Directed By: Ben Falcone Written By: Steve Mallory, Melissa McCarthy & Ben Falcone Cinematography: Julio Macat Editor: Craig Alpert
Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Bell, Ella Anderson, Tyler Labine, Peter Dinklage, Kathy Bates, Cecily Strong, Kristen Schaal, Annie Mumolo, Dax Shepard, Ben Falcone, Margo Martindale, Michael McDonald, Cedric Yarbrough
A titan of industry is sent to prison after she’s caught insider trading. When she emerges ready to rebrand herself as America’s latest sweetheart, not everyone she screwed over is so quick to forgive and forget.
A kind of comedic take on money managers and lifestyle icons. That is a pure comedy even if at times it might come off as a spoof that thinks It’s a satire.
This is one of those films that checks your brain at the door. As it is silly and never truly takes itself seriously and that is what is enjoyable about the film. You know what you are going to get. while you enjoy how you get there.
Another fact of the fun is that it’s another role for Melissa McCarthy where her character is silly but not stupid. So that there is a brain in her character and can be witty while doing over-the-top physical comedy. Surprisingly one of her better films where she isn’t annoying or gets tired of her character swiftly.
Though not one of her most memorable comedies. I think this is truly an unsung movie and performance and put it up as a favorite and one of her better ones.
She is the center of attention but Kristen Bell is the one who has more of the story and who you root for. Whereas McCarthy is the one who breaks it all up with her behavior and bad decisions. As she lets loose and lets everything fly. Mrs. Bell is more the straight woman with the responsibilities and gets more of a romantic storyline to boot
As the comedy is sedate yet can be raunchy as it is another film where half the fun is watching at times the child characters act more responsibly than the adults but also watching kids behaving badly and with the foul language they shouldn’t even know.
Having Peter Dinklage here as the villain is a stroke of genius as he truly gets to cut up and be just as silly.
The film has a sweetness that Even when the film passes over into rated R, territory. It feels a little shocking but tries to stay in line with a more general audience feeling.
Written & Directed By: Xander Robin Cinematography: Matt Clegg Editor: Xander Robin & Dustin Waldman
Cast: Chelsea Lopez, Michael Godere, Michael Patrick Nicholson, Charles Gould, Adeline Thery, Alice Frank, Dean Haletermann
After losing his job, girlfriend, and home in a single day, a desperate thirty-something accepts a delivery job in a remote upstate backwater. There he meets a beguiling and mysterious young woman with whom he shares a strange obsession.
This is one of those films that counts on you going in blind. As best to experience thought not sure if it is ultimately worth it.
The film at first feels quirky and becomes a junkie drama out of nowhere. As the film has a solid beginning then it seems to get lost throughout the rest of the film. Even when it tries to have a somewhat romantic narrative that is strange.
The film feels aimless and constantly not about anything except we keep following the leader wherever he goes and pretty soon we are grabbing at straws at any scene where it looks like a story could emerge. As we want to see where this is all going.
As the lead seems pretty simple and clueless most of the time.
The film eventually offers up enough to keep you interested, but then feels aimless and goes nowhere.
As we meet characters who seem normal but get bizarre as the film goes along and at times it just feels like the film is purposely forcing itself to be strange to try and entice the audience.
The filmmaking feels well done but ultimately feels confusing on purpose. At one point, the film and its Characters seem to be speaking their own language and the character’s actions make sense only to them.
As a Major point eventually, the characters start sporting hairlines similar to Anjelica Huston’s witch character in the movie THE WITCHES. Because of a shared hair obsession.
This ultimately feels like a student film Thesis with more resources.
Cast: Niko Nicotera, Sam Quartin, Mark Boone Junior, Marilyn Manson, William Lee Scott, Michael Potts, Gore Abrams, Megan Mattox, Danny Boy O’Connor, Michael Sheamus
A cerebral revenge film about two adopted siblings who fall in love, and hatch a plan to kill their abusive father.
At first, if you are a fan of the television show SONS OF ANARCHY you will notice four of the actors from that show are in this film. A kind of reunion playing the same type of characters
The mood of the film is a lot like that show and TRUE DETECTIVE mixed where the characters here are flawed and most are reprehensible. As they are all either criminals, addicts, or low lives, and the only innocence in the film is sniffed out quickly.
Though the film will make you believe there is beauty in this darkness you just have to try and see it. Throughout the film will try to make each scene filled with some kind of depth or philosophical wonder.
At heart, there is a love story that can never be fulfilled or allowed.
As most of this film Feels like a crime story though it doesn’t have those thrills. There are no scenes of hold-ups or even planning of scores even for all of its Violence which never quite feels unnecessary. Though you wish more was happening.
The most striking character who walks away with the film is the hitman played by Marilyn Manson who seems to have Seen it all.
So much that nothing phases him and he really has no loyalty but isn’t going to shoot you in the back for no reason either.
At times the film chooses to play with the timeline and the film does feel enriched to a certain Degree. You only wish the story was stronger to give us some reason to care more and to get more involved in the film. As it seems to have the necessities but not the goods.
Written & Directed By: Damien Chazelle Cinematography: Linus Sandgren Editor: Tom Cross Music By: Justin Hurwitz
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend, Rosemarie DeWitt, J.K. Simmons, Finn Wittrock, Callie Hernandez, Jessica Rothe, Sonoya Mizuno, Valarie Rae Miller, Tom Everett Scott
Aspiring actress serves lattes to movie stars in between auditions and jazz musician Sebastian scrapes by playing cocktail-party gigs in dingy bars. But as success mounts, they are faced with decisions that fray the fragile fabric of their love affair, and the dreams they worked so hard to maintain in each other threaten to rip them apart.
This is a big Hollywood epic with an indie sensibility.
The film Might be overpraised by some but doesn’t mean the film is without merits.
There haven’t been really too many musicals lately this one came along and is more the classical with having a more avant garde way of telling the story but in a more mainstream way of advancing story and having an emotional core with the songs. Instead of them being an extravaganza meant to be show stoppers and really just there to dazzle.
Though the movie can easily be written off as trying to tell It’s story in a classic mode that hasn’t been sued in a while and going. For a certain glory. This film feels like it can only be told in this way
As the film Shows a love of the genre as well as playing by the rules and adding a spin of it’s own. As it Also has a kind of successful A STAR IS BORN type story. Only without the heaviness of a tragic ending. Though it does have it’s own tragic ending of sorts.
The ending is tragic in that it offers up some hope at first before letting the wind out of the soaps of the audience. That reminds the audience of the reality vs fantasy sequence in 500 DAYS OF SUMMER. It’s beautifully and so emotional that every note feels like a moment. Though it is meant to pull on your heartstrings and have an emotional reaction yourself which makes it all the more memorable. As the characters and we Review and look back over all the decisions might they have had a chance to go another way. Not to mention a future that could have been.
An homage to musical while being one itself though owing more to European ones which they share the theme of success but tragedy choosing to show the peril Of the relationship that goes with individual success the difference between art and commerce with a kind of ending that fools us with that could have been making the wound hurt more.
Which is where it doesn’t Feel as familiar in the second half the after the happily ever after even if it involves a character who kind of appropriates culture though more to a degree but that is more subjective than anything a romance at least. Though through it all the film Wears it’s influences and even if knowing where it is going leaves surprises or at least attempts them. Which keeps the audience on it’s tied and excited as the film goes along.
This shows A love of film and a great love story that might remind many of theirs or at least a dream one they wish they had. A reminder of CinemaScope and technicolor musicals of all ages. As it is hopeful and energetic but shows struggling and settling then finding fame and success and it’s painful aftermath. That while great for the individual is not healthy for a relationship. As one might have to settle or give up their dreams and drive for the other to prosper.
A story that shows of old Hollywood and jazz, A throwback simpler classy times. There is Nothing vulgar about it. Which is becoming increasingly rare in movies these days. At least when it comes to movies that have a certain pedigree.
The Dancing is noteworthy. It not phenomenal to show the characters are human and normal. The magic you feel and how strong those emotions or how you wish they would be. The First half feels like a broadway musical almost as it gets closer to reality and more serious less and less musicals
The film Feels like a fair sided testament. The film is infectious and makes you want to watch More as it stays inventive.
The filmmakers previous films all have music or revolve around it. So that you can tell he has a passion for it and in his storytelling here it is goes hand and hand with the story. As This feels more a continuation of GUY AND MADELINE IN THE PARK his first film. WHIPLASH his next film takes place around music and passion but also seemed more dramatic, destructive and dark.
This film Almost feels like a film stitched together from your favorite parts of songs and movies the scenes you fast forward or rewind over and over to get to. Though under a different or new coat. It owes a deep debt definitely to it’s influences like YOUNG GIRLS OF ROCHEFORT and UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG
Written & Directed By: Burr Steers Based on the book by: Jane Austen & Seth Grahame-Smith Cinematography By: Remi Adefsrasin Editor: Padraic McKinley
Cast: Lily James, Sam Riley, Matt Smith, Jack Huston, Lena Headey, Douglas Booth, Suki Waterhouse, Bella Heathcote, Charles Dance, Sally Phillips
The five highly trained Bennett sisters in Georgian England must try to protect themselves from the growing zombie threat, find suitable husbands for themselves, battle marriage proposals and unlikely suitors, and save the country before it’s too late.
The production values, as well as costumes and weapons, are impressive allowing the film to have a sharpness most period films lack.
The film comes across as more action or even science fiction by way of steampunk rather than horror. The film also has its comedic elements, especially Matt Smith’s performance as an ever-changing suitor
Sam Riley as Mr. Darcy has an imposing state that seems to hide a viciousness that is apparent in the action scenes. But also shows his skills and defenses
I wish the same can be said of Lily James as the lead and the rest of the female cast. Those who are pretty faces and are adequate but don’t really stand out in their performances. She is engaging as a woman of the past with more modern ideas and ideals.
Natalie Portman was originally cast as Elizabeth Bennet but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. Scarlett Johansson, Anne Hathaway, Emma Stone, Mia Wasikowska, Rooney Mara, Mila Kunis, and Blake Lively were considered to replace her before Lily James was finally cast. Portman remains on board as a producer. All of whom might have made the film more marketable due to name recognition and star power.
The only one who remotely makes a mark is Lena Headey who seems to play a role that might have originally been modeled for Angelina Jolie.
The film allows for originality and a fun mixture of two genres where they create to break the rules as well as play with them.
It is easy to see why this film was considered a hot property as far as adapting it from a novel to a proper film. As it allows the film to be an open bit also let’s get to know the characters.
The film seems to be fitting with what seems like get rich quick outrageousness turned into movies such as ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER and HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS. Or even films such as SCOUTS VS. ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE. Where the title seems to tell you all you need to know. Though this film plays itself as more classy and less juvenile. Though with better production values and plenty of Nice scares that don’t seem requisite.
After David O. Russell left the project, Mike Newell (4 WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL), David Slade (HARD CANDY), Matt Reeves (CLOVERFIELD), Jonathan Demme (PHILADELPHIA), Neil Marshall (CENTURION) (all of whom might have been better visual stylists), Mike White (YEAR OF THE DOG), Phil Lord, and Christopher Miller (21 JUMP STREET) were all considered to direct before Burr Steers was chosen.
It’s a new Genre for Burr Steers who usually directs more talkative and intimate dramas. Here he is directing a more action-oriented material. While also having the chops to get the most out of the few dramatic and romantic scenes that contain their own burning emotional suspense,
It seems only natural that we would get to these certain characters or at least the story as it is a classic and somehow mix in popular otherworldly ghouls and creatures. As I am sure werewolves are next to be mixed with some classic tale. Usually set sometime in the past rewriting history on film to create their own worlds but challenges us to wonder how they will defeat the monsters with more prominent weapons, technology, and means. At least we can’t necessarily predict how it will all turn out.
While the fight scenes are reminiscent more of BUFFY: THE VAMPIRE SLAYER television episodes rather than an impressive feature film. It is nice to watch a film that challenges gender roles and gender politics. While also showcasing dangerous physical heroic female characters. Who also are the feminine characters that want to be courted even if tougher then the men who romance and desire them. Here they are characterized and defined less like amazons, but just as dangerous as they are attractive.
They spend so much time defining the world and rewriting the main characters to be be more bold and defined. That some get left behind especially among her other sisters and seem almost interchangeable if not paying attention,
The type of film for those who like and don’t like period pieces as it stays close enough to one while also having more modern conventions and genre additions.
The film manages to keep the locations seeming small and to a minimum bit keeps the film big screen grand worthy.
More an addition to have a reason for a genre expedition that adds a swashbuckler spirit to the mix as other then gore and violence as well as an overall plot that needs them to separate the material and add action.
The film does offer a set of circumstances that could truly make the film memorable would have been more tragic. had it for. The way it seemed aimed that then serves up a spectacular finale.
That ultimately might feel like a sell-out to some people, but provides a crowd-pleasing ending and hits the familiar notes for those who have read the book PRIDE & PREJUDICE or at least know the story
Though the film does tap into the desires and fantasies of the female audience by allowing them to be frilly and have an old-style classic romance and go back to a time period where courted and wooed while also letting them be kick ass action heroes. Yet still feminine. In The end, they get to have their cake and eat it too.
Chaos ensues after the estranged patriarch of the Jones family dies on their doorstep. When the paramedic who answers their 911 call tried to win over acerbic Jean Jones, his attempts are disrupted by old conflicts that come to a boil at the funeral.
The film is short and sweet. Yet you want to see more.
The film has a constant wit. With a wicked sense of humor that at times goes for the heartstrings but not without a good dose of resistance. That allows the film to be dramatic and funny at the same time.
The film shows how the absence of one person has affected the rest of them and how pettiness and secrets can damage even when not intended to
The main character is an educated mess trying to find herself and is constantly literally tripping as in clumsy.
This film presents a modern metropolitan romance with a so-called urban twist. Seen through with characters of color. While being a family drama.
The lead character is similar to the one on director Stella Meghie’s Other film after this THE WEEKEND only here a little sadder.
Like any New York-based romantic comedy with an ensemble cast. We get glimpses of their Individual dramas. Only this time amongst African Americans upper-middle class. Well, really more Caribbean Americans with a neurotic lead something we rarely see in African American films.
The film offers more of a light touch, not a tragedy where the characters are allowed to just be and not be perfect placeholders or model citizens.
In the end, this is a fun film. That is as charismatic as its Script and leads
Written & Directed By: Robert Eggers Cinematography By: Jarin Blaschke Editor: Louise Ford Production Design: Craig Lathrop Art Direction: Andrea Kristof
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Kate Dickie, Ralph Ineson, Harvey Scrimshaw, Julian Richings, Viv Moore, Sarah Stephens
*Please note that some trivia and facts have been republished from imdb among other sources In this review
New England, 1630: William and Katherine lead a devout Christian life, homesteading on the edge of an impassible wilderness, with five children. When their newborn son mysteriously vanishes and their crops fail, the family begins to turn on one another. ‘The Witch’ is a chilling portrait of a family unraveling within their own fears and anxieties, leaving them prey for an inescapable evil.
The premise is based on America’s first witch hysteria in colonial New England, set 62 years before the infamous “Salem Witch Trials” which occurred in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
This is one of those films that is more rewarding the less you know about it. So you are free to discover instead of coming in with perceived notions. Stephen King has stated that he was terrified by this film.
This is a film that takes you by surprise. As it is more atmospheric filmmaking. That feels more accomplished than half the horror films that are offered today.
The film focuses more on community and character. So that it stays intimate the whole time.
The film builds itself up. So that you have to pay attention to exactly know and understand what is going on.
The film sets itself up and its own limits. It takes its time, as this is not a film of jump scares and theatrics. It is trying to tell a story so it won’t offer answers immediately that we know and they have to figure out. When it makes a move it is playing for keeps. As the film is more haunting than scary. As it gives you a sense of unease the whole time.
It continuously goes where you don’t expect it. Especially when you believe you have things figured out and it seems it will go that way. If it does get too familiar the film seems to then go to the more physical actions of the characters as they begin to uncontrollably tremble and weep in their weakness that is never clearly defined.
The film is a period piece and as well as sets and costumes even the dialogue is more said in olden speak than natural dialogue. Which only helps the actors as they are so dedicated to their performances. They are so strong you believe them, their situations, and their reactions to them. Even the child actors’ performances are great and feel natural.
Most of the film’s dialogue and story were based on writings from the time. It feels like a film of its time period. This film seems dipped in tradition and truth as it scarily reveals itself and its nature. It isn’t so much thrilling. It is more full of ideas and imagination. The work of a skilled hand filmmaker. That seems more rooted in the type of films of the ’70s that could be ambiguous and make us question more. Then set out to give the audience visceral thrills. The film was mostly filmed in natural and available light which helps give a natural Spookiness to it
This is a film that uses nature more to reinforce the atmosphere and to provide the horrors of the film. That produces a calm whiny film that never settles again after s certain point in the film.
The movie is beautifully filmed on a smaller scale. Though making the simple and expected scary and haunted. While offering many misdirections, but feels immersed In Something sinister. As when all is revealed it feels worse than anything they could have shown us or that we could imagine and not with pyrotechnics or make-up but with hints that seem more plausible and homegrown. Whose reality is easily imagined and can be felt which makes it all the more devastating. This is a film unafraid to go to the places most mainstream cinema wouldn’t or would shy away from.
The Satanic Temple has endorsed this movie and hosted several screenings of the film. Their spokesperson, Jex Blackmore, addressed the film as “an impressive presentation of Satanic insight that will inform contemporary discussion of religious experience.”
The film manages to give a fresh meaning of horror that feels like a festering Underneath its surface.
It also takes a while to get there but once we do, we get the whole scope of events and what they mean.
The film, unfortunately, was a minor hit at first through strong word of mouth, but audiences expected a more traditional horror film and weren’t prepared for this film which takes it times with its horror and fully takes advantage and explores the ideas it spills forth
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.
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.
Written & Directed By: Mark Pavia Cinematography By: Tyler Lee Cushing Editor: Lana Wolverton
Cast: Cassidy Freeman, Mackenzie Vega, Lora-Martinez-Cunningham, Bill Sage, Dre Davis, Steven Michael Quezada
In a small New Mexico town, a 17-year-old high school girl who just got her driver’s license gets into her first fender bender, innocently exchanging her personal information with an apologetic stranger. Later that stormy night, she is joined in her desolate suburban home by a couple of her school friends who try their best to make a night out of it, only to be visited by the stranger she so willingly handed all of her information to — a terrifying and bizarre serial killer who stalks the country’s endless miles of roads and streets with his old rusty car, hungrily searching for his next unsuspecting victim.
To tell you the truth this plays is purely typical of a slasher film.
The advertising feels like a mislead to get the title as it seems like this will be some Troy of HIGHWAYMAN type thriller where the slasher’s car will be his primary weapon. When actually it is how he chooses and at first strokes his victims. Using a small crash as an excuse to trade insurance information to use to stalk them and then murder them.
During this film way, too many questions came up. I am sure he is planned for a series so maybe that is why we never really get a motive. As a killing machine he also always seemed ready to take on as many people as needed.
The film seems to need victims as it uses a flimsy excuse for the final GIRL to have a few friends over. Whose purpose only seems to be to add more gore and violence to the movie.
I kind of felt like the killer cheated to a degree. As it is understandable why in life a killer would want to make his job easier by drugging his prey, but in horror movie terms it feels dishonest and likes cheating. It is literally like shooting ducks in a barrel. They have no way to fight back or escape. So of course you are going to win.
The film also just seems mercilessly cruel to the cast. Most of whom are still teenagers. Maybe the film brought that out more than other horror movies where usually the victims are teens but you feel nothing. Maybe the cast here actually looks and acts the part more believably. Though their deaths are typical, you still feel something when they die a certain sadness.
It might be that his cast shows a certain innocence so that they are believable and feel more like victims as there is barely anything they can do against this unexpected attack. Barely any defense.
The film also luckily doesn’t specialize in everything. Nor add sex and nudity where it isn’t needed. The film is lean and to the point. It does seem to have a reliance on female victims washing beforehand, but that might be a tease to fans expecting more than what is actually being offered.
The look of the killer is certainly iconic using thick leather as armor and a mask that while basic looks like a Deranged alien or escaped demon from hell. The film reminds me of THE COLLECTOR series only not as intricate and believable as the work of one person.
At times the film sets the mood and is properly claustrophobic but also in some scenes the score and tone feel. It is only monotonous but over the top. So that while it feels airless it also feels laughable to a degree.
Director Mario Pavia also directed the horror movie and Stephen king of film adaptation of THE NIGHT FLIER (In fact this is the first film he has directed in 19 years) and just as that film was dark and had an upsetting ending. He continues the tradition here. Don’t know if that was to set up sequels or make his mark and have the film be different. It does help the film. As the ending is the one remarkable thing that doesn’t necessarily feel routine.
Cut To The Chase 