WINE COUNTRY (2019)

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Directed By: Amy Poehler
Written By: Liz Cackowski & Emily Spivey 
Cinematography: Tom Magill 
Editor: Julie Monroe 

Cast: Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch, Maya Rudolph, Ana Gasteyer, Paula Pell, Tina Fey, Jason a Schwartzman, Maya Erskine, Cherry Jones, Liz Cackowski, Emily Spivey, Jay Larson, Kate Comer 

During a vacation to Napa Valley, a group of long-time friends reunite and revisit past choices in this hilarious and heartfelt comedy. 

This film had me with the cast alone. Though while entertaining I can’t say that this film has too much to feed on.

As it is a middle-life crisis movie for women. That stays hilarious throughout but it also feels very lightweight and More of a reunion for ex-female SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE cast members. Though it does allow them more of a showcase than usual.

As each major cast member gets their time to shine and a major plotline. Some are just not as serious as others. When commonly cast men Evers in other films are relegated to memorable cameos. Here they get to shine.

The film is light entertainment that feels more like fluff but stays funny and entertaining throughout.

Though even the so-called normal characters end up being zany or skewed in their own way. 

Everyone is good but Maya Rudolph is a particular delight and comes off as the MVP. Not to mention she is the only character whose story comes close to being actually dramatic.

Like the liquor, it celebrates in the title. This movie goes down like a fine one. 

The characters seem more like types or come across that way at times. Though it’s not central it feels like it is about empowerment to a certain degree and watching women who are successful in some ways fall apart in others where their personal weaknesses lie.

The film even takes a look at generational differences. All in all, it is just a fun hang-out movie without too many stakes but plenty of funny scenes and characters. Who are relatable 

The film wants the audience to watch but also take part in the fun times. Where it almost feels like a hangout movie. 

Grade: C+

POMS (2019)

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Directed By: Zara Hayes
Written By: Shane Atkinson 
Story By: Zara Hayes & Shane Atkinson 
Cinematography: Tim Orr
Editor: Annette Davey 

Cast: Diane Keaton, Jacki Weaver, Celia Weston, Alisha Roe, Charlie Tahan, Rhea Perlman, Pam Grier, Phyllis Somerville, Patrica French, Bruce McGill 

POMS is a comedy about a group of women who form a cheerleading squad at their retirement community, proving that you’re never too old to ‘bring it!’

Usually every summer there are certain types of films that come towards the end of that season. There is the urban thriller that has something to do with domestication. There is a fantasy romance that somehow involves travel or older characters or both and there is the older ensemble movie. Which usually involves a group of older female or male characters whose characters get together for a cause.

Somehow have a setback or are underestimated because of their age. Then manages to impress and show off the young people. 

The film will usually involve the character doing things you wouldn’t expect them to do at that age. Usually, the cast will be filled with recognizable actors. Who will either all get a chance to shine or two of them will be more the focus. While the others fall by the wayside (Think the movie CALENDAR GIRLS) the other way is that it is an ensemble filled with all ages whereas a group they bond and we see the individual problems of each across the ages.

This film is the one that involves an ensemble and two of the actors take the lead. As well as having older characters doing something together that is only thought to be done by younger people. Here it is cheerleading. The two main leads are Diane Keaton and Jacki Weaver 

Jacki Weaver is more the flirty and rambunctious character. Who comes across like Blanche from THE GOLDEN GIRLS. She is also more the wild child and veteran of the retirement community they are part of.

Diane Keaton is the new resident who mainly came there to be alone and dies slowly from Cancer, but as she keeps being made to socialize and brought into her neighbors schemes. She decides to do an activity as a last hurrah, also to stick it to the community board and make a mark.

We see as they recruit new members and even has a touching side story. Where an older woman has bullying kids who won’t let her do what she wants. As they think they know what they want is best.

The film Is predictable but it’s Supposed to be it’s Light and is more for an audience to enjoy, not necessarily think about and more have the film affect their feelings. Not to mention be representative of the audience they want to attract and also for the younger audience members maybe remind them of their loved ones. 

While enjoyable, one is definitely bit the audience for this one. Not to mention it all feels too familiar. There is no attempt at anything new or original. So that most of the film feels like it’s On autopilot.

So while it’s Great to see these older actresses get a project and screen time. One only wishes it was either stronger or worthy of their time and talents. Then again they can’t all get the roles Susan Sarandon and Helen Mirren seem to get that offer more versatility and flexibility.

Grade: C-

COME AS YOU ARE (2019)

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Directed, Cinematography & Editor: Richard Wong 
Written By: Erik Linthrost

Cast: Grant Rosenmeyer, Hayden Szeto, Ravi Patel, Gabourey Sidibe, Janeane Garofolo, C.S. Lee, Jennifer Jelsema

Three young men with disabilities hit the road with a jaded nurse driver to a brothel in Montreal catering to people with special needs. Remake of the acclaimed Belgian film ‘Hasta La Vista’.

First off yes this is a heartwarming film that is predictable focusing on a road trip of ill-gotten but understandable means.

This is a rare film that focuses solely on characters with disabilities that seems to only come along every so few years. Even though most of the actors aren’t disabled they sell it through their actions.

Whereas even when it comes to their parents they have to prove their gaining of independence.

While the film does the obligatory scenes of showing them as normal human beings with the same desires as most. Then have to prove to others who are prejudiced against them that they can do things like jokes. The film offers a diverse cast 

This is also a film that is a little lightweight and while it has its little adventures. The strength of this movie is the characters and their different personalities. They eventually charm you so that you are forging for them and want to see what kind of calamities they get into next. 

It’s episodic in brute but as the film goes along the characters grow on you. So that while they might begin as stereotypes. They eventually grow into well-rounded characters. Who you grow to appreciate. 

The film even has an unexpected romance. It truly is an unexpected hidden gem. That gets by More on Emotion than filmmaking.

Grade: B

HEIST (2001)

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Written & Directed By: David Mamet
Cinematography By: Robert Elswit
Editor: Barbara Tulliver

Cast: Gene Hackman, Rebecca Pidgeon, Sam Rockwell, Delroy Lindo, Danny DeVito, Ricky Jay, Patti LuPone

Joe Moore has a job he loves. He’s a thief. His job goes sour when he gets caught on security camera tape. His fence, Bergman reneges on the money he’s owed, and his wife may be betraying him with the fence’s young lieutenant. Moore and his partner, Bobby Blane and their utility man, Pinky Pincus find themselves broke, betrayed, and blackmailed. Moore is forced to commit his crew to do one last big job.

Writer/director David Mamet isn’t necessarily interested in the action and spoils I war as much as the audience is. He is more interested in the characters and the before as after of their thoughts and actions. He is in love with the art and construction of the con and the plan.

There isn’t some gargantuan score to keep us riveted. The film keeps things small scale and subdued. Not filled with reaction sequences. Not that the older cast can’t take it. They are in the classic mold of tough guys, but they are older and established. They don’t need the headache of the bigger score. Also don’t need as much. They treat the scores as more I do a job, but they get off on the excitement and intrigue more than anything. Beating supposed smarter and tougher men.

While it telegraphs much of what will happen the film still holds a few aces of its own sleeves. 

While one if the off moments of the film could be Rebecca Pidgeon as the Femme-Fatale of the film. She is the directors wife and has a more common look. Not the typical bombshell you would expect. That is what works for her. In real life when you see the person some guys risk it all for. They might not be everyone’s cup of tea. That is the power in the relationship. They are so unassuming you don’t see them coming. A Jennifer Lopez or Charlize Theron you sense something is up. A Julia stiles you don’t and they use their power once they have you. To lead you down a road you, not ally would never take. It makes it all the more real. Think about some couples it’s always the one least likely. Not a centerfold, but as you get to know them and appreciate other aspects of them it accentuated their looks as overall appeal until you have fallen under a spell by the name of love or lust.

Rebecca Pidgeon usually plays the female lead of his films or at least an important role in them. She is a talented actress though at times feels a little too staged in her performances.

Sam Rockwell is good though his mustache does most of the character work for him it seems as his slimy character is easily transparent. Like a cad from a bygone era.

Gene Hackman is a marvel and fits into the film as he is an acting Everyman. Though strangely doesn’t get the best lines. This is one of his last performances and while there is nothing particularly special about his performance. He is as usual strong and believable. He has the grizzled veteran part down pat.

Gene Hackman mentioned in several interviews that he found shooting the film difficult and somewhat uncomfortable because he was so much older than everyone involved. He, therefore, kept much to himself, and in the end managed to draw on that feeling of being an outsider in the group for his portrayal.

The film for all of it’s twist and turns lacks a certain excitement and fells more cut and dry.
While certainly entertaining and commanding. You feels satisfied but a bit underwhelmed. It might be the smaller nature of the film compared to its usual genre companions which are usually bigger productions and more action-packed. This one is more for adults.

Grade: B-

GIRL ASLEEP (2016)

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Directed By: Rosemary Myers 
Written By: Matthew Whittet (Based on his Stage Play) 
Cinematography By: Andrew Commis 
Editor: Karryn de Cinque 

Cast: Bethany Whitmore, Harrison Feldman, Amber McMahon, Matthew Whittet, Eamon Farren, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Danielle Catanzariti, Pia Moutakis, Clara Moutakis 

The world is closing in on Greta Driscoll. On the cusp of turning fifteen she can’t bear to leave her childhood, it contains all the things that give her comfort in this incomprehensible new world. She floats in a bubble of loser with her only friend Elliott, until her parents throw her a surprise 15th birthday party and she’s flung into a parallel place; a world that’s weirdly erotic, a little bit violent and thoroughly ludicrous – only there can she find herself. Based on the critically acclaimed production by Windmill Theatre, The film is a journey into the absurd, scary and beautiful heart of the teenage mind.

The film feels like a dream which at least a third of the film appears as a Out and out fantasy that makes no sense except to the main character and seems to be a parable about her dilemma. It feels more like the work of a singular imagination that makes sense to only a few.

 Luckily the film works off of offbeat charm and style. As well as being absurd with details such as the date of her birthday being February 31st, The twins that constantly are the henchwomen of the main characters. Album cover art coming alive an becoming a full character and just about the entire third act that becomes a weird rural fantasy.

While the film definitely has a vision and most of the film could usually be explained away as more of a vivid exaggeration that comes off surreal of how it feels to be growing from a child into a teenager. Where you still have that innocence but the real world starts to beckon harder and harder putting pressure on you. Though either way the characters would still be considered quirky from any other view.

The film actually started out as a stage play. Which helps explain the limited locations and it seems the need to get the most out of them. Which also adds a claustrophobic feel and intensity in some scenes. It’s what helps make the film feel vivid and livens up the film to a degree. When there isn’t necessarily that much action going on.

Like the film the characters come off as stylish by being a bit off style yet quirky. As they double down on their beliefs and lifestyle. The film seems at time off center but knows where it is going even if the audience doesn’t. So that it is a journey for us. So you have to depend on the film to guide you. Yet you always feels safe though easily distracted and discombobulated.

It can easily be seen as a film about puberty. Where you are a threat to some and you struggle to find where you belong who is your group, pack as well as getting attention you are not used to and it feeling like an onslaught like you are being hunted. Not sure who you can trust as some turn on you that easily or are using you to a degree. Where the wrong move seems like it could be your peril. So that it almost paralyzed you or makes you very fragile.

The film can sometimes feel moody as it stays strange, but still manages to stay sweet and never is boring.

The film Actually feels like an Australian NAPOLEON DYNAMITE. Only from a girls point of view you can see the flourishes of a Wes Anderson film in the design. It’s easy to compare as it seems nostalgic but of it’s own imagination. Though it’s cinematic style seems simple but also expressive and deadpan that at times seems to try too hard but after awhile you get used to it as it becomes too common.

It’s not one of the first or only film to be taken from a girl’s point of view when it deals with a conning of age story. Though it is rare that we get to see a story of so much awkwardness. So much so that the third act is more of a fantasy story.

The film does deal with sex but it doesn’t make it as heavy an issue or something that permeates almost every scene and decision that the character makes. Which is a welcome change. Even if it doesn’t all make sense at first.

The film even has continuing action in the background to keep you your eyes busy and a full experience that keeps you on your toes. That makes everything feel amplified.

Grade: B-

THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 (2020)

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Written & Directed By: Aaron Sorkin 
Cinematography: Phedon Papamichael 
Editor: Alan Baumgarten

Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeremy Strong, Alex Sharp, John Carroll Lynch, Yahya Abdul-Manteen II, Mark Rylance, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Ben Shenkman, Frank Langella, Michael Keaton, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Caitlin Fitzgerald 

What was intended to be a peaceful protest at the 1968 Democratic National Convention turned into a violent clash with police and the National Guard. The organizers of the protest–including Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden, and Bobby Seale–were charged with conspiracy to incite a riot. The trial that followed was one of the most notorious in history.

This is a film that comes with a certain pedigree so that no matter what happens it constantly comes off with a certain pedigree.
It’s Certainly an eye-opening history lesson and recreation. That does feel like it was a film always planned as a live-action version of an animated documentary that tells the same tale. Only here the film filled with recognizable actors came in a vital time of the United States being in a personal political uproar. That not exactly was a repeat of the times that the film depicts but in a similar situation. Proving that history has a way of repeating itself. 

This film seemed to want to send a message of hope, faith, and belief or democracy and the power of individuals United in belief to hope to change the system and stand up for their rights and everyone’s.

The actors are all good. Even if some come off more like they are playing virtues and beliefs (Eddie Redmayne) rather Than characters. While others seem to be going more for impersonations. Then again some characters are written more vividly than others. As like the characters’ personalities some Are more dramatic some are more comedic.

Mark Rylance, certainly stands out amongst the cast. Even if his role isn’t as showy. Even as everybody here wants and deserves a Pat on the back for what they bring to the film and their roles. Ultimately at times like the film, it feels a bit self-serving. 

The script is good, it feels like it is more meant to say something about the then-current political times while going over historical events. 

The direction by screenwriter Aaron Sorkin is fine. No big flourishes, only wish that it might have been a bit stronger visually and made more of an impression in scenes. Especially those where there are action or powerful moments. 

For a film that seems to reach for so much and paint a bigger picture, it feels restricted or smaller than expected. Which works somewhat as reminding us that this was a microcosm of the country where so much was being decided. It also achieved letting it feel more personal and intimate. Though it feels different than what we are used to with historical films feeling epic and as big as the decisions and landmark history they bring forth. 

This is a crowd-pleasing tale of constant injustices that unfortunately seem to keep happening and have to be seen to be believed. 

Even if some might say that it Is mostly liberal infighting against injustices and a corrupt system that has sought fit to target them. As political leaders. 

Even as Bobby Seale’s story is so strong and fascinating than seems cut off at a certain point and out of the rest of the film. As in love he seemed lumped in with the rest randomly. 

The film stays entertaining. A s a smooth feel-good movie. It just never feels close to blowing you away. Though it is a story that needs to be told and shared. 

Grade: B-

THE TWO POPES (2019)

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Directed By: Fernando Meirelles
Written By: Anthony McCarten 
Cinematography: Cesar Charlone 
Editor: Fernando Stutz 

Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Pryce, Luis Gnecco, Christina Banegas, Renato Scarpa, Sidney Cole 

Behind Vatican walls, the conservative Pope Benedict XVI and the liberal future Pope Francis must find common ground to forge a new path for the Catholic Church.

What one would think would be a more theatrical two-hander if discussions ends up being bigger and luckily more spacious. That still involves a meeting of the two grand actors, but the films. Space is filled in with their backstories, decisions, and actions before the meetings. Even a past romance is Hinted at and a strong sense of music. 

The film just feels comfortable. We get two sides of the same issues only with different insights and different ways of believing and dealing with the issues.

The common man manages the royal assessment when it comes to the views. The film takes on issues. If not the causal conversations, ones that you wish actually happened. Which helps explain policy and gives a behind-the-scenes look.

Going in you think it is going to be more satirical but it stays more dramatic and truthful to a degree.

In the end, this is an earned film. Whose heart is in the right place, but still feels like a prestigious film above all else. 

Shocked that it is directed by Fernando Meirelles who is usually more of a visual director. Though he does make a film that could have easily been dull. Seems more alive and vivid. It feels full of life that makes you appreciative of the small details of life 

This film comes across as informative. You watch to learn more about the Pope’s practices and process, but more are here to see the performances by the two lead actors.

Though it offers a character study, a tale based on true events. That also has world events as a backdrop 

Grade: B

WAR DOGS (2016)

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Directed By: Todd Phillips 
Written By: Todd Phillips, Stephen Chin & Jason Smilovic 
Based on the ROLLING STONE Article “Arms and The Dudes” By: Guy Lawson 
Cinematography: Lawrence Sher
Editor: Jeff Groth 

Cast: Miles Teller, Jonah Hill, Ana De Armas, Kevin Pollak, Bradley Cooper, Eddie Jemison, Wallace Langham 

Two friends in their early 20s living in Miami Beach during the Iraq War exploit a little-known government initiative that allows small businesses to bid on U.S. Military contracts. Starting small, they begin raking in big money and are living the high life. But the pair gets in over their heads when they land a 300 million dollar deal to arm the Afghan Military – a deal that puts them in business with some very shady people, not the least of which turns out to be the U.S. Government. Based on true events.

The film is surprising while based on a true story. It comes across one film PAIN AND GAIN another based on a True story. Though Left out some important true details. To be either more comedic or dramatic. Though this one Manages to drag you Back down to earth. Amongst the fantasy and convenience. 

The film never becomes as gritty as it could be and always feels Like it has a shiny coat that keeps it away from Being as deep and serious as it might seek to be.

The strength of this film is that you can tell director Todd Phillips is trying to do something different than his usual comedies. While this has bits of humor and his touch. It is more dramatic and of more importance. As in this film not only Is it based on a true story but it deals with consequences that can be fatal. This feels more devoted to a rebellious spirit. Just like the main characters. 

So while the film doesn’t entirely succeed at its Aim. You Can tell the director, cast and crew really tried and put their hearts into it.

Jonah Hill is memorable in the film. As his character is more The showboat but also the more Loathsome of the main characters. By the end, he is the one you Remember. While Miles Teller is more the innocent heart of the film.

The film Is overly Stylish which can become distracting at times but also adds visual Flourish to scenes especially The action-oriented Ones and the scenes showcasing their success and wealth. 

Despite the epic storytelling the film surprisingly in size and scope still feels smaller. 

The character Teller plays particularly has a lot of heavy lifting yet never feels engaging or appealing until taken advantage of.

The film also feels like a chance for the actors and directors to be seen in a different way. A little more adult and show their strengths, as well as more range than maybe others, might have thought them capable of, just lien the two main characters they want to be viewed a little more serious and taken that way while still having some fun.

Bradley Cooper plays a more minor but integral role in the film. As his character is always in style and always surprising in action and some of the things he says. Though comes off like a minor James Bond villain only in real life.

Grade: C+

ORANGE COUNTY (2002)

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Directed By: Jake Kasdan 
Written By: Mike White 
 Cinematography By: Greg Gardiner 
Editor: Tara Timpone 

Cast: Colin Hanks, Jack Black, Schuyler Fisk, John Lithgow, Catherin O’Hara, Leslie Mann, Carly Pope, Lily Tomlin, Chevy Chase, Dana Ivey, Brett Harrison, Natasha Melnick, Harold Ramis, Kyle Howard, Mike White, Fran Kranz, Nat Faxon, Monica Keena, Lizzy Caplan

Shaun Brumder is a local surfer kid from Orange County who dreams of going to Stanford to become a writer and to get away from his disfunctional family household. Except Shaun runs into one complication after another starting when his application is rejected after his dim-witted guidance counselor sends the wrong application. So, Shaun goes to great lengths with a little help from his girlfriend Ashley and his drugged-out loser brother Lance to get into Stanford any way they see fit.

Screenwriter, Mike White seems so seething with ideas and quirky characters ready to bust out on screen. You want to follow in further stories and adventures with the characters. So they usually feel like extended pilots for a new series. Maybe it’s his background in television writing. In turn, his television series always seem like set-ups for films. While he is usually a writer-director here he only handles the script.

Jake Kasdan directs the film. He usually is an inspired comedy director. He has a more subdued, subtle dead own style when it comes to style and scripts. with films like ZERO EFFECT, BAD TEACHER and THE TV SET

This feels like a film that is distracted as we see the cavalcade of well-known actors. Half the time the film’s scenes feel like a set-up for a celebrity cameo. Like there are most to the other characters but we only get to see them at their craziest. Trying to make the celebrities more recognizable or introduce them to a younger audience. The film also plays it smart even when stupid.

This film feels like an MTV film while it tries to match its demographic and quirky style for a built-in audience. That leaves the film inspired but also grasping for something. So that it works more times than not, but still doesn’t shine. Maybe because it seems to try too hard.

Jack Black plays well in the film. What a lot of critics have labeled him, as here I found him quite humorous. As the film has a bunch of standout hilarious scenes, Involving him, but though top-billed he is more here as a supporting actor.

The film’s humor is more sold by more minor performances and supporting characters. Rather than the set-up’s

The leads and the director are both children of Hollywood superstars. They more than hold their own though these are ones they could play in their sleep.

This film feels like a minor work not deep at all. It’s mildly amusing. All could do better and have this seems to like them trying to be more mainstream.

Plus the premise of the film is that his writing is so good because of the characters in his stories. Only they aren’t characters as much as real people. So he is just writing his real-life not that creative. Which is what goes against the premise. At least as far as the ending goes. And seems dependent on.

Plus it feels like his decision at the end is supposed to be heartwarming. It more feels deceptive like he needs more material and inspiration.

Through as much as I criticize. I find myself re-watching it from time to time. It has a highly rewatchable quality. The film is short and sweet. It’s a fun time while it lasts, but never comes close to being a classic

I can’t call it a good movie, more of a precious film that doesn’t seem forced. That younger people can look at it like it belongs in a museum. Like our own personal definite gift shop as a souvenir for others to share and see.

It really says you are a good writer. If you can tell the truth and bring it all together to be told vividly for an audience.

GRADE: C+

KRAMPUS (2015)

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Directed By: Michael Dougherty 
Written By: Zach Shields, Michael Dougherty & Todd Casey 
Cinematography By: Jules O’Loughlin 
Editor: John Axelrad 

Cast: Toni Collette, Adam Scott, David Koechner, Allison Tolman , Conchetta Ferrell, Emjay Anthony 

When his dysfunctional family clashes over the holidays, young Max is disillusioned and turns his back on Christmas. Little does he know, this lack of festive spirit has unleashed the wrath of Krampus: a demonic force of ancient evil intent on punishing non-believers. All hell breaks loose as beloved holiday icons take on a monstrous life of their own, laying siege to the fractured family’s home and forcing them to fight for each other if they hope to survive.

At first, this film seems to play up the more comedic elements of the story.

It plays like a darker version of GREMLINS, Only more supernatural.

The cast sets the tone, though with Toni Colette. The film can go either way from horror to drama to comedy. As she is good, versatile, and established in all, but most of the recognizable cast are comedic veterans especially both Adam Scott and David Koechner. Which it seems like this film is a warm-up for them to do a buddy movie. With the two of them instantly memories of comedic horror films such as PIRAHNA 3D come to mind and what you expect. Except only, this one is less explosive but tries more for a hard edge family-friendly vibe. That’s more well thought out.

The second act of the film has more humor. Horror at times, but slowly becomes more serious and thrilling as it goes along.

Director Michael Dougherty is making his second feature and again another horror-themed holiday film. (After TRICK R’ TREAT) Full of folklore, energy, and fun.

At first, this film takes a more cynical attitude and looks at the holidays and situations that traditionally go along with them. Though children are in peril. You know nothing truly violent will happen to them at least on screen. There are scares, but an Absence of stakes.

In his films so far there always is an Augustus Gloop type of character. A grossly overweight yet cute character who has victim written all over him, but is there for a few good pokes of humor. The director backs the silliness of the film with a strong backstory that enriches the film and helps the audience forgive the more ridiculous elements. Which serves the film from the tone and fate of films such as SANTA’S SLAY. Which seek to be made and written around the title rather than have a good story thought out.

As here the film like JAWS only suggests a phantom who we see glimpses of and shadows. As we see the hard work was done mainly by possessed toys and appliances.

The film is almost like a nightmare supernatural version of HOME ALONE or NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION.

It’s more a film of scares than actual macabre violence or graphic horror. The most objectionable thing here is language and some blood.

The creatures in the attic are truly terrifying. Even if the demented gingerbread men seem more like cute gremlins. That truly makes you wonder if the film is trying to be more innocent and family-friendly.

This film Makes more for a starter horror film. More made for those who get scared easily or are uneasy with the horror genre. As it contains the elements but does so with a lighter touch. It could almost be a harder-edged family film. Though can easily be enjoyed by horror aficionados as long as they can accept more of a mainstream and lightweight horror product.

Another aspect to enjoy here is that the special effects seem to be more practical and less extravagant then a cgi production.

The film feels too knowing and knowledgeable to be a classic. Too glossy to be quite as noteworthy. Though entertaining throughout the viewings with plenty of gothic designs. Especially the terror toys.

The film is a creepy confection with a nod to JEEPERS CREEPERS. As the film is fun yet allows it to be downtrodden and unhappy.

The film fits right in with the directors oeuvre so far  

GRADE: B-