Written & Directed By: Owen Kline Cinematography: Sean Price Williams and Hunter Zimny Editor: Owen Kline And Erin DeWitt
Cast: Daniel Zolghadri, Matthew Maher, Josh Pais, Maria Dizzia, Miles Emanuel, Stephen Adly Gurgis, Marcus DeBonis, Michael Townsend Wright
A bitingly funny coming-of-age story of a teenage cartoonist who rejects the comforts of his suburban life in a misguided quest for his soul.
This is a film that seemed to be treading the same ground as ART SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL and GHOST WORLD. This film is more realistic but has the same kind of downtrodden dark humor.
This film is much more downbeat than those films.
As those films seem more cynical yet a bit more stylized. This seems rawer and victims of circumstances. Though this is just as funny at times. As mostly the joke is on the lead character. Who brings all Of this upon himself
Only in this film, there are no winners it Is more of a comedic meltdown. Of a young man who believes that he must suffer to be a true artist, From his privileged upbringing. He tries to be rebellious and anything troubled or dirty deep.
As expected he slowly Gets a wake-up call. That the audience from the beginning knows is coming. We want to root for him in his naive nature. As he wants to experience life. We see his continuing downfall. As he enthusiastically moves forward into a horror story of idealism.
Each character, he comes across seems crazy skewed in some sort of way.
The characters and film are somewhat grotesque at times. As it all seems grimy. The Aesthetic here is usually Close up And to Go for warts and all quality.
Basically wanting to always want to show us the ugly side of the characters. While also showing that every person is flawed in some way.
Even as this film is a coming-of-age story that offers few of answers. As the film makes its points but offers very little to make its Mark.
Coincidently it comes off as a graphic novel story of It’s own especially with its own drab presentation and darkly ironic sense of humor.
Directed By: Graham Moore Written By: Graham Moore & Jonathan McClain Cinematography: Dick Pope Editor: William Goldenberg
Cast: Mark Rylance, Zoey Deutch, Dylan O’Brien, Johnny Flynn, Simon Russell Beale, Alan Mehdizadeh, Nikki Amuka-Bird
An expert cutter must outwit a dangerous group of mobsters in order to survive a fateful night.
The film makes a nice attempt at trying to breathe life into a throwback gangster tale. The cast is willing to throw their hearts and efforts into it to seem authentic.
The film takes place mainly in one location and is dialogue-heavy. So that it feels more suited for the stage rather than the screen. The constant twists the characters and story take will keep the audience’s interest. The double crosses galore. Which is one of the film’s strengths. As if not for that the film might have been more of a display in dress-up and been somewhat stiff.
What saves the film overall is the performance of the lead Mark Rylance who takes over the role and the film. As he stays focused and is so mesmerizing to behold that you wish the rest of the film was up to his level.
This also leaves the cast just trying to catch up to him In Strength and charisma. Even if sometimes it feels like the younger cast members get lost in their costumes and various period-era accents. That places them more trying in the land of make-believe but good enough to keep the film going
The film is more of a dark tale but never feels like it wallows in it. It is a nice presentation but doesn’t rise to the level overall that various parts of it do. So it feels unbalanced but a pleasant experience.
Directed By: Julia Hart Written By: Julia Hart & Jordan Horowitz Based On Characters from the novel STAR GIRL By: Jerry Spinelli Cinematography: Bryce Fortner Editor: Shayer Bhansali & Tracey Wadmore-Smith
Cast: Grace VanderWall, Elijah Richardson, Judy Greer, Uma Thurman, Judd Hirsch, Tyrel Jackson Williams, Chris Williams, Al Madrigal, Nija Okoro, Sarayu Blue
Stargirl Caraway as she journeys out of Mica into a bigger world of music, dreams and possibility.
while better made than the first film. As it seems to have a larger scope. it also seems to have lost a little of its heart. This one might be a bit better because you know what to expect throughout.
As it tries to keep a positive and romantic tone. It still is paced morosely.
As even though it’s a kid’s film it feels like doom or the rig will get pulled under at any minute.
This one also benefits from a more well-known cast of supporting actors. Who gets more time to actually have their presence felt. Instead of the last film which focused primarily on the main couple.
Star girl still seems to be a beacon of optimism And the guys she falls for seem to be the same type. Here she is not quite as mysterious. Not offering a surprising knowledge of music and classic hits. Though there are plenty of singing scenes.
Not quite a musical in the classic sense but more songs were performed without any choreography or dancing. The difference between seeing a performer and a show.
This film is also a romance but maybe as in the last film they spent more time on the romance and her doing the chasing while staying mysterious. This time around we get to know more about her and the romance just seems to happen. It’s sweet but doesn’t feel like it has as much depth this time around.
It pretty much goes through the numbers and is a sweet film. None of it is really believable but keeps your interest. Especially when it is more made to please its audience of Disney viewers
Though everything feels rushed its pace is like molasses.
Set at an institute devoted to culinary and alimentary performance, a collective finds themselves embroiled in power struggles, artistic vendettas, and gastrointestinal disorders.
This feels like almost self-parody and wanting to say something about artistic institutions. Though it almost feels that with each new film Of Writer-Director Peter Strickland. He goes step by step away from conformity and genre with Jisnfilms and into his own interests and inspirations showing himself to be a true auteur with any care to please his audience
As his films are always visually Stunning and captivating as far as production especially when it comes to surreal visions and the same Goes along with costuming
Whereas previous films seem to take aim at breaking down genres. This film Feels like a satire and exploration of the artistic creation of his own imagination. As at least this is captivating instead of confusing even if only visually and thematically
It is always a film That will Appeal to Or repulse the senses. Also offering a look at the absurdity of it and creation and expressing it. So beautiful that the Film Looks like it is Constantly Taking Place during a photoshoot.
I Don’t Understand what was going on half the time but I liked it and its Visuals if looking for some sense exactly This might not be the Film For you.
The power struggles involved in collaboration the drama inside of it and how your creation is perceived by the outside world as well as directing and guiding it For the best way for it to be remembered.
How Much even when you Investigate and try to examine the art or get to the heart of it. how easily it can be pulled into the creation and become a part of it. As you have input me can help shape it even just by being a witness and spreading the word about it affecting its development
As journalists can do in profiling a celebrity becoming Part Of Their Lives for Short Periods of Time but still having that experience and bonding for short periods of time. Persuasions participation, Now even when trying to be a fly On the wall and just document you Can’t help But be pulled into the orbit and be part of that universe
Where the Audiences appreciation and feedback we barely get Glimpses of and are more like a sexual orgy. Getting more and more absurd, not as strictly Over the top comedy, but more detached and obscure as it Goes along even as we learn more information about everybody.
Though constantly Stays avant-garde and close To its art-house roots
The film Almost Feels Like a chronicle of a band at each other’s throats as they try to make their next album and all The fears coming to a head during the process, especially when trying
To work It out with others you know so well and need one another but also desire space though feel like you are the only ones who know and understand one another.
Done it plenty of times but this time feels different and somehow more important. Always on the edge of the perverse and even fetishism
Just as the head of the institute comes across as either the Producer or record exec trying to shape the product and collective themselves while Trying To Be part of the creative process thing offering nothing of more creatively and if anything trying to water down or Make it
More accessible which goes against everything the collective seems to be about. Even if it means using seduction to get insider information and flip a member to have a person on the inside and being able to use them To spread their influence.
Each act seems to focus on a different member of the group or so it would seem as one character barely Gets center stage but is always shown and in the background and the character who seems to Come To More Prominence in the second act soon seems To be a major focus event high in the front act barely Spoke
Though the third act is the shortest maybe it makes sense that the character who It seems To focus on feels underserved throughout but is the glue practically the middle child Also the most Melodramatic. While the doctor represents the old-school Patriarchy.
The filmmaker Exerts himself as a filmmaker of His own unique vision and view.
How in art you Seem To reveal Yourself though only when it feels Personal do truly Realize maybe you revealed too much or See how Power and jealousy are at the heart of everything
Cooking Food Is its Own Art It takes Steps In the form Of Recipes and you are always struggling to get it right and is Essential in survival and is used by most as an expression of Care for health. Yet also is A process in which someone can be kissed and can mean something to so Many Others who follow and Look at it for insight.
You Can Also look at it as an examination of the relationship between the artist, the enthusiastic backers and Money men, fans, critics, and The Audience
High concept and our reporter man on the inside all of this half the time Of more insight into his farts and stomach problems rather than exposing his findings.
This film Was definitely an experience. Where it makes little sense to me. Though I admire the craft & stays interesting. Peter Strickland goes more into his artistic interests and visions. I look at this as a film about creation. Almost like a band trying to finish an album and what they have to face to finish. To truly reach their artistic vision and breakthrough
A movie only director Peter Strickland could make, sticking to his vision, interests, and instincts. Displaying his talent and unwavering in his direction. Even when it seems the film will go for conventional methods, it resists. Though dealt with seriously the film can be seen as a comedy of sorts. It’s not vague but has many ways of looking at it and finding definition in the details
Directed By: Le-Van Kiet Written By: Ben Lustig & Jake Thornton Cinematography: Lorenzo Senatore Editor: Alex Fenn
Cast: Joey King, Dominic Cooper, Olga Kurylenko, Veronica Ngo, Alex Reid, Ed Stoppard, Kristofer Kamiyasu
When a strong-willed princess refuses to wed the cruel sociopath, she is kidnapped and locked in a remote tower of her father’s castle. With her vindictive suitor intent on taking her father’s throne, the princess must save the kingdom.
This film was like a female version of THE MUSKETEER. Only that film felt a little cutting edge. There is plenty of action but after a while, it feels very basic and less noteworthy. As the fights are definitely impressive at first but soon become mundane. Not because of the stunt work but because they start to look similar only with a different finish or challenge. As one might wear armor or might have a helmet.
This film is also like a female teen version of THE RAID only not as violent and not as impressive. Only here the protagonist is working their way to the tower. The most violent act is saved for the villain in the end. It also doesn’t have as much humor but does try to say something about gender roles, even in medieval times.
There is nothing wrong with using previous elements to make a film that reaches a certain audience and while the film at least has its motivations. It still comes off more as an entertainment commercial rather than something with passion or a stronger heart, but if that is what you seek you shouldn’t be too disappointed.
I have to give it to the actress and star of this movie, Joey King. She certainly works a lot and has paid her dues. So it’s nice for her to get a film that she again gets to shine in as a star.
The film is pretty cut and dry. You get what you expect and it is certainly entertaining with food fight choreography and a Slight sense of humor
Cast: Anna Cobb, Michael J. Rogers, Holly Anne Frink
Alone in her attic bedroom, teenager Casey becomes immersed in an online role-playing horror game, wherein she begins to document the changes that may or may not be happening to her.
The experience of watching this film is like being on The internet and following a person or story randomly at times but more focused. Watching this on an actual computer or laptop one can imagine would only enhance it and make you feel more immersed.
The film uses what you know already to help tell the story. How loneliness feels and an obsession can take over. The desperation in making a connection. Changing your identity to fill A role.
The film remains creepy throughout. Making the simple so scary and disturbing. Keeping an alienating mood. Yet feeling so personal.
You keep waiting for something worse to happen. That is the atmosphere of the film. Which is powered by your imagination and fear. In a good way not as a cheap ploy commonly used in subpar PG-13 studio horror films.
Where not only do the trailers offer the sin of giving too much away in the preview but also the feeling it might as well have gone full rated R. So it doesn’t feel so restrained. Not to mention would make the film somewhat memorable if even just for the more naughty parts and probably would have made as much money either way. Which still wouldn’t have been enough but I guess the studios hope teens who are sneaking into other films will buy tickets or who want to see more mature movies but can’t get tickets to a rated R movie settle for Disturbing and intense more mentally even though it is framed as a game. As we are offered clues and details in the background that only a few are acknowledged and come into play.
It might remind some of the early 2000s indie cinema. Where once in a while really felt creative and innovative. While seeming more like a more mainstream shell.
Told through the camera. Not necessarily through complete scenes.
It’s the intention of what we are used to from traditional narratives. It tries to subvert the ordinary and flow. Even watching the videos of one character strangely feel opened to more than just the character
Though most of the images and material are minimal. Yet the film sets your mind a blaze as to what could happen.
Hard to exactly explain the film other than to say it is more cerebral and for the adventurous. As it is definitely not for everyone
Story by: Jen D’Angelo, David Kirschner and Blake Harris
Based on characters created By: Mick Garris and David Kirschner
Cinematography: Elliot Davis
Editor: Julia Wong
Cast: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Sam Richardson, Doug Jones, Tony Hale, Whitney Peak, Belissa Escobedo, Lilia Buckingham
Three young women accidentally bring back the Sanderson Sisters to modern-day Salem and must figure out how to stop the child-hungry witches from wreaking havoc on the world.
Well, what do you expect? It’s a sequel to HOCUS POCUS. It works for nostalgia’s sake
This is more a family film that somehow manages to have less character than the original film. It is beloved by many and I even enjoyed it as a child, but i always felt it was good in a corny way that tried something within the Disney formula and might have bombed financially but the audience found it eventually.
For a film that feels like a film made more for the fans. It feels so cookie-cutter and less distinct than the original. This feels more childlike and obviously is more of a family film. As this film seems to eliminate anything that might be even a tad racy.
It would have been nice if the film tried something more experimental. As it has a built-in audience. Like making it more of a musical that it flirts with at times but ultimately never pulls the trigger.
Though the film Misses some of the misguided elements that made the original so memorable. Like the trends of the times when it came out. Which came off as pandering to a section of the audience. This one just goes with trying to be universal.
It offers a diverse cast and is mostly female-focused, but if anything it always comes off more as silly that isn’t offensive. It’s nice that the young female leads are minority characters though not really noted.
If you are a fan of the original you will probably enjoy this film or if you were excited to see the film in the first place you will probably enjoy it. Though this is more a film for kids and families.
This is more the Disney ideal. then the original film. As at least that film felt more theatrical, original, and daring.
A little disappointing for other cast members if the original doesn’t come back. Though there is a nice nod to the late Marshall siblings in this film
Directed By: David Blue Garcia Written By: Chris Thomas Devlin Story By: Fede Alvarez & Rodo Sayagues Based on characters created by: Ken Henkel & Tobe Hooper Cinematography: Ricardo Diaz Editor: Christopher S. Capp
Cast: Sarah Yarkin, Elsie Fisher, Jacob Latimore, Mark Burnham, Alice Krige, Moe Dunford, Olwen Fouere, Jessica Allain, Neil Hudson
After 48 years of hiding, Leatherface returns to terrorize a group of idealistic young friends who accidentally disrupt his carefully shielded world in a remote Texas town.
It does live up to its title and as long as you are in the mood not to think and just want violence with little reason or build up.
It’s Meant to be a direct sequel to the original film. It doesn’t even work on that level. While bringing back some aspects and characters of the original film but not as much or with real Meaning but more symbolic.
I have followed this franchise since the beginning as the original first film is one of my all-time favorites horror films. The first sequel has been the only one close to satisfying since. As each following sequel has had their strength but has shown more weakness than anything and this sequel is by far one of the more disappointing. As even the films before at least tried for Some originality or tried to bring something new to the table. Even if just a stylistic vision. This offers next to nothing new in fact it could easily be a stand-alone horror film, not one attached to any particular franchise.
This film is just ugly and I say this as a fan of some of the previous films. Even the last one which was a prequel at least offered some inventiveness along the way. To keep you invested.
This is updated & by the numbers but really even though a reboot could have been any horror film that just offers up something more excessive. Not to mention a built-in history and knowledge of the monster that lies at the heart of the tale.
As most of the characters are disposable. They are dispatched before we really get to know them we are told their source is nothing to really make us care other than the decency of not wanting another human being to perish.
This seems like a slasher movie made more for an audience who wants to see violence and asks little of reason or correlation for it.
Not to mention throw in some next-generation women and diverse characters to set up to be slaughtered in an entertaining fashion In which it is made to mroe look more like revenge or an audience fantasy. A kind of stick it to those who really annoying in society. As their best defense is to just film him And somehow throw in school shootings. So it saws through so-called wokeness.
The director and script Seem more invested in kills and laying on gore than being inventive in any other way. There are a few impressive shots thrown in but by the time you see them you are already in the middle of a mess.
What truly is mysterious is that these sequels have a wealth of material as well as the franchise has plenty of resources to be used and it seems other than the main. Characters that whenever a new film comes forth seem to be disconnected from one another. Trying to do something different that seems more random than anything.
This film is not like any of the other films. Just because it’s different, doesn’t make it bearable. Where actually it felt typical of more modern horror films. The last film which tried to add lore and a mystery or guessing game to the formula seemed like it was trying. This film seemed more designed or planned than any other. Just as the more modern reboots.
It’s not a film that would seem rewarding to even be seen in theaters.
Written & Directed By: Rob Jabbaz Cinematography: Jib-le bai
Cast: Berant Zhu, Regina Lai, Ying-Ru Chan, Emerson Tsai, Wei-Hua lan
After a year of combating a pandemic with relatively benign symptoms, a frustrated nation finally lets its guard down. This is when the virus spontaneously mutates, giving rise to a mind-altering plague. The streets erupt into violence and depravity, as those infected are driven to enact the most cruel and ghastly things they can think of. Murder, torture, rape and mutilation are only the beginning. A young couple is pushed to the limits of sanity as they try to reunite amid the chaos. The age of civility and order is no more. There is only “The Sadness”.
This movie was a challenge. As it wasn’t the gore that disturbed as this is a zombie movie that was kind of expected. Even as it went far beyond what we might be used to in a zombie film.
This was a movie that truly lived up to Its title as This was well Made but disturbing at least to me so much I can’t really recommend it. It is generally a disturbing film As it all had no point
Not only For the general fire but the film as a whole.
As if it just wants to be a more realistic and downbeat horror film that is one thing, but it goes above and beyond to be more provocative. Its general disturbance includes sexual assault and other depravities and there are other Films that are worse, but they don’t seem to kind of revel in it so much. Where you wonder ? What is the point? Just to be the worst.
Albeit though this is a zombie film it is more like 28 days later where it is more of a virus that makes everyone violent and can be killed like any other human. There are no special rules. As there is a minor explanation, but mostly seems to take the narrative of Will we see the two leads introduced in the beginning. Finally, make their way back towards one another.
The film is depraved and cynical throughout. It just seems to go above and beyond to shock the violence and atrocities. Maybe I am getting old and prudish but I need some reasoning if you are going to go that far. I am usually a horror film fan also.
This is obviously not a film for the lighthearted. If this sounds like your type of film, go for it. Unfortunately for me, it is not my cup of tea.
Again not a badly filmed movie. Just too much for no real reason.
Directed By: Marcus Dunstan Written By: Marcus Dunstan & Patrick Melton Cinematography: Lyn Moncrief Editor: Andrew Wesman
Cast: Brianne Tju, Benjamin Wadsworth, Drew Schneid, Uriah Sulton, Ali Gallo, Peter Giles, Joshua Mikel, Lo Graham, C.J. Leblanc
A group of high school students whose school bus crashes on a field trip. Relationships are tested once they realize they are being stalked by an attacker who intends to drive them out and straight into a horrifying fight to survive.
This might have been better off as an MTV original movie rather than an epic original release. Maybe even a television series to stretch it out and back itself up when it comes to plausibility. As it would explain thoroughly who the audience is more aimed at and would make more sense with the direction and twists.
As it tries to do something different or new with its premise in the zombie genre. Which works for it and against it depending on certain audience members. As it tries to do something original, that one can admire and probably helped it get made, but ultimately doesn’t exactly work.
Though the film can be quite entertaining. It remains that way only If you take it for what it offers and don’t try to think too hard. Then it is perfect popcorn entertainment with a twist. That you might be able to see coming.
As the camera angles and shots are distracting as they are more used in music videos and make the film come off more as jittery. This is why it feels more like an MTV-style production. Other than most of the cast being teenage characters as the adults are taken out quickly
As it goes for a THE BREAKFAST CLUB explanation of showing that the characters are more than Initially thought and are more well-rounded. While we see them break out of their so-called roles.
Though ultimately the hero is the one who seems to have no identity through all of this seems to create one. Even though we are never quite sure she is the way she is. Though she does give us a hero who can be physical but is more defined by her quick thinking and ultimate smarts.
Luckily the movie isn’t as exploitive as it could be. It sticks To the genre rules and even has a final girl of sorts. Though it is heavily edited like it has its own problems when it comes to attention spans and feels rather aggressive.
This film reminds me of DETENTION directed by Joseph Kahn. Though that film is stronger visually and in theme. This feels like a more lighthearted and cleaner version.
Cut To The Chase 