Tag: Horror

28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE (2026)

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Directed By: Nia DaCosta

Written By: Alex Garland

Cinematography: Sean Bobbitt

Editor: Jake Roberts 

Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, Jack O’Connell, Erin Kellyman, Emma Laird, Chi Lewis-Parry, Mirren Mack, Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Connor Newall 

As Spike is inducted into Jimmy Crystal’s gang on the mainland, Dr. Kelson makes a discovery that could alter the world.

A sequel, the second film in a plan trilogy of 28 years later continues from where the last film left off with a refines still running his patch of land and dealing with the tree trunk Alpha zombie known as Sampson and strangely finding him as a savage companion. yet also trying to cure him. Yes again there is full frontal. 

the character of Spike is  introduced in indoctrinated into the gang of the Jimmy’s and violent apocalyptic cult based on the Teletubbies and the late disgraced comedian Jimmy Saville 

As they wear color coated, Adidas track suits and wigs the same color and style as Jimmy Savile lead by a self appointed leader, who says that Satan speaks to him, and that they are his hand to save and savage those they come across unless they can prove themselves in a fight, one on one, then they can join the gang

Two parallel plot lines that you know eventually are going to have to intersect, but getting there is quite brutal. This film is much more violent than the first 28 YEARS LATER, but is also kind of more savage did that film in on screen violence against uninfected, humans and psychologically.

That leads to question what is worse those who are infected, and don’t know any better going off what they believe their thoughts and mind is telling them or humans who choose to massacre and pillage by choice rather than necessity

It also shows the danger of idolatry and believing in false gods and how it can lead down a dark road, leaving you worse for where if not completely destroying you, as you do the bidding of the one you have faith in who has you commit things against your own morals for them getting your own hands dirty for their sins. 

As the Jimmy’s are all young, looking for survival and needing something to believe in and here comes this so-called leader who brainwashes them and use them for his own ends, giving way to darker impulses just as the real life Jimmy Savile was well beloved, but a monster who sexually abuse children and women in plain sight, but was so beloved no one dared think bad of him and even celebrated him.

Now, while all that is going on the film does keep up the tension, action and thrills throughout and director needed. DaCosta gets to build off of the world that was created by Danny Boyle in the first film working with the same Screenwriter Alex Garland here we get more of the desperate landscape away from the small village of the first film that we got glimpses and travel through, but now get a little more into the different settlements and mindset of those who have made it on this mainland for so long

Wow, this is certainly a thrill for fans of the franchise in those following discontinuing story. It still doesn’t feel a satisfactory as it’s supposed to be a continuation, though it feels more like a sequel. As for some this film will remind them of STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI after THE FORCE AWAKENS as well. It continues. The story of characters were introduced in the first film. It feels like a side step a side story or a level that the characters have to go through to make it to the next one the finale, though it also gains some new characters or at least one to continue onto the next one and eliminate some that were introduced in the first film. It also charged the evolution of the characters. Expanding the corners of the lands.

Though with all of this discovery, for some odd reason, it doesn’t come across as ultimately fulfilling it’s not worthy, but for some odd reason, it feels like there should be more, and I say this as a fan of the franchise and films.

At least this one has a little bit more of a slight sense of humor, even if dark at times as well as refines having more screen time and still managing to steal the movie

The middle of the film even has a long drawn out scene at a survival farmhouse that becomes a torture session that feels elongated. It might remind some viewers of the movie DETROIT only thankfully here it is more made up by Screenwriter, whereas unfortunately what happened in the movie DETROIT is based on historical fact.

It also has a few more pop, culture references, and music hits rather than any original score or soundtrack that was quite strong and helped support the first film of this current hopefully trilogy.

It hints at rather than opens up all these deep meanings, ideas and thoughts made. Truly giving you something to think about afterwards and more than just simple entertainment.

The cast is all excellent especially one of my favorite actors Ralph Fiennes, the scene stealer of the film is Erin Kellyman, as one of the rebellious jimmy’s 

The film is in a failure by any means and should delight most audience has messed up as it ends up being though it’s just not a total victory. But leaves you with plenty to think about if you choose to look past, the film has just entertain entertainment.

It also involves an ending that helps to bring the film’s full circle and stay connected. 

Grade: B- 

BLACK PHONE 2 (2025)

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Directed By: Scott Derrickson

Written By: C. Robert Cargill

Based on the Short Story “THE BLACK PHONE” by: Joe Hill 

Cinematography: Par M. Ekberg 

Editor: Louise Ford 

Cast: Mason Thames, Madeline McGraw, Demian Bichir, Ethan Hawke, Miguel Mora, Arianna Rivas, Jeremy Davies, Maev Beaty 

As Finn, now 17, struggles with life after his captivity, his sister begins receiving calls in her dreams from the black phone and seeing disturbing visions of three boys being stalked at a winter camp known as Alpine Lake.

When I was younger, I remember going to the movies with my friends to go see the conjuring. It was a movie. I really was not at all that hyped or really that interested to go see, as at that time, I felt like I was a film, know it all, and had superior taste almost like a cinematic insider in my own mind, but they all were going with or without me and being a movie fan and wanting to hang out and not go home. Ended up attending with them gave the movie a chance, ended up, loving the film and the experience.  it was pretty much story wise what I expected, but the film in itself was a surprise for me how enjoyable and entertained one was by the end. Please don’t ask me about the sequels or the franchise in general, but that first one remain a special memory for me.

These days it’s very rare that I am surprised by a movie. I don’t get to go out to the movies as much with friends and their whims anymore to go see films that I didn’t necessarily plan to in the first place. The first black phone movie might have been one of the last of those types where I didn’t overwhelmingly not want to see it, but had limited interest where I felt. I could wait by the end. I truly enjoyed the film as it felt like a film of the time period that it was sat in as it wasn’t cookie cutter. It was brutal. It was violent. It wasn’t looking for sympathy. It was a matter of fact with not necessarily likable characters, though some of them didn’t deserve the fate that was doubt, and it only had a hint of the supernatural.

Now, while the sequel is a continuation of this seems to focus more on the supernatural aspects of the character, story and film, where the formula seems to be

Take 1 part STRANGER THINGS, 2 parts A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET , mix in a little of THE SHINING and you get BLACK PHONE 2. The sum of its parts. It Feels like the filmmakers took what they were fans of and what they were watching at the time. As well as what was popular and made this film. Which has great style but is a bunch of build up. Yet feels rather thin and stretching. It feels like it was obligated and this is the best they could do with the time. It’s somewhat creative but ultimately disappointing. Especially compared to the first film. While being a sequel and prequel of sorts 

The film isn’t bad. It’s just disappointing and less than the original I guess living up to it being a sequel. This film stays more remote in its location and feels more like a production because of it with limited amount of characters. Who seemed to just be there for dressing as they are small pieces of the puzzle there to represent certain emotions or ideas rather than being true characters like the ultra religious lady who works for the camp who seems only to be there to accuse characters and just generally be a deterrent so that later in the film when she’s abused and the constant verbal abuse that one character gives her seems well warranted, and her husband just seems to be there. He doesn’t really play that much of a role.

Even their father returns for the film, but he seems just as ineffective as before. 

As I presented before and what it feels like the formula for this movie, there is a more Freddy Kruger element for Ethan Hawke’s character who comes back to haunt, and it works as a sequel and a prequel, as it is a continuation of the character from the first film, but it also gives us a look into the past of the villain from the first film. 

With the characters being haunted and psychic and teenagers being the main characters is where you get the nightmare on Elm Street, but also the Stranger Things elements.

The film is stylish as ever and that’s one of it saving grace as the rest of the film does feel as of the time. Period but it also fails as it just feels like it’s a very thin and stretching. I don’t know if it’s meant to be a continuation or another piece in a franchise, but while it might offer some scares, it doesn’t offer much of an interest for the audience and last doesn’t feel like it really needs to be made if anything more feels like fan service that comes out of nowhere as I doubt anyone was thinking there was much more to the story to be made, but we’re glad to come back and be reunited with the characters. It’s not a horrible movie and maybe it’s just me and fans of the first film we love this or at least like this film, but while it offers a different type of horror and scare, it just doesn’t feel like it was ever needed.

Come back and watch it if you must as it doesn’t lessen the strength or power of the first film, but this while it doesn’t come across as a get rich, quick scheme idea it does make one question what was the intention in ideas behind this sequel otherwise?

Grade: C

OTHER (2025)

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Directed By: David Moreau

Written By: David Moreau and Jon Goldman

Cinematography: Julien Ramirez Hernan

Cast: Olga Kurylenko, Jean Schatz, Lola Bonaventure, Philip Schuler, Julie Mae’s, Anne Pascale-Clairembourg, Jacqueline Ghaye, Sacha Nugent

Alice returns to her childhood home after her mother’s death, only to find the house is rigged with surveillance tracking her every move, as a sinister presence lurks, driving her towards a terrifying revelation.

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I can think of worse ways to spend 90 minutes then with acresss Olga Kurylenko, who is good in the role. As the lead stretch stretching some acting muscle muscles. She hasn’t really been challenged to do before.

this is the rare starring role for her where she is front and center and truly gets to show dramatic depth in a role as for the most part, the film just follows her throughout this treacherous adventure that stays mysterious for most of the film so that it’s almost like we’re watching her play dress up through half the film as a former teen beauty contestant

This is one of those films, the end resolution you just wonder why we had to go through all of what we just did just to get here as it plays more weirder than it truly needs to be 

if there was a reason for the peculiarities, then at least it might’ve been worth it, but it just seems like the film is made that way just for that and I guess to keep it more of a mystery to the audience which again by the end just feels like it was over the top for no reason 

Now, while the film does have its moments and an ending, we should see coming, but still comes across as a very big moment of surprise. Which at least makes it feel somewhat satisfying though getting there just feels annoying.

As there are other characters in this film, but it pretty much feels like a one woman show throughout as Miss Kurylenko does most of the work and the heavy lifting

now, while this film might work for others as it is definitely a slow burn that is more of a drama with a thriller or horror elements. One can say that they were with the film halfway as it’s not much to do about nothing as there is substance here that seems to be yelled out a lot

Until all is revealed, and the impact and capacity truly takes over. So thoroughly throughout, you admire the filmmaking and how far it pushes the story and keeps the audience and suspense with the sense of mystery.

As it’s about buried hidden trauma that the film gives some clues along the way. Though I think we figured it out before her and the film literally spell out the ending what we come up with might be scarier than what we actually see at the end.

Even as it tries to be subtle about it, you can’t help but notice it just feels like the film is missing an element that would truly make it more noteworthy instead of feeling underwhelming by the end.

The film stays visually inventive, but at times it does feel like it’s being weird just to be weird. 

They left to wonder if there is a sequel will it keep the same mood? Will there be new secrets or become more audience friendly with Gore and blood baths?

By the end of you make it that far. You sneered you can decide if all of this film was worth the journey. That might have been just as effective as a short.

Grade: C

GOOD BOY (2025)

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Directed By: Ben Leonberg

Written By: Ben Leonberg and Alex Cannon

Cinematography: Wade Grebnoel (Ben Leonberg)

Editor: Curtis Roberts (Ben Leonberg)

Cast: Shane Jensen, Arielle Friedman, Larry Fessenden, Stuart Rudin, Hunter Goetz, Abya Krawcheck

A loyal dog moves to a rural family home with his owner, only to discover supernatural forces lurking in the shadows. As dark entities threaten his human companion, the brave pup must fight to protect the one he loves most.

This film continuously gets on one’s nerves

It keeps highlighting elements throughout and then tries at times to be more a mystery, before dragging itself into more supernatural scenes with a metamorphosis or werewolf tail brewing that ultimately ends up as a red herring

The film is stylish and creative, especially and trying to conceal the lead actors or really any humans faces or identity, even though it tries to hint at but rides that way as one of the more interesting aspects of the film. 

The film is mercilessly short, but still feels too long like an expanded short film that wants to say more though truly doesn’t need to 

For most of the film, nothing is entirely answered and throughout we are giving part information but half the time we’re left wondering not only what is going on but what exactly is the mystery? We are trying to figure out or solve.

The film is mostly from the dog point of view, though not in the exact way, it might be expected like in the film  WHITE GOD. Though it does help inspire suspense.

As you watch you notice so many ways, this story could’ve gone and probably better than settling. It seems for a haunted house story or some kind of ghost story.  At one point, I thought it was going to be a murder mystery has to who killed the owner of the dog unfortunately it doesn’t go there.

Instead of times, it feels like a student film with a good budget. It reminded me of Skinner Mark a film. A lot of people enjoyed that I found frustrating and uninteresting so that this film almost feels like the case of the Emperor‘s new clothes.

The filmmaker was smart and making the audience fall in love with the dog as the protagonist showing loyalty to an owner, who might not deserve it, and instantly the audience is on the dog side as even when people saw the trailer for the film. The number one search seemed to be does the dog die so here you have the audience in the palm of your hand, instantly sympathetic and caring. That also in its own way feels manipulative.

What the film has going for it is it’s inventiveness. 

Grade: D 

SISTER MIDNIGHT (2024)

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Written & Directed By: Karan Kandhari

Cinematography: Sverre Sordal

Editor: Napoleon Stratogiannakis

Cast: Radhika Apte, Ashok Pathak, Chhaya Kadam, Smita Tambe, Subhash Chandra, Navya Sawant, Uma Katju, Vijay Kaushik 

A genre-bending comedy about a frustrated and misanthropic newlywed who discovers certain feral impulses that land her in unlikely situations.

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This is a film that is best to go in blind as the title and the poster make it seem like a vigilante movie from the 1970s even though it is far from that it does feel like a more original project and product that could be from that time That is obviously more modern. A ready made cult movie of sorts.

The film plays and styled like a Wes Anderson film. Only set in Mumbai, India. As it has the same visual style, and the same comedic beats. Though offers it’s own takes and vision. 

There is no traditional indian music on the soundtrack. It has more Indie and oldies rockabilly. As it seems the director wanted to have things that don’t necessarily go together. For the multiple genre movie. 

As this film is meant to be, one won’t say horror, though it leans that way it’s more of a fantasy or a fairytale, as it is filled with the supernatural, which only adds to the hijinks. though at heart it’s more comedic than anything. 

Even though it starts off as a kind of romantic comedy involving an arranged marriage and it’s slowly going downhill before something fantastic happens and sets the film on a new path or course, but still has that original element anchor in.

We I habit and learn about this world as well as the revelations through the main character played by Radhika Apte. As the lead and truly the audiences guide.

The film has a lot of inspired visuals and touches of silent comedy that also feeds off of culture and environment.

The one of the weaknesses of the film is there nothing is ever explained things just seem to happen randomly, but it works so well within the genre that you just go with it.

Their scenes of animation in the film, which you stop animation that work well within and only adds to the films, eclectic and oddball nature which truly sets the film apart as an original offering. As it might not necessarily life ok smooth or expensive, but sets to show it’s different or not normal.

The film offer several different genres, and it never goes where you expected to and ends up being quite subversive, though it might be too whimsical for some.

This feels like a film that at certain points is moody yet more fantasy or science fiction. Yet wears the disguise of being a horror film mroe 

For most audiences, it might be a breath of fresh air, pulling in elements of films. They might not normally watch and tinkering with them enough to be more acceptable in this harsh podge of a film.

Grade: B+

MATCH (2025)

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Directed By: Danishka Esterhazy

Written By: Al Kaplan and Jon Kaplan

Editor: David Trevail 

Cast: Humberly Gonzalez, Shaeane Jiminez, Dianne Simpson, Jacques Adriaanse, Luke Volker, Nikita Faber, Dean Goldblum, Alex McGregor 

After Paola is matched with a handsome online suitor, she arrives for a first date to discover a house full of dark and terrifying secrets.

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Once again, a Tubi channel original movie has taken me by surprise by being excitedly, entertaining and a solid thriller that keeps building as a story goes along with quite a few twist and moments, you are shocked, actually go there. As this film is crazy. Yet timely 

At first, the film plays as expected, but as it goes along with each act, it gains momentum and offers more shocks and the unexpected. As we can all identify with the film and it’s characters. Trying to find love in all the wrong places all the games that are played only

To discover your partner might be a monster.

The film is gory, but not an obnoxious way that can be somewhat tasteful, even if there are other parts of the film that some audiences might find gross, distasteful, and disgusting.

The cast is all excellent and truly make the film work and stay believable even in some of the more outlandish material and scenes. Especially one of the central characters within the film wasn’t expecting a literal monster to be involved.

Having watched a few films by director, Danishka Esterhazy. A few of which on the Tubi channel. She has made plenty of thrillers in here. She seems more confident with her material, focusing more on the scares and characters as well as the sensationalism. She is really coming into her own helping raise the bar of what is commonly thought of when it comes to the Tubi channel. And it’s originals that are more low budget films to be screened with Hollywood and foreign hits, but also a bastion for true independent filmmakers usually involved or characterized by genre.

Though there are plenty of times that the film feels like a B-movie. It has quite a few dramatic scenes that grounded in reality. Though the film

Ian’t for the squeamish as it gets quite nasty 

The last act of the film is off to the races of excitement as it truly has you and it’s grip.

My only group is that while the practical special effects make up is impressive. You can see the seams on the actors back, which take you out of the film a bit, but not enough to make this film a failure.

Grade: C+ 

FINAL DESTINATION: BLOODLINES (2025)

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Directed By: Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein

Written By: Guy Busick and Lori Evans Taylor 

Story By: Jon Watts, Guy Busick and Lori Evans Taylor 

Cinematography: Christian Sebeldt

Editor: Sabrina Pitre

Cast: Brec Bassinger, Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Ryan Kihlstedt, Richard Harmon, Owen Patrick Joyner, Anna Lore, Alex Zahara, April Amber Jack, Teo Briones, Tony Todd 

Plagued by a recurring violent nightmare, a college student returns home to find the one person who can break the cycle and save her family from the horrific fate that inevitably awaits them.

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This film franchise makes a welcome return in a rebooted film that tries to add to the lore, as well as give fans what they have come to expect an unexpected gory death

As this film, obviously knows it’s audience and was made by people who grew up, loving the films, and you can tell and how much energy, passion and power they put into the film that while following the basic necessities of the franchise manages to stand out and feels a little bit, not only better made but also The quality comes across as better

One of the problems some might have with these films is that their generally made for audiences to cheer for the death, which feels kind of a, but the films usually try to keep the audience on their toes by not always going with the most obvious way of death, but try to spring either a surprise or try to make it a little bit comedic and bad taste by having us focus one way when really the violence is coming from another place, we weren’t even looking

Another reason this film is more memorable is that it is the last role in appearance for the late Tony Todd, who has always in someway been a part of this franchise as well as being an all-around character actor with over 100 credits. This is his final appearance and you can tell Watching this film by the looks of him that he was definitely sick when making this film and the film is dedicated to and it is a good role to go out on even despite the material.

The film gives the audience what it wants, and while doing that, it tries to fit in an original story, whereas instead of a randomly seeming to kill off survivors of a big accident, this film has death going after the bloodlines of characters who avoided death, even though we still get to see the goriness of what was originally supposed to happen or the massacre is more The word definition

Throughout this film, we see the decimation of one particular family, even as they try to escape death as luckily one member of the family gets the premonitions or visions of death or clues to a death before they happen. So that the film is still staying true to the rules of the earlier canon final destination movies, but allowing itself a little originality and a side step from them.

This film is more for the fans of the series, though it’s not a bad place to start if you haven’t seen any of the previous films, but will warn you. It’s more for the go fanatics who are looking for inventive death scenes, and a lot of jump scares. Which seems to be this film is Brad and butter.

Although the film makers also manage to create a lot of tension even when you know what is going to happen so that you anticipated and you want the characters to survive as they are likable, but you know that’s not possible but you want it also at times to get it over with as it’s just growing and growing But the other half of you is kind of hoping that they survive either way you just want that tension to be released and when it finally is, they managed to make it in the most splatter way that shocks but then also can’t amaze at times. 

Sure, one could easily get into the characters and story more of this film, but let’s face it. That’s not why most people are going to watch this film as truly the film could offer anything. People are here more for what they know about the film. as we are barely introduced to the characters before they start to perish. Sonthat we only know little details about them to really define their character or at least their traits.

The only disappointing aspect of this franchise is that knowing that all of the characters are doomed, and there’s a somewhat cynical air that floats above the film that will ultimately always end in tragedy. Though once you get past that. Especially as this film is on its sixth film. You just get used to the pattern if you’re going to continue to watch these films.

 it offers more than the usual though it has fun playing with the confines of itself

Grade: B –

CLOWN IN A CORNFIELD (2025)

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Directed By: Eli Craig 

Written By: Eli Craig and Carter Blanchard

Based on the novel by: Adam Cesare 

Cinematography: Brian Pearson 

Editor: Sabrina Pitre 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now you do get some THE PURGE vibes at times. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grade: C

DANGEROUS ANIMALS (2025)

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Directed By: Sean Byrne

Written By: Nick Lepard 

Cinematography: Shelley Farthing-Dawe

Editor: Kasra Rassoulzadegan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grade: B- 

HELL OF A SUMMER (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk

Cinematography: Kristoffer Bonnell

Editor: Christine Armstrong 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grade: C