could buy your tickets online so when I finally did get to see it, it was so magical and felt so worth it.

This film emphasizes the teenage part of the title as the characters do have fighting skills, but they are also still teenagers at heart growing up and wanting to belong but also wanting to have fun and not necessarily so mission-focused.

With it being more about teenagers, it prepares you to have patience with that aspect as an adult, though it’s a perfect family film that feels a bit more funky and fun than any of the films have before. It’s a film for a younger audience though older fans can’t enjoy it.

Here’s a little bit reimagined with a more urban feel in a different villain than the nemesis usually the villain Shredder.

The film is a lot more fun and emphasizes a bit more humor than action.

The star voices don’t add too much more of a hay isn’t that such and such factor that would work with or without them, though it is nice to see here, the familiar voice does at times the danger of taking you out of the film, especially when it comes to certain beloved characters.

Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, take over the franchise or the ideas for the story here and rework it, just as they have others that they either produce or create shows like THE BOYS and PREACHER amongst others. At least it seems like the stuff that they are behind that RIP that they were fans of from the beginning so while they are making it a little more hip, they know what the fans like. Enjoy and want.

The film is an original story at heart. It’s closer to the more blockbuster material of the animated cartoon than the previous live-action movies that starred Megan Fox. 

It’s a reboot for a franchise that continues to reinvent itself while sticking to the same premise, yet never venturing into the dark original world of the cult comic book from which it came.

Grade: B+ 

THE SUBSTANCE (2024)

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Written & Directed by: Coralie Fargeat 

Cinematography: Benjamin Kracun  

Editor: Coralie Fargeat, Jerome Eltabet and Valentin Feron 

Cast: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid

A fading celebrity decides to use a black-market drug, a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.

Whatever you might have heard about this film you are not entirely ready for where it takes you. 

Again this is one of those films that is best to go. Into blind. Which allows for surprises and plenty of discovery. 

It has equal parts David Lynch, David Cronenberg, and even a bit of Stanley Kubrick in style, but director Coralie Fargeat manages to make it her own.

As there are symmetrical shots and angles. Colorful production design, and plenty of gore that at first seems artistic until it truly gore for the gusto in the third act. At certain points it feels like science fiction, but more a cruel satire that truly becomes a horror movie. It also feels French and European while taking place on American soil. 

it’s amazing, disturbing, uncomfortable, and beautiful. That truly seeks to disturb, disrupt, and challenge. Which for some will make it all the more stronger. 

The film offers a full-blown assault on sensibilities and your senses. It manages to build a world while revealing so little and having limited spaces and locations. 

It haunts you afterward. Each time you think about the film, you want to go back to see if there is anything you missed. as you want to study the film. It’s that intricate, and pristine 

It’s not only the effects that are scary or disgusting but the characters. Dennis Quaid as The lead character’s manager is always his over-the-top stylish suits and seems like he cares. He twists lives in his client’s backs and eats sloppily and disgustingly. 

The film is a tale of feminism and the perils of aging for women and how they are treated in the world but especially in Hollywood and the spotlight. This film explores what some are willing to do or forced to do who choose to want to stay in the spotlight. How cruel they are treated for even trying.

It’s also a tale of greed, how there is never enough time, and how quickly it can be stolen or used. When you are younger you always think you have enough time and still want more and are more prone to be jealous that you will even betray your own best interests. How at times a person can lavishly sacrifice just to have the spotlight to themselves even as it does damage to themselves. Not playing by the rules and regretting. Losing sense of oneself.

Self-hatred giving up on yourself for others to prosper. As you feel your life isn’t worth living anymore. Too much work not enough benefits. Needing the adoration to feel worthy. 

Demi Moore gives one of them. the best performances of her career. While getting one of the best roles of her recent career. This is the perfect movie for her to make a comeback. Even as critically as most of the characters treat her. She still looks extraordinarily beautiful. The horror is that for so many years Ms. Moore has been the model for what was seen as perfect and beautiful that many women aspired to be like or look like and now here she is not considered good enough. 

It also offered her the most range in a role. Yet it also, feels familiar or like a reality she might be facing only magnified. As the film shows how aging especially for women is seen as a horror in society and how many of them have resorted to some kind of substance be it surgery, fillers, creams or ointments to try to keep their youth or look youthful. Even as it becomes a violence against themselves. Taking themselves down the. Face the reality they find themselves in. Trying to reach or keep an idealized version of themselves and literally buying into it 

At certain points, it feels like a TALES FROM THE CRYPT movie. Which only reminds the audience of Demi Moore’s appearance on that show in an episode. By the end, it also reminds the audience of another production that she was part of the animated Disney film THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. 

You could also throw in some RE-ANIMATOR. As well as the story THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY. As well as THE GAME, DEATH BECOMES HER, THE TOXIC AVENGER, FIGHT CLUB, and SECONDS. With those ingredients, she used them to make something piercingly original 

It even tackles eating disorders. As when she can’t really punish or fight her double. She strikes back the only way she knows how overeating bad food. as she robs her of her youth. 

Vanity destroying yourself to give yourself more time. Almost like an addiction the same as a vampire uses blood to survive and stay young or at least keep up appearances. Usually preying on the young here it is reversed. 

As the younger self has all the promises or is given promises of course she becomes more selfish hoping to live just a bit longer. 

This film by the end becomes a fable of addiction to the limelight of fame and attention and how lonely it can become once it begins to fade. Even though you have a following how quickly they can abandon you and if you are never prepared for your eventual downfall. You have truly nothing left. How these rules seem to apply mostly unfortunately to women. Hollywood is a fickle mistress. 

Grade: A