Directed By: Steven C. Miller Written By: Chris Bayrooty, Chris Siverston and Nick Waters Cinematography: Neil Cervin Editor: Greg MacLennan
Cast: Madison Pettis, Vanessa Morgan, Jedidiah Goodacre, Phoebe Miu, Jordan Buhat, Richard Harmon, Susan Bennett, Lochlyn Munro
A group of college friends rents a smart house for a weekend of partying. Later, they start to realize that Margaux, the house’s super-advanced AI system, has sinister designs for them.
This feels like in the old days a horror film that almost feels like a quickie. It seems easily thrown together and then find photogenic good looking people that are usually teen stars or on a popular teen show at the time and cast them.
As here the cast is quite good looking and most of the female characters are never nude but half-dressed through the second half of the film in clothing that offers ample cleavage since it is mostly filmed in one location it comes across that most of the budget was spent on special effects.
It also feels like what I call a level one or introductory horror film for those scared or nervous when watching horror films. As it has a light touch there are only two truly gory scenes throughout that would disturb a younger audience. Though plenty of things that would keep this a little out of reach for a younger audience.
Though the ultimate plan seems to make no sense.
The one character they build up to be the one you might really want to see perish. Try to make them likable so much so that she. She goes it is really out of nowhere and the easiest death, but knowing her character is a crowd pleaser they manage to bring her back for bigger and better.
The movie does offer a diverse cast and most Fit into a recognizable stereotype. While the film offers some Dark humor and hilarious one-liners. As actress Vanessa Morgan in her performance and character is by far the scene stealer.
Directed By: Mercedes Bryce Morgan Written By: Leah Saint Marie Cinematography: Nick Matthews Editor: Anjoum Agrama
Cast: Morgan Saylor, Kat Foster, Myko Olivier, Danilo Crovetti, Keith Powell
Millicent, working on her thesis about children with severe allergies, is hired to babysit little Johnny, a sickly, mute child who suffers from every allergy under the sun. As she discovers Johnny’s dark family secrets, things begin to become unhinged.
This film tries hard to be a psychological thriller and also be Avant-garde. That it is presented as a reality-based fairy tale. Where each character seems to have some kind of flaw that will be exposed.
The film turns sexual and erotic as that seems to be the only place left to turn to keep the story going and make it more of a carnal tale. Using sexuality as a power over certain characters or to control them.
It feels Like a tip-off when the wife of the couple tells her husband who seems to constantly have his shirt off or be in a t-Shirt that their new babysitter is a virgin. Even though He never asked
Though as the film comes into its third act it tries to be surprising and almost as though even from the beginning you know there are going to be twist afoot. As the story goes along and we find out that not everything is what it seems.
Though for a tale that introduces LSD early as a medication. You expect the film to be a little crazier. Rather than a container thriller. Where everyone seems a bit off.
By the end the film feels like it could have easily either been shorter or been an hour long and part of some kind of horror anthology or horror television show… on cable.
It is also another role where actress Morgan Saylor is really good in the lead but feels a bit exploited on screen with nudity and sex that happens to her character. The role calls for it more as part of the story and in this film, her character seems to use it more to her advantage eventually.
Though the filmmakers behind it are women. Makes it seem less exploitive and more fantasy erotic
Directed By: Jayro Bustamante Written By: Jayro Bustamante and Lisandro Sanchez Cinematography: Nicolas Wong Editor: Jayro Bustamante And Gustavo Matheu
Cast: Maria Mercedes Coroy, Sabrina De La Hoz, Margarita Kenefic, Julio Diaz, Maria Telon, Juan Pablo Olyslager
An aging paranoid war criminal, protected by his faithful wife, faces death while being haunted by the ghosts of his past.
The film is well put together and grafted. As things come together or are revealed slowly deepen our understanding.
As this is a horror story with barely any scares. Which makes it all the more dramatic. With its tight cinematography and lack of score
The film is not as scary but is more about the horrors of the past. Done to humans by their fellow man for little to no reason and how they live with themselves after. Just trying to live yet haunted knowing their own guilt.
In certain scenes, the film grabs your attention. As not only does it leave you in the middle of things but also offers no immediate explanation. While it has a tendency to start a scene in a tight close-up seemingly small then slowly moves back to reveal more complexity to the scene as you see more space revealing many remaining others in the scene but still stays artistic and quite striking in images that you might have thought was the art of the beauty of the shot was only a fraction of the overall. A piece of the ultimate puzzle. Which scenes are usually for a movie or production.
The director does the same when a scene is in wide shots only in reverse and slowly pushes in to bring us closer to the character in the middle in a tight close-up. Again managing to reveal more, as we see certain details we miss initially as they come more into focus, but also brings us closer and more intimate with the characters who are the focal point as they come more into focus.
This also helps build the tension even when this style is phased out toward the middle. As this is a film devoted to slow reveals which is genuinely what the style and even the film are all about.
The central location of the house becomes an odyssey in itself even without its limits it feels endless.
The film offers striking images and angles. As we wait to see what will happen driving our imagination and expectations. Then chooses to retreat slowly leaving its own restraints.
As the film exposes the class divide as well as race through the country and in the family’s behavior.
What is spooky, The main character never seems to blink. Her long natural black hair could be a shroud for her. That ends up becoming more of a long frame for her beauty
It offers up the vanity of beauty with the general’s wandering eyes. As his wife knows of his indiscretions. The young lady who comes to work for them is a native of the country and knows that is his weakness.
Who he has taken advantage of before. It offers hints that the young lady seems to be haunting him or a representation of his past.
The audience is kept expecting violence. So it works on your anticipation, expectations, and temptations offering glimpses to read the mood.
Not as mysterious as I thought but still effective. His wife going through in dreams the crimes he committed against her in the past. This is why she haunts him as a way to get in so that other spirits slowly are allowed protestors to represent past victims and their kin.
The film even seems sequel ready if needed. As she keeps implying she is not done and might be coming for his comrades. Whom we see early on in a meeting.
When his wife is going through in dreams the friend he committed to the young lady in the past. This is why she haunts him, as a way to get in so that other spirits slowly are allowed in. The protesters more represent past victims and their kin. That is when it all really hits. We are expecting one kind of film and the film is offering something quite unexpected but still a revenge tale.
The film runs out of steam a little once you figure it out. Not as striking as a gothic style and goes more for harshness. A ghost story in a reality that feels a little more like a fable only modernized
Written, Directed & Edited By: Joseph Winter & Vanessa Winter Cinematography: Jared Cook
Cast: Joseph Winter, Melanie Stone, Jason K. Wixom, Pat Bennett, Marty Collins
A disgraced internet personality attempts to win back his followers by live-streaming one night alone in a haunted house. But when he accidentally pisses off a vengeful spirit, his big comeback event becomes a real-time fight for his life.
This film was an unexpected joy. At first thought, it was going to be a straight-out horror film and it ended up being more of a horror-comedy. Though truthfully more of a comedy set in a horrific setting.
The film mixes media into the story well. Not really satirizing but putting an influencer into the typical haunted house-type film. Which allows for a P.O.V./Found footage.
At first, the jump scares are set up by the influencer but as the film goes along the film provides its own.
The film shows the characters’ vapid true colors as the movie goes along. As he makes all the classic mistakes one shouldn’t in a horror film. Yet inevitably do. Here it is more explained to provoke the action. Hence content that is creepy mixed in with a sense of unnerving and gets freakier as it goes along.
Being informed by his audience along the way for discoveries. So that it is not the one-man show that it seems like it will be at first. As the film at times, the film might remind the audience of EVIL DEAD 2. Only not as big or accomplished but a good try in their own right
The film’s star is also the director who does a good job and is believable. Because of the design of the film, it allows him to direct and film while still being in the film and In control.
The film is especially impressive for its low budget and what it does with it. As it stays inventive throughout. Keeps it interesting even when it seems like it is going to end at times earlier than it should.
It offers laughs, scares, and at times general creepiness.
It follows a three-act structure that seems to be ALONE, COMPANY, and then ALONE again.
A great come out of nowhere film that needs to find a bigger audience.
Cast: Daniyar Alshinov, Abel Kalyeva, Azamat Makienov, Yerlan Primbetov, Dulyga Almolda, Ahmet Sakatov, Rustem Zahnyamanov
Dastan can no longer stand the constant nagging of his highly pregnant wife and decides to run away for at least one day with his friends. The men go fishing, which would have gone smoothly, if not for a series of unforeseen events.
Like the Russian film, WHY DON’T YOU JUST DIE this film is violent out of nowhere but also usually in the middle of a highly ridiculous comedic scene. This is definitely a fun film that will have you laughing or at least giggling throughout.
As both films just are so over the top and pack so much in such a little concept that they go miles with it and it never feels like it is getting stretched too far
So that the film feels almost like a live-action cartoon only with real-life consequences. Though the film has so much zany energy and out-of-nowhere moments. That it is hard to dislike the film. It feeds off the fear of what’s the worst that could happen and what is out there in the unknown of nature.
As it never seems to let you rest. As soon as the road trip starts it gets worse and worse. As well as funnier and funnier.
Some jokes come across as long or expected but there is plenty all through that is unexpected. Though as fast and furious as this film is, it allows the jokes to land and spread before moving on to another one.
None of this is meant to be taken seriously and might remind the audience of the whatever can go wrong will go wrong movies of the 1980s only with a more well-known veteran comedic cast.
Here this is a foreign gun production that screams for an American remake. Which I doubt will do the justice that this film does. As part of the humor might be that it takes place on foreign soil which is foreign to the audience. Especially when it comes to actions and reactions.
Though the film is violent it’s not so much gratuitous to an unbearable degree, but one would categorize it as a splatter comedy.
The film does live up to it’s title and serves as a final line and a summation of the film.
Directed By: David R. Ellis Written & Screen story By: J. Mackye Gruber & Eric Bress Based On the Original Story & Characters Created by: Jeffrey Reddick Cinematography: Gary Capo Editor: Eric Sears
Cast: A.J. Cook, Ali Larter, Michael Landes, David Paetkau, James Kirk, Lynda Boyd, Keegan Connor Tracy, T.C. Carson, Justina Machado, Tony Todd, Sarah Carter, Jonathan Cherry, Shaun Sipos, Noel Fisher
Kimberly has a premonition of an accident killing multiple people including her and her friends. She blocks the cars behind her on the ramp and as a police trooper arrives, the accident happens. Death is stalking this group of survivors.
This film is faster, but not necessarily better. This sequel is a bit more ridiculous with a bit more humor about itself. It also feels more expensive than the previous film. Losing that kind of intimacy of a lower budget and fewer characters.
As it follows the same formula as the first film but moves faster. Leaves more survivors/victims and feels more like a product off the assembly line than an individual film. It feels like an individual entry only because here it feels a little more experimental as the stud and filmmakers are trying to set the right tone and rules for the future of this franchise.
The film has a real moment that gives the film some kind of heart. Then it quickly grows uncomfortable with that and goes back to being cynical.
Though it manages to be shockingly sad and dramatic in moments. As well as building up plenty of suspense.
Especially after an older female character loses her teenage son. Then has a cruel death afterward. While she is still emotionally raw and in mourning. It’s the film’s one strong dramatic moment. It Shows this film won’t play favorites and feels like it might be picking on her checker just a little more.
The film brings back the one survivor of the original film to pass on the information and try to stop what is happening to them once and for all, but she is quickly dispatched. At least she lets us know what happened to the original protagonist who for all the inventive deaths the film has to offer seems rather simple and weak.
It feels more cynical as it stays within the formula but seems to know its audience as the kills here seem not only aggressive but more energetic and full Of adrenaline. Like an action sequence but more for the audience to cheer for. Though at least it plays with it more. Not always instant gratification, but making it more thrilling so we think we know when death will come but then escaping the last minute to end up dying in a way we never quite saw coming but was set up.
Obviously was more driven by the shock deaths of the original. Though here it ends up being a bit more playful
The highway scene is an amazing stunt extravaganza.
This is the film where you notice or the producers notice more the audience and come for the creativity of the kills. Not to mention the shock cuts they try to instill while giving you clues as to who’s next.
The little push at the end then shows the film’s Sense Of cruel humor. As these films continuously want you to care and try to play up the sorrows of the characters. While wanting you To root for their deaths or root to see the way in which they will die.
The film lacks a slasher so there is no face to the villain. It is more circumstance as we mostly see what they are cooking up to lead to the next death. Though at times try to pull a last-minute surprise on the audience.
So they feel engaged and like the film is actively playing with them.
The film does offer other brilliant scenes in which one of the survivors keeps trying to escape and survive an apartment fire that seems like a booby-trapped with each attempt. That humor comes with the over-the-top nature of ridiculous overkill attempts and ends.
Strangely for all the thrills this film gives off. The leads are some of the most forgettable parts of the movie. In fact, that has become the franchise’s major weakness. Even though the supporting characters are usually memorable. Maybe that is why they become the victims and the leads seem to make it to the end. The blander the safer, as they have a hero complex.
Written & Directed By: James Morosini Cinematography: Steven Capitano Calitri Editor: Josh Crockett
Cast: Patton Oswalt, James Morosini, Claudia Sulewski, Amy Landecker, Lil Rel Howery, Rachel Dratch, Ricky Velez, Sarah Helbringer
A hopelessly estranged father catfishes his son in an attempt to reconnect.
This film is supposedly based on a true story and if that is a fact. This Is either a brave admission that I am sure has been somewhat exaggerated to a degree or a rather genius demented dark comedy.
The film sounds interesting to most until they actually see how it is affecting both characters. Sure it’s helping the son and the father-son relationship, but It’s built on lies and bad communication that isn’t malicious. It’s more desperate and misdirected though for a reason.
So that towards the end you care for everyone involved even the ones affected inadvertently. We are allowed to see glimpses of play out. As you know that they’re nice the truth comes out and it must. It will feel more like a horror film.
An aspect that one admired about the film above all else, is the way that it integrates the text conversations into seemingly more face-to-face conversations. So that the audience isn’t left exclusively trying to read the screen during half of the film. Allowing the scenes and scenarios an extra dimension and a new level of compatibility for the characters. As well as comfort.
As it also gives us a glimpse into inner thoughts. While reminding us how disturbing the situation is. Like when sexting owns another.
Though it might be that new filmmakers who grew up with texting being practically second nature have figured out how to creatively make it work and have it especially work for them
As with most dark comedies it does end with hope. Even though most of the film, there is discomfort.
It’s nice to see Patton Oswalt in more of a leading man role again. That actually seems to fit him. As with him, you believe everyone in their roles.
You have to believe James Morosini, as he is the writer/director that this all happened to supposedly in real life. So essentially playing himself.
Makes you wonder what he will have next up his sleeve or is this a one and done and just wanted to get his personal story out there.
Some little tidbits you are left to wonder like was the son socially awkward before going to the Mrs tap hospital or just after his breakdown and is it directly due to not having a male figure around?
The film even with its freaky subject matter is never mean-spirited and offers more of a gentle touch. As this might remind some of the movie WORLD’S GREATEST DAD though that film has Its Strengths. Most of the characters in that film were unlikeable and had an agenda at some point. So that it came off as cynical. It would make a good double feature with it though.
Here this film has its own identity and tries to be rough but offers some hope. Where the main character of the father admits to his mistakes and is not delusional, but suffers a connected series of events. Where he continuously digs himself deeper.
Written & Directed by Rosalind Ross Cinematography: Jacques Jouffret Editor: Jeffrey M. Werner
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Mel Gibson, Jacki Weaver, Malcolm McDowell, Teresa Ruiz, Jack Kehler, Aaron Morten, Cody Fern, Carlos Leal
Follows the life of Father Stuart Long, a boxer-turned-priest who inspired countless people during his journey from self-destruction to redemption. Based on a true story.
The film obviously speaks to the beliefs and sensibilities of the two stars of the film Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson. It’s a truly inspirational story that ends up redeeming itself in the end.
The film takes a while to get started and Mark Wahlberg looks a bit old for the leading role, but he does what the role Calls for, staying self-deprecating. yet charismatic and quite funny. Not to mention gets to play an extraordinary human character.
Mel Gibson plays his father in a mode he is becoming quite familiar with. That is usually ex-alcoholic and/or white trash. Here he has a chance at a more dramatic role. Where at times he is thrown into stereotype and at others you truly can feel him as the character.
The romance angle is perfectly handled as it takes its time and by the time he has finally gotten what he wanted. Yet still hasn’t made a complete change a tragedy happens that makes him devote his life to god.
What truly sets the film and story apart is that after that tragedy another tragedy is revealed and while it gives the film a curve from the by-numbers way it seems like it was going. It also adds dramatic depth that the film had already given us an abundance of, but then finally and truly felt.
Truthfully the film that seems lively at first truly doesn’t come alive and exciting until that second act when he is truly trying to strive for bigger and better things. Even throughout the film, his character seems to be searching and trying for something new to fulfill himself and change his life for the better.
Based on a true story you can only do so much, but this film is an uplifting story and a crowd-pleaser. It is hard to knock it, but it is definitely not a film I could imagine watching more than once.
Directed by: Nyla Innuksuk Written By: Nyla Innuksuk & Ryan Cavan Cinematography: Guy Godfree Editor: Simone Smith
Cast: Tasiana Shirley, Nalajoss Ellsworth, Chelsea Proske, Shaun Benson, Kristian Bruun, Alexis Wolfe, Rory Anawak, Frankie Vincent Wolfe, Jackie Maniapik
When Maika and her ragtag friends discover an alien invasion in their tiny arctic hamlet, it’s up to them to save the day. Utilizing their makeshift weapons and horror movie knowledge, the aliens realize you don’t mess with girls from Pang.
This science fiction adventure film is more of a film for young teens. That has hints of horror yet never goes fully in that direction. It feels like the movie THE THING mixed with ATTACK THE BLOCK only nowhere near as violent or nihilistic as either.
Other than some violence the film barely has too much that would be objectionable. As most of all, it offers younger girls of color representation on the big screen in positive and relatable ways.
This is good for Its audience as adults will most likely find it cuter than anything. As there is nothing really revelatory or scary. It’s cuter throughout though at times a bit grizzly for young kids.
Though with the children being in constant peril. You do worry for their safety and dates a bunch of times and hope the film won’t go that far.
You might feel like you are waiting for something bigger to Happen or more to the story, but it stays clean-cut. As there is peril though not too much violence or gore. It has good practical effects for the most part
This film makes a good starting science fiction horror movie on certain terms. That it is engaging with its energy. Definitely, a fun movie that never overstays It’s Welcome. All of the horrors happen during the day which is rare in a horror film.
It almost feels like a movie made by impressive teenagers for kids.
Directed By: Andre Gower Written By: Andre Gower & Henry Derron McComas Cinematography & Editor: Henry Derron McComas
Featuring: Shane Black, Fred Dekker, Andre Gower, Ryan Lambert, Adam Green, Adam F. Goldberg, Seth Green, Chuck Russell, Joe Lynch, Diva Zappa. Zach Galligan, Kristina Klebe, Rebekah McKendry
This documentary explores the power of cult film told through the lens of The Monster Squad (1987) and the impact it has on fans, cast and crew, and the industry.
This is a documentary about the film THE MONSTER SQUAD. The title comes from one of the more memorable lines of the movie.
Though this documentary is about a little more than just that. It is about the film community in its own way. How a simple little film that actually bombed in theaters. Not only how to become a cult classic but how it affected the audience who discovered it. Whether when it was first released or later on cable, home video, DVD, or even just recently.
How a film can mean so much and hold so many memories that it becomes personal. Almost part of your DNA even though you weren’t involved. It feels distinct like it was part of your own childhood.
It not only follows the cast of the film. Finding out all the behind-the-scenes stories on the making of the film, but how it affected their careers and how the audience made the film not necessarily just be some job, but actually make it that much more special.
We catch up with the filmmakers and cast. The director of the documentary is also the star of THE MONSTER SQUAD. Andre Gower
We see and meet the fans of the film, go to the screenings, and get to know the audience. How they discovered the movie.
As THE MONSTER SQUAD is one of those movies that each generation seems to discover and pass it down to the next. It might be that the film’s audience is obviously kids and teenagers and it doesn’t talk down to them and for the most part, they are the protagonists. It’s a smart movie that wasn’t there to appeal to all or sell toys and products. It was an adventure with horror though still a rollicking fun movie. That unfortunately is rarely made these days.
This is also a film that seems to not be talked about except by more film nerds. Even though it could easily be just as talked about as THE GOONIES. Though this film is treated like their dark weird cousin.
This is a movie I once loved as a kid. I even saw it twice in theaters. Though watching it now I can see its appeal and fun ideas. This is why I once loved it and still respect it to a degree, but it doesn’t pack as much of a punch for me. As it once did. As it’s not as magical to me these days but still enjoyable.
This is a documentary that is best to go into knowing or at least having seen the film it’s based on. You won’t get lost if you haven’t but it won’t be as strong and might miss a lot of what is being talked about. Though it is worth a watch to see how a film can bring people together and mean so much to them. While just trying to be entertaining.
Luckily this is not the typical behind-the-scenes documentary just for the fans, but really a love letter and document to the film and its everlasting impact.
Cut To The Chase 