CLOWN IN A CORNFIELD (2025)

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Directed By: Eli Craig 

Written By: Eli Craig and Carter Blanchard

Based on the novel by: Adam Cesare 

Cinematography: Brian Pearson 

Editor: Sabrina Pitre 

Cast: Katie Douglas, Aaron Abrams, Kevin Durand, Will Sasso, Carson MacCormac, Vincent Muller, Cassandra Potenza, Verity Marks 

A fading midwestern town in which Frendo the clown, a symbol of bygone success, reemerges as a terrifying scourge.

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This film at first brings nothing new or noteworthy to the table as it plays pretty standard not necessarily an homage to 1980 slashers, but it plays like a basic one that I could’ve been from that time. As it feels cut and dry and fits all the basic clichés. 

It Does it seem to have knowing about it and a bit more of a sense of humor but really just seems to offer more of a modern spin. 

It’s interesting as most of the victims seem to be killing teens only who seemed to be the few who are clued in to the killer as the adults seem to always constantly turn a blind eye.

This feels like a film that tries to play into that haunting aspect a few years ago of just random clowns on abandoned roads or in the dark like a cult that had many sightings across America, which, if this film would’ve came out around that time would’ve been perfect advertising only this film is actually adapted from a very successful book series.

never read the books it’s based upon though watching this film does make me actually want to read it and it sequels

The kills don’t even feel that inventive most of the time they are more trying to set it up a standard for this next generation by showcasing the past when it comes to violence.

As the violence here seems to be the element that might set the film apart from other teen horror films as this is a noted, rated R and doesn’t go for that PG-13 aftermath violence only. Which should PLEASE gore fans out there?

Looking at the cast in the direction is the film at times comes across as a CW channel version of a horror film or even one of those Hulu original horror films that they have every year around Halloween, which aren’t great, but at least are somewhat fitting the season and offering up content. It feels like it pays homage to the 1980s slasher films a bit too much.

This film feels like a lighter version for the same audience as the horror film THANKSGIVING by Eli Roth. Only hear the film comes off a little too smooth and a little to planned 

Even with Katie Douglas as the lead. The film never truly catches fire and she’s an actress who I am actually a fan. She and the other actors stay true to their character types until their endings.

Luckily, it gets better by the second half as one scene comes across as original and it’s more of a comedic scene, which seems to start the film on a totally new path. At that point, the film at least still be quite sharp, but feels like it will start to beat itself have its own identity that sets itself apart.

Then you realize also that maybe the reason why the first half was so stale is it was setting us up for the revelations in the second half that they were hoping might be able to save the film. Wish I which one could say that that works, but it at least offers certain elements that are a breath of fresh air.

Now you do get some THE PURGE vibes at times. 

As this film certainly loves to show off and use shotguns.

Even dispatching one of the few minority characters who ends up being the most annoying of them all in such a cruel, most violent way. The other one perish is way too early even before we get to know that character which is cliché and while logically isn’t the first victim, though is the first victim in modern day where the film is set.

The film does offer rebelling against tradition, exposing the ways in which it is bad or stunt the growth of others. As a theme offering an anti-conservative message, which might have been one of the reasons that bothered as well as bad promotion and merchandising for the film.

Which one is hurting a lot of films these days, especially the more independent feature films.

By the end, it even starts to feel a bit predictable. 

Though one is disappointed a bomb as it’s not likely to have a sequel or build an audience even though many have said that the sequel book is much better.

I usually want to root for Eli Craig’s movies but they always seem to fall a bit short where it feels like something is missing that could truly help put them over the top. Maybe it’s because the films play basic yet they have quite the spin that should make them a cut above.

Grade: C

DANGEROUS ANIMALS (2025)

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Directed By: Sean Byrne

Written By: Nick Lepard 

Cinematography: Shelley Farthing-Dawe

Editor: Kasra Rassoulzadegan

Cast: Jai Courtney, Hassie Harrison, Josh Heuston, Ella Newton, Liam Greinke, Rob Carlton

When Zephyr, a savvy and free-spirited surfer, is abducted by a shark-obsessed serial killer and held captive on his boat, she must figure out how to escape before he carries out a ritualistic feeding to the sharks below.

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From beginning to end, this is a quite glorious bee movie that has fun with its premise, but grounds itself with enough reality to keep the tension and thrills up

it’s main focus is on beast or the dangerous animals of the title here meant to be sharks, but also can be used for the films Central villain played with ecstatic energy by Jai Courtney, who is really becoming quite a notable character actor usually playing villains as over-the-top as he can yet charming after Hollywood try to make him more of a leading man and films, like TERMINATOR: GENYSIS and LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD (DIE HARD 5 that doesn’t even really feel like a true diehard film as much as a generic action film that includes the character John McLean) as for a while, it seemed like you could go either way when you saw him in a movie, but he has been putting in good work in character rules.

Thought this would be just one of too many shark movies that seem to come out every year then heard some buzz around the film that got my interest and put it on my to watch list figured I’d watch it eventually when came around to it. 

Then I found out Sean Byrne was the director. So then dropped everything and had to see it ASAP. he is not necessarily known the world over, but he is a genre director who never disappoints and always thrills with surprises no matter the topic or genre so one looks forward to any new project or presentation he has as after all this is his first film in 10 years. After THE LOVED ONES and THE DEVIL’S CANDY

here he doesn’t disappoint though on that same breath one say it’s not his strongest either then again even for a genre film there aren’t many places you can go with it so that it feels familiar. Even though the filmmaking and the cast truly sell the film and their characters. He manages to do so much with so little and still make it feel grand and full. 

unfortunately, there’s but so much all of them can do. though at least it stays entertaining and thrilling throughout so that it’s never boring and keeps you on the edge of your seat while it goes through the motions.

Jai Courtney‘s character though stays fascinating as he’s a villain but not your typical villain as truly he’s more of a serial killer who just has a long and drawn out method. when it comes to the ceremony of his killing and why, though he will drop someone literally at the drop of a hat if they get in his way though, they are seen More as collateral damage, even as victim. throughout the film, we are taking through the entire process.

Being that Mr. Courtney is the biggest name he comes across as the star. As he has the juiciest role and makes the most of it. Though Hassie Harrison gives a strong performance as the resourceful final girl. Who is as tough as she is beautiful? As well as Josh Houston who is supposed to be her knight in shining armor but ends up more being the damsel in distress in the third act. As well as most of the film.

As the title suggests or is a metaphor that some of the most dangerous animals can be human, though some only become predatory when provoked or out of survival.

Grade: B- 

HELL OF A SUMMER (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk

Cinematography: Kristoffer Bonnell

Editor: Christine Armstrong 

Cast: Fred Hechinger, Finn Wolfhard, Billy Bryk, Abby Quinn, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Krista Nazaire, Pardis Saremi, Matthew Finlan, Adam Pally, Rosebud Baker

The counselors of a summer camp are terrorized by a masked killer.

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While the film is certainly funny. As a horror film it should work, but doesn’t. As it is a horror comedy, but at times it feels like it is trying to be a parody or spoof with a little more sketch comedy thrown in. As the film Wants to be sensical somewhat. as commonly the film feels like the work of a sketch, comedy troop that just decided to pay homage to horror films of their youth, and trying to modernize them.

As the film comes off pessimistic to a degree adding character based humor to familiar situations. Making to feel like a post modern slasher film. Which is unfortunate as most of the characters are there a memorable. You only wish it was In a stronger script and story. 

The film has various strange tones and moods that come at random times. 

there are very few on screen kills which lowers the film’s value. As it’s not even made for creativity. It only hurts the film, especially when most of the cast is killed. The only time there is violence is more in the death scenes they choose to show which is more the villains. 

At a certain point there seems to be just a massacre of various characters getting killed one by one to make up for the lack of kills in the first half. 

Despite the many jokes about him, that land. The lead character could have been fleshed out a bit more. To help the audience understand him or at least understand what drives him. Rather then cia tangly have him just be enthusiastic. Where It’ understandable the filmmakers want to add him as a suspect though we know it’s not him. Leaving us hung up and dry in his character feels unnecessary rather than silly. For instance is he on the spectrum or suffering from arrested development 

The film seems to want to also parody or bring back memories of the disappearing camp films. 

Made for a more modern generation. though without the obvious exploitative cliché is that usually these films have as it tries to be more politically correct.

In the end the film is fun in a silly way, that feels more like a fun look rather than an actual full feature. It feels more like an interesting student film or a film that was made more for a sketch comedy group to stretch their wings. Rather than the two filmmakers behind the film. Who are also co-starring in the film. One Finn Wolfhard the biggest name in the film. Along with Billy Bryk they play the two characters who if not for the lead seem like they would be. As they seem to get the most attention 

Grade: C

V/H/S/HALLOWEEN (2025)

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Directed by Alex Ross Perry, Casper Kelly, Paco Plaza, Anna Zlokovic, Bryan M. Ferguson, R.H. Norman, Michelle Pitt-Norman 

Written By: Alex Ross Perry, Casper Kelly, Paco Plaza, Anna Zlokovic, Bryan M. Ferguson, R.H. Norman, Michelle Pitt-Norman and Alberto Martini (UT SUPRA SIC INFRA)

Cinematography: Adrian Hernandez, Robert Kolodny, Owen Laird, Daniel Marks, Sean McDaniel, Powell Robinson 

Editor: Robert Kolodny, Bryan M. Ferguson, R.H. Norman, Alex Familian, David Gallart, Dylan Hoang, Sean Mark Lamb Lewis, Phil Samson 

Cast: Rick Baker, David Haydn, Samantha Cochran, Natalia Montgomery Fernandez, Elena Musser, Maria Romanillos, Almundra Amor, Ismael Martinez, Riley Nottingham, Lawson Greyson, Jenna Hoffman, Sami Nye, Stephen Gurewitz, Carl William Garrison, Jeff Harms, Noah Diamond, Sarah Nicklin 

A collection of Halloween-themed videotapes unleashes a series of twisted, blood-soaked tales, turning trick-or-treat into a struggle for survival.

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It’s that time of year where this horror anthology comes up with a new collection. Which is a nice tradition. As usually each collection every year has a theme to it usually expressed in the title. This one is similar and revolves around stories that take place in or around Halloween, though unlike some of the former entries, it’s not so much about a group finding all these random tapes and watching them or being presented to them This year‘s anthology has a background story and then just plays each short film in between the main background story. One can admit this is a yearly guilty pleasure whose quality is a roller coaster yet still enjoyable. Even though after last years entries. One was wondering was it on its last leg and run out of steam.

Still think it should be like the ABC’S OF DEATH and allow new or struggling filmmakers a chance to submit their own entries and use maybe one of two of them as segments each year. After either being voted on by fans or the producers. 

Though truthfully, this year’s anthology should have the subtitle forget those kids as this year the anthology seems to have more of a presence of children. In most of the stories and none are not sacred cows. They are is open to violence and unfortunately death as any of the adult characters.

Even though each anthology is cruel in its own way for some odd reason this year, feel a little more disturbing again maybe it’s because children can be easily as victims as anyone but also there is one short in particular that is not only uncomfortable but again so warped. 

Writer/Director Alex Ross Perry’s Entry KID PRINT was the one I was looking forward to the most and it is unforgettable, Maybe because unlike the rest of them, it doesn’t really deal with fantasy or made up monsters. It’s a little too realistic and seems like it could really happen which is why it’s a memorable and all the more powerful even though at first it starts off seemingly normal and not that special but by the end, it has totally transformed itself as like the plot it starts off so innocently and so simple, and then catches you off guard with a heaviness that you never saw coming. Which is not surprising, considering it’s done by the director from the an anthology whose work I know the most. Alex Ross Perry, who is a journeyman independent director who is not known to do genre films. Usually this seems to be his first and definitely his first official Horror film. Which seems to be an experiment and exercise while using his usual filmmaking technique of realistic stories, and a love a film, the equipment in the filmmaking techniques.

This story is Based around Kidprint was a free service offered by Blockbuster Video in the mid-1990s. Participating stores had a kiosk that children stood in front of that showed their height, and staff would use a VHS camera to record a short video of them speaking basic information about themselves. Parents would take home the tapes to use for ID purposes incase their child went missing.

Another reason why this entry is so different is Because at heart most horror stories seem to be about revenge. Setting things right in whoever’s eyes no matter what. Even if there are extremes and plenty of innocents damaged and killed along the way. When it comes to this short it ends with an injustice that doesn’t seem like it will ever get righted and in many ways. As it should have never happened and has plenty of mistakes, mishaps, wrong turns and lack of communication that ultimately leads to tragedies that by the end seem like they will continue. Which makes it all the more disturbing. 

The film is messy more emotionally with where it goes that it almost feels like a snuff film. As most of the films live up to the title more shot with home video cameras and from point of view shots commonly. 

The other stories/segments are the wraparound segments of DIET PHANTASMA. Written & Directed by Bryan M. Ferguson. Which gets repetitive, as we watch a control group taste test a new soda with ghastly results. Where each segment shows how uncaring the executive watching the results is behind it and the creative ways in which the volunteers are killed or slaughtered after drinking the soda, by the soda. 

It seems to want to be an Anti-capitalist message and dark comedic satire, but the point or ultimate jokes comes off disappointing that we went through all of that to get to this punchline. Which isn’t weak but isn’t that strong either. Though it does help tie together not only the Halloween theme inspiration but also it’s indented to HALLOWEEN 3 

The film starts of with COOCHIE COOCHIE COO written & Directed BY Anna Zlokovic. Which as usual for the franchise ends up being the most disgusting and nasty entry of the film. Here more gore wise. The film is based around two female teenagers facing their last Halloween together, who decide to go trick-or-treating and are enticed by a mysterious house and the promise of free candy. Where once they enter, they can’t seem to escape. Not only that but are chased by various seeming demented adult babies and a breast feeding phantom. 

The next segment is UT SUPRA SIC INFRA directed By Paco Plaza (Director and mastermind behind the REC film franchise) which gives the film some international flavor. Which at least I can say this franchise usually provides. this is the only tale to have a co-writer not directing. This ends up being the weakest of all the segments. The most disappointing. As it has its moments and the filmmaking is great, but the story feels familiar and like we’ve seen it before. It has interesting dressing but lacks depth or reason. Where it feels like more thought was given to the look then the actual idea. As by the end nothing is truly explained and it seems to just lay there. As it comes across as a rather basic gory ghost story 

Then we have the segment FUN SIZE Written & Directed by Casper Kelly. That plays more like a demented fantasy. Where a group of friends take more then one piece of candy from a random table of candy none have ever heard of, breaking the rules they are taken and transported to a warehouse factory. Where they find out horrifically how the candy is made. As they try to revise they are haunted and hunted by the candy’s playful mascot and his assistant. This one seems to more lean into cruel gore and torture with a more playful macabre attitude. 

Wish this shirt had more of a point other than the consequences of breaking the rules. which is the set up but then that’s it other than the carnage. 

The previously mentioned KIDPRINT plays next. 

Then the final extended tale HOME HAUNT written & Directed by R.H. Norman & Michelle Pitt-Norman. Which revolves around a man and his family obsesssed with Halloween who host a haunted house every year for the neighborhood. Looking to impress his son who is finding this embarrassing he ends up taking a record from an antique store that is off limits and the record seeks to make his attraction come to life and transport his family and all of his customers to a personal hell. That they try to escape from.  This starts off fun until it just turns more mean spirited, but next to FUN SIZE the most comedic and so called fun segments. Which might be why they feel a bit similar. This has a meta money as most of these films have practical special effects and this film has legendary special effects artist Rick baker as a cast member.

This anthology makes it through another year, but at least it leaves behind better memories than recent past entries. 

Grade: B- 

TAKEOUT (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Jem Garrard

Cinematography: Trevor Michael Brown

Editor: David Trevail

Cast: N’Kone Mametja, Deoudone Pretorius, Daniel Janks, Darron Meyer, Damien Wantenaar, Robyn Scott, Nikita Faber, Gia Capouya 

Three coworkers on the night shift at a remote diner get in over their heads after digging for proof that one of their customers is a serial killer.

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This little thriller takes the audience by surprise. It’s not the first one of its type that I’ve seen and in all honesty it could’ve been a little shorter considering it takes place, mainly in one location and doesn’t have as many characters as these types of films usually do. 

as usually in these little tight, one location, thrillers, they up the body count to keep the audience entertained whereas here the film has its fair share of kills, but at least most of them mean something and other words they get a reaction from the audience as we have grown to know some of them 

Even though the film is a who done it and manages to surprise, there are some predictable moments throughout the film. It’s not like a stage play, even though it takes place in one location as the film, moron, action, and thrills more than necessarily dialogue. 

The one has to hand it to the cast, as all of their all of the characters are interesting even if it at times is more darkly comedic they are all believable and most of all credit must be given to the cast and crew as this film seems like it takes place in the Midwest or middle America and in actuality it was filmed in South Africa. 

The film might not be something totally new. It does manage to work well with what it has. It’s not the sharpest, but it stays entertaining and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. 

It stays inventive throughout to keep you guessing and provide maximum entertainment. While it works with the limited resources that it has. 

Grade: B- 

THE WOMAN IN THE YARD (2025)

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Directed by: Jaume Collet-Serra  

Written By: Sam Stefanak 

Cinematography: Pawel Pogorzelski 

Editor: Timothy Alverson and Krisztian Majdik 

Cast: Danielle Deadwyler, Okwui Okpokeasili, Peyton Jackson, Estella Kahiha, Russell Hornsby 

A mysterious woman repeatedly appears in a family’s front yard, often delivering chilling warnings and unsettling messages, leaving them to question her identity, motives and the potential danger she might pose.

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Didn’t necessarily have the highest of hopes for this film Going in. 

An african American cast in a horror film that ultimately is bleak and all about trauma. 

That feels like it would be a good starter horror film for those not accustomed to horror films. Even though it’s More a haunting or haunted story then out and out full horror with plenty of jump scares and the like. That ultimately ends up becoming more of a drama 

It feels more like a family drama that has horror or a l supernatural elements that makes it feel a bit like folklore that fits better into that form Of multilayered storytelling.

The reason it feels more like it would be for families is that it seems to follow a trend lately where African American starring horror films involve children more and more (THE BLACK GIRL AND HER  MONSTER practically spells it out. NEVER LET GO  with Halle Berry 

Jaume Collet-Serra (ORPHAN) knows how to direct and make a movie. Not always the most deepest of storytellers. This seems like the richest material he has worked with. Even as he seems to go for mood. His filmmaking goes for flashy and visuals. Though here he tries drama a bit more and the actors are up for it. Especially the versatile lead Danielle Deadwyler 

The woman played by Okwui Okpokeasili is an interesting original she moves in the shadows and becomes more scary the more we see her physically after making more of a mysterious impression in her introduction. When she moves she only moves in the shadows.

the cinematography by Pawel Pogorzelski does show It’s well shot and offers a claustrophobic mood and environment. as it uses a si gel location that it milks for all it’s worth though makes it feel bigger even in its limited environment.

Danielle Deadwyler hit it out of the park as usual with her performance. 

The negative aspects of this film grief, depression, guilt and suicide idealization. Seems to only become available in stories of family trauma and the only time it seems that African American or people of color at times really get to show any range when it comes to acting roles that allow them to be three dimensional characters 

The ending leaves it up to the audience to interpret whether you want to see it as a positive happy ending or a negative one that fulfills what it has been leading up to. In other words it won’t spell it out for you. Whether that is a cop out or artistic choice will depend on your enjoyment of the film. 

Can’t say it’s all that original. Though it makes the most with as little as it might have. Though was hoping it was better then how it looked in the trailers. 

Not the most exciting Film but entertaining enough and under 90 minutes. Only wish it had more to it overall. As it needs the running time to flesh out the whole tale. Yet it feels more like a short story. 

In the end it becomes more of a psychological thriller. With metaphors of guilt, suppression and your pain becoming more of a figure to haunt and torture you. So that it’s a little deeper then it presents itself as.  

Even the ending isn’t cut and dry and leaves you to make your own decision as to what happened and how you see it. 

Grade: C

VENUS (2022)

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Directed By: Jaume Belaguero 

Written By: Jaume Belaguero and Fernando Navarro 

Based on the short story by: H.P. Lovecraft

Cinematography: Pablo Rosso 

Editor: Luis De La Madrid

Cast: Ester Exposito, Ines Fernandez, Angela Cremonte, Maugi Mira, Aten Soria, Maria Jose Sarrate, Sofia Reyes, Federico Aguada 

Horror invades the concrete corridors of a cursed apartment complex on the outskirts of Madrid.

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As usual, this is a film that might be best to go in blind. Does this offer quite a mystery in a surprise?

This film for all of its original elements end up being somewhat predictable. Even as it always keeps you guessing with all the detours it takes on the road forward.

As it does, keep changing genres, yet staying thorough with its story and characters. As it is a Pulpy noir crime story, one minute, a horror film the next, then on the edge of being a thriller, as well as a supernatural tale. Before in the last act being a story of revenge or a director Luc Besson style  action film.

The film starts off slow, though quickly gain speed as mentioned in the third act you think that’s the way the rest of the film will go before morphing into something different and more satisfying. 

especially with the journey that the film has put the characters and the audience through. Not to mention how the film has built up to these moments and characters and even the tone.

It continuously tries to throw you off center though it seems to be somewhat predictable, especially if you’ve seen this type of film before but at least it’s trying.

The film offers this mix you find that they feed quite well off of each other. As it’s based on a short story by H.P. Lovecraft that tells you the places this story will take you.

The problem is that for all that it inspires and tension it makes the audience feel. It never offers up a good enough release. As it builds up you expect something bigger then what it eventually offers. Which is wild but feels a little bit too tidy and minuscule for what it seems to hint at. 

Though being helmed by Jaume Belaguero who works best with the supernatural and thrillers. Sometimes both in small spaces like in his films REC and SLEEP TIGHT. That unfortunately this one doesn’t rise to the occasion as his others have. As this one seems almost like a greatest hits for him or seems to have reached a limit. 

Grade: C+

BRING HER BACK (2025)

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Directed By: Danny Philippou & Michael Philippou 

Written By: Danny Philippou and Bill Hinzman 

Cinematography: Aaron McLisky

Editor: Geoff Lamb 

Cast: Sally Hawkins, Billy Barratt, Jonah Wren Phillips, Stephen Phillips, Sora Wong, Sally-Anne Upton, Mischa Haywood, Katryn Adams 

A brother and sister uncover a terrifying ritual at the secluded home of their new foster mother.

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This is one of the most unsettling, yet memorable films of the year. As the film works on a psychological level but also has its fair share of gore that comes across too realistic at times. As everything is not what it seems. 

This is a bleak film and world that the Philippou brothers usually drop us into and make us find our way out and try to figure the right path to make it through. Though so far no matter what story they tell and u oversee they take us to. It cuts to the heart of the matter by the end. 

As just like TALK TO ME. Here we are dealing with characters who are in over their heads. Not knowing how deep or the magnitude of their actions and what they are messing with in other realms. These characters are usually lead by their emotions. As they don’t appear to be bad people or mean harm but turn blind eyes to others when thorns to what they want and in pursuit of it to resurrect or communicate with a loved one. As it deals with grief. 

As usual this film is off center, disturbing and confusing for the audience and the characters. While never offering up any easy answers. While usually ending tragically. Even when it appears there might be some hope by the end.

Surprisingly found this film more impressive than their debut film TALK TO ME. Even though this was harder to sit through, but even as this deals with similar themes and motivations. This feels more original, obviously more disorienting and less crowd pleasing. As this feels more like a mystery throughout. Even as we can easily see the rising manipulation and gaslighting. We still care about everyone.

It also feels like a smaller production and doesn’t involve too many characters. It’s a slow burn that is emotional and sudden. 

Sallybhawkns as always goes above and beyond in her performance which is u forgettable and not as briadnas one might expect.

Watching this film is definitely uncomfortable experience by design. Yet it’s hard to look away or abandon. As the story and characters are mostly dealing with trauma. Which the film indices in the audience as well. Truly making watching the film more of an experience than any kind of entertainment.

In the end it’s not a film you forget easily and will still probably haunt you for a while after. This isn’t a movie you simply shake off. 

Though it’s give the filmmakers credit. As originally it seemed like they were going to go more Hollywood and make a STREET FIGHTER movie. Where instead they decided to make a more original film that fit into their wheelhouse and allowed them to push a bit further then their previous movie.

This is something you have to see for yourself to fully understand. 

Grade: B

THE DEAD THING (2024)

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Directed By: Elric Kane 

Written By: Elric Kane and Webb Wilcoxen 

Cinematography: Ioana Vasile

Editor: Star Rosencrans

Cast: Blu Hunt, Ben-Smith Petersen, Katherine Hughes, John Karna, Josh Marble, Brennan Mejia, Joey Millin, Aerial Washington 

A young woman lost in a series of meaningless connections falls in love with a charismatic and sensitive man, who hides a dark secret that turns her affair into a dangerous obsession.

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The film starts off with such a shock that it reminded me of the film RED WHITE AND BLUE. The shows the mundane life she has and those around her are so lifeless, but when she is with different men. She feels alive and with this one who seems to finally grab her interest and want to see more than once, is of course supernatural. Which we won’t find out like her until later. 

Though It’s never quite explained as even the character who it happens to can’t understand. The film doesn’t make it too much of a spectacle. Though it doesn’t mystery and thus life to the character, but also the film. It’s never quite fleshes out its ideas. The film is always doom And gloom as ItMs never fun and becomes quite repetitive. 

The film explores, Just when you think you have made a connection and you each like one another. You get ghosted literally. As Later revelations is she a nymphomaniac using sex to make her desired and feel good about herself, not necessarily happy. As the film never quite explains her motivations. She is just very sexual and then meets the right guy. Who she makes a connection with, then her literally ghosts her and she can’t take it. Treating her how she has treated others, except without the death part 

The film is broody and moody. Though one you could certainly talk about even for It’s Cut and dry factors. It seems to have something to say, but not quite. As it seems more provocative only to be seen and noticed . It’s Not necessary, yet keeps you interested by its presentation. 

It’s also mainly due to the lead Blu Hunt that keeps one captivated. As she has an exotic yet plain attractiveness.

It seems ridiculous as her character is so attractive and she doesn’t appear to be that picky. Though even her original co-worker failed at seduction of her. But she is willing to keep hooking up with the undead/ghost/zombie/dead guy and she knows it. So that she comes off as a necrophiliac willing to cross the line because he is attractive. It’s Like the film substituted who she should have gone for for a cuter guy.

This is what happens when you forsake your friends, work and responsibilities for lust, their partner and/or sex. As Time passes and you don’t realize what you are missing or losing. 

The film keeps you guessing in its reveals but never quite tells or explains. Like in a relationship you learn more as it goes along.

The film is built on metaphors throughout. It also feels a bit superficial. 

As it’s a relationship horror film that offers It’s take on dead end relationships. Accepting the faults that might end up affecting you and killing you. 

She’s Obsessed as he Seems to feed off of her. He becomes more desperate as she rebounds. As She is ready to get over him he comes back and seems to only want sex and for her to take care of him and forget her own needs.

The film is slow paced and offers a slow burn as it takes its time. It keeps its world so small. So that there aren’t that many characters. Though it seems to take place in Los Angeles. It seems to stick to its neighborhood. 

This erotic thriller that catches your attention immediately, but always so downtrodden. As it’s only an erotic thriller as it seeks that theme with mood, sex scenes and nudity. Though the lacks of chemistry between the leads messes up the experiment and the nudity in the sex scenes is solidly focused on her and her being topless. 

How come no one else like her roommate checked on her. Even though they share a place. 

As we watch the Dangers of jumping into a relationship. Even though demand the attention does make them both feel Separately and together. Even if the couple on the middle of this film don’t necessarily have any chemistry. 

It has a plot point that you can see coming, but doesn’t need to be there. As it seems there just to add a body count. 

The film might have made a more effective short or could have been edited down a bit to be shorter. Maybe if it had gone with some stronger ideas that it sets up. It would feel stronger and about more then relationship similes and a doomed love story. Which we have seen before. 

It might have helped if there was a female writer on this film. As it is written and directed by males. Where it feels less sensitive and more masculine. 

Even the ending why does one character,  who he kills come back but not any of his other victims?

In the end it seems to be a film that shows the emptiness of sex. As it goes out of its way to make it look so unappealing for the most part and how it causes nothing but pain eventually and even death. That is the way I read it maybe i am dyslexic when it comes to this film and also I am single. 

F@$k, MARRY, KILL (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Laura Murphy

Written By: Ivan Diaz, Dan Scheinkman and Meghan Brown

Cinematography: Jonathan Hall

Editor: John Carson 

Cast: Lucy Hale, Virginia Gardner, Brooke Nevin, Samer Salem, Bethany Brown, Jedidiah Goodacre, Brendan Morgan, Jayr Tinaco 

As a serial killer targets women on dating apps, a true-crime junkie must figure out which of her three dates is a f-boy, marriage material, or is trying to kill her.

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This is one of the most annoying films. I have seen in quite some time where this might’ve made a good WB show and could’ve been stretched out into a full season instead of a 90 minute movie that is baffling at how vapid, shallow and annoying, not only the main character is but that the material and film is maybe it’s meant to be camping. Maybe it’s meant to be cute, but it just comes off so condescending And glib that it’s annoying one is amazed that they made it to the end ending.

The lead played by Lucy Hale seems to have the looks and is meant to be a rational person, but nothing is quite believable about her when you see who her ex is you would never believe that this person would date that person and she seems to have a job that she never has to be at which is very convenient and though she and the film wants to show the troubles of dating apps and dating as one gets older, she doesn’t seem to really have a problem attracting any males.

It’s a shame as Lucy Hale you can tell is really trying to make this material work, but it doesn’t seem to want to rise the occasion with her and seems to keep holding her back

You wonder who the exact audience this film is for as even her friend group is diverse including a trans character that the film thankfully doesn’t truly shine a light on or really do that much into an African-American female and two other Caucasian women ones blonde ones brunette for a variety though one is married and one is engaged and all are taken. 

Wow, one can enjoy the fact that there seems to be colorblind, casting when it comes to her dates, lovers and leading men in which their ethnicity is never discussed or talked about there seems to be a kind of fetishization of them as only one is seen as truly, a partner or lifemate And the other who happens to be African-American only seems to be used for sex and then she doesn’t find him as attractive when she realizes that he can be vulnerable and not just cool. Don’t know if it’s intentional, but it does come off leaving a bad taste in the mouth of the audience.

I’m not trying to downplay this film or slut shame the film I’m all for a female main character, enjoying sex being open not letting it define her relationship and it adds to the sex comedy elements, but it does feel somewhat unnecessary, especially when this film decides to switched to more of a comedic mystery tale.

What is not surprised that of the three Screenwriter two or male as the film I won’t say, comes off as sexist, but it does come across a little bro bro type of humor to a certain extent or more male oriented in certain scenes.

Which even though it goes that route, of course it’s not that hard to figure out the culprit though the reasoning seems rather far-fetched, but if unfortunately, you’ve seen the poster, it feels like it’s given away. Though I don’t think it really matters as this was never meant to be a brain buster.

It’s easy to call this in a humor, more sitcom like than anything close reality you can’t even label it spoof as it somehow takes itself a little more seriously than that and doesn’t lift From better films so that it never quite takes off the way that it should

It’s a strange film as it wants to be silly, but comes across as stupid and seems like it’s meant to appeal more to teenagers rather than an older adult audience that could really watch it because for all the sex involved in the film it’s never exploited if there’s no nudity no sex scenes if anything just maybe a little bit of Frank talk.

The problem with this film is that it could’ve had promised an opportunity with its promise, but it seems to go the easy route where even the direction seems so scattered as much as the script that it just seems to go so many ways, but never quite can focus or stay centered don’t know if that was the design to match the lead character but it doesn’t make the film a bit more agonizing when he thinks it’s being fun.

The nicest thing I can say is that it has a good looking cast it’s colorful and the filmmaking isn’t totally abysmal

Grade: F