Tag: Horror

A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE (2024)

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Written & Directed By: Michael Sarnoski 

Story By: Michael Sarnoski and John Krasinski 

Based on characters created By: Bryan Woods & Scott Beck 

Cinematography: Pat Scola 

Editor: Andrew Mondshein and Gregory Plotkin

Cast: Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou, Elaine Umuhire 

After the events and revelations of ‘A Quiet Place’ and ‘A Quiet Place: Part 2,’ it is time to go back to ‘Day One’. Following Sam, as she’s on a group trip in New York City, everything is going fine, until the invasion that sends the world into silence begins. Can the city stay quiet and can Sam and Eric. a new unlikely friend, make it somewhere safe? But no matter what happens, don’t make a sound and you might just find out what happens. 

This film does what it’s supposed to do. So there isn’t much wrong with it, except. At this point why is this franchise still going? As you got enough of a story from the first two films. So what is the point of this one? To see the invasion from the beginning in a new land that is more of a city landscape that is vast yet familiar? From a different character point of view other than the same family? I thought part 2 offered some of that.

I understand Hollywood is a business and while there are no problems with the filmmaking in hiring director Michael Sarnoski to helm this film, which has him going from more independent productions to this big-budgeted film. Offers the film to have. A more intimate feel between the characters and also the Audience. Not feeling so big and impersonal. The director here has a vision. 

Though just as it tries to offer a different story in the same world. It’s a sequel not many were asking for or offering anything new. Ultimately it feels hollow. Though offers some good filmmaking that one wishes could have been used on a better and more original project. 

Not every story needs a sequel. Most are fine as stand-alone. Even if there is a sequel there should be a reason other than financial to ultimately tell a story. The same thing with reboots maybe audience attendance is down isn’t just the sequels, reboots. It’s the material and not feeling like something we have already seen many times over and over. It insults the audience with bad to stupid films that have bad scripts and the only reason they are made is because they can get two stars or a few to co-star in it. While being paid ridiculous amounts of money.

The film is visually beautiful and quite the production, but it’s also familiar and not scary. Even the jump scares are put In falsely as a kind of cop out and it feels that way. 

As this is more of a modern-day disaster film with a minor science fiction twist. Fans do these films won’t be disappointed. Though not as much of a family story as the previous films. 

One can also admit while this film was going and having seen all of them so far. There were still some questions overall. Not enough that there needs to be another film to answer them. Just trivial ones. 

The film is solid in the franchise it’s just not needed and by adding a score. It makes it feel more like a byproduct of a studio. Rather than a truly original piece of filmmaking. Part of the magic of the first film was that it lacked a score or soundtrack. That forced the rhetorical audience into silence similar to the characters in the film. Here that has been taken away.

One loves that Lupita Nyong’o gets to be the lead of another horror film. That is a major Hollywood production. One only wishes it let her use her talents better. No matter the quality of the movie. I am rarely disappointed by her performances.

Though she is arguably the lead and the hero. While Joseph Quinn is more the damsel in distress though does get to have a harrowing scene or two of his own. Which is the only truly original element this film has to offer.

One can at least say that the films never cheapen the experience and each new film feels like much care and design went into it and makes them each noteworthy in their own way. 

Grade: B- 

THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER (2023)

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Directed By: Andre Ovredal

Written By: Bragi Schut Jr. And Zack Olkewicz

Based on Log Of The Demeter “DRACULA” By Bram Stoker

Cinematography: Tom Stern 

Editor: Julian Clarke, Patrick Larsgaard and Christian Wagner 

Cast: Corey Hawkins, Liam Cunningham, David Dastmalchain, Aisling Franciosi, Chris Walley, Jon jon Briones, Stefan Kepicic, Martin Furland 

A crew sailing from Varna (Bulgaria) by the Black Sea to England finds that they are carrying very dangerous cargo.

This is not a bad film, but it does feel like a lost opportunity where the audience keeps thinking how much better it could be if it used practical effects so there wasn’t so much CGI. Also if the movie was filmed on actual film and not digital, it wouldn’t look so dark and feel more of the period. And if it had been made in the 1980s, it would feel more like either an adaptation or a surprise filled with more imagination, and a studio would maybe Mohr put its full weight behind it either in theaters or even if it was a movie that was faded to end up straight to home video.

As it stands now, it feels too slick and not quite sincere enough to be a success which it should be. 

This is another film, directed by Andre Ovredal. Who adds a black lead to a supernatural historical tale. Which does add excitement and some color to the proceedings. Though here The film remains predictable.

I have seen some audience members attack the film because of the beginning And readers of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the novel, which lets us know what happens or the fate of the crew and characters, but truthfully, that is what most slasher and horror films are guilty of we watch for the how wise and who’s we most likely what will happen? We just come to see how it happens, though. The same can be true of action films and sequels. Especially with stars and specialized starring in those types of films and playing virtually the same character or the same type. So picking on this film for the same reason feels like low-hanging fruit that you know coming in what it would be like and most likely that would be predictable. 

At least the screenwriters and filmmakers offer to flash out that chapter of the book and use their own imagination to ramp up, not only the characters and suspense but, ultimately their fates also try to create a claustrophobic atmosphere on the ship.

Stay entertaining, filled with characters that could have easily failed as this film obviously has passion and quality behind it.

Unfortunately, it comes off as a well-intentioned B-movie. With competing and battling accents among the actors to see who can be the most authentic to a certain rogue or region.

The film has a cast, and Cory Hawkins deserves more leading roles. As well as Aisling Franciosi who always seems to play characters who are surviving in pain.

Though the film seems to be trying to offer an origin to a franchise. we know unfortunately isn’t coming or the beginning of a fruitless search for justice. It’s a shame as the film has all the right ingredients. It’s just that the meal or main course isn’t as tasty as it should be. 

Grade: C

SPOOKIES (1986)

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Directed By: Eugenie Joseph, Brendan Faulkner and Thomas Duran

Written By: Brendan Faulkner, Frank M. Farel, Thomas Duran and Ann Burgund

Cinematography: Robert Chappell & Ken Kelsch 

Edited By: Eugenie Joseph 

Cast: Felix Ward, Maria Pechukas, Dan Scott, Alec Nesmer, A.J. Lowenthal, Pat Wesley Bryan, Peter Dain, Nick Gionta, Lisa Friede, Joan Ellen Delaney 

A wicked sorcerer tries to sacrifice a group of people inside his house to use their vitality to keep his wife alive.

This film is nothing that makes any sense story and watching it. It has a basic plot line of unlikeable characters coming together in a haunted house and being picked apart one by one by various monsters.

This emphasizes the practical special effects of the movie and shows that there was a passion behind the film before the behind-the-scenes battle for control of the film between the producer and the filmmakers. Which resulted in neither getting exactly what they wanted nor a film that was damaged at best. 

So you can look at the film as typical of the era with practical effects, or you can look at it as a disjointed mess. 

Watching the film half the time It’s hard to follow and can be random. Where you barely know what’s going on, but it keeps you interested and never boring in trying to find out how it will end, or what it all means. 

It’s Not some damaged masterpiece but feels like Something that could have been somewhat noteworthy if everything came together the way it was supposed to. Instead of us having farting monsters in the basement 

whereas the, Behind the scenes story is far more entertaining than anything on the screen. So much so that there was a documentary named TWISTER TALE: THE UNMAKING OF SPOOKIES  that tells you all about it.

Grade: B-

V/H/S/BEYOND (2024)

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Directed By: Jay Cheel (ABDUCTION/ADDUCTION)
Jordan Downey (STORK)
Justin Martinez (LIVE AND LET DIVE)
Christian Long and Justin Long (FUR BABIES)
Virat Pol (DREAM GIRL)
Katie Siegel (STOWAWAY) 

Written By: Jordan Downey and Kevin Stewart (STORK) (Based on the artwork by Oleg Vdovenko) 

Mike Flanigan (STOWAWAY)

Virat Pol and Evan Dickinson (DREAM GIRL)

Justin Martinez and Benjamin A. Turner (LIVE AND LET DIVE) 

Christian Long and Justin Long (FUR BABIES)

Cinematography: Taban Basu (DREAM GIRL)

Mike McLaughlin (ABDUCTION/ADDUCTION)

Kevin Stewart

Alexander Chinnici

Editor: Jay Cheel, Tanya Chhabvia, Jordan Downey, Thom Newell, Benjamin A. Turner 

Cast: Mitch Horowitz, Namrata Sheth, Rohan Joshi, Bix Krieger, Rhett Wellington, Libby Letlow, Matthew Layton, Alanah Pearce, Thom Hallum

Six bloodcurdling tapes unleash horror in a sci-fi-inspired hellscape, pushing the boundaries of fear and suspense.

At this point these movies are a tradition, That some can look forward to and some might dread. While the films aren’t as dynamic as when they premiered with this premise. They also seemed to have lost their way. As at first it seemed like a new way to present horror and had some excitement behind it. As well as giving emerging directors a chance to tell their stories in inventive short-form ways. 

After the second film, it felt like it was losing steam and even now this film while passable. it feels a bit stale or not as dynamic. It almost feels at times like a dumping ground. These films feel like a television show that has some standout episodes but disappointing seasons. Resembling the show AMERICAN HORROR STORIES. This version’s theme as there tends to be one with each new film is Aliens. 

The first segment is STORK which is one of the most violent out of the tales the first three of the tales truly are the goriest out of them all. This story is about a group of renegade cops hunting who they believe are serial kidnappers. Though once they enter the house they see what they are truly up against. While visually gifted, it plays more like a first-person shooter video game. This seems like the most mainstream and the one that could easily be seen as a spinoff of its own    

The next segment DREAM GIRL is set in India and follows a group of paparazzi photographers trying to get photos of a new female star whose films are constantly hits. Early in the film, there is a bit introduced which makes the story seem like it is going one way, and then by the end, it goes another way, As they find out to a degree what is behind the superstar’s success. This is one of the tales that seems like it might veer away from the main theme of Aliens 

LIVE AND LET DIVE seems like it is going in so many directions. By the time it literally lands the visual effects are impressive. it offers nothing really new or different. Except to provide a slasher-type tale with excessive violence. That is ok but frustrating in the many ways it could have gone. 

 FUR BABIES is next and noteworthy as it is written and directed by Christian Long and his brother Justin Long (Yes, the one and only) Now this short film has a premise that is ghastly and a bit original. This segment doesn’t belong in this edition; its theme feels like a holdover from the last one. It also seems like it’s only here because of who made it and is a case of celebrity. As he is one of the biggest names attached to this film even as director

STOWAWAY is the true final full tale about a young woman. who is trying to do a documentary on a location that is a hotbed of alien sightings and activity. She follows the trail of the sightings. She gets all she wants and more once she makes her way onto an alien craft and it takes off and we see her having to deal with the consequences. Which mixes with a home video of her as a little girl. that portrays her innocence and wonder about what is happening to her and the changes.  

then there is the wraparound story ABDUCTION/ADDUCTION which is really a documentary presentation of an alien invader video and its veracity that only lasts a few minutes. That seems used to tie everything together.

Now while one will stay critical of this anthology. one can also appreciate them for what they present and giving independent directors a showcase. it’s also nice to have a yearly franchise for Halloween.    

Grade: C

IN A VIOLENT NATURE (2024)

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 Written & Directed By: Chris Nash
Cinematography: Pierce Derks
Editor: Alex Jacobs 

Cast: Ry Barrett, Andrea Paviovic, Cameron Love, Reece Presley, Liam Leone, Charlotte Creaghan, Lee Rose Sebastianis, Sam Roulston

When a locket is removed from a collapsed fire tower in the woods that entombs the rotting corpse of Johnny, a vengeful spirit spurred on by a horrific 70-year-old crime, his body is resurrected, and becomes hellbent on retrieving it.

This film tries to be something different that comes across as more experimental, and while one can applaud what they try to do artistically it doesn’t quite rise to the occasion.

It’s never quite as thrilling or inventive as it should be. This results in any movie that feels quite familiar and also a little bit slow. as it tries at times to be a little more artistic, which there is nothing wrong with that is all there is.

The story is familiar or could be any other slasher. The FRIDAY THE13th movies will be the main one that comes to mind.

At the beginning of the film, it seems like the film will take place more from a certain perspective throughout but while the film starts that way, and sometimes returns to that at other times, it plays more typically for thrills and set up the characters and to offer a bit of mystery even though there aren’t any jump scares.

What there is are notable violent gory death scenes where practical effects are used and it seems a lot of the time the movie is just setting up for the audience to Marvel at those which are over the top violent at times for no real reason other than to show off or offer something after all that time waiting.

Even at first the story which seems simple and seems to be a kind of revenge story ends up just becoming a slasher as the victims might be connected very thinly or really, not at all to the slasher’s reason for killing but usually it’s just that they either associate or are there And that’s really the reason. What’s even worse is that the violence that is truly cruel and over the top seems saved more for the more innocent victims rather than the guilty

There’s nothing wrong with a film, taking its time and the reason is there as it is more setting up things, but could’ve easily also been cut like the kill in the shed with the log splitter. There was no reason for it to be that truthfully, or at least try to spice it up with some thrills

This film could’ve been more effective if they had kind of momentum to keep it going something that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, but a lot of the time is just waiting when you finally see another person at least you know something going to happen and even then, the film still takes its time 

It’s not a bad film, but this comes across as the type of film that is overhyped because of differences before major audiences can see it and then once audiences do see it realize it’s not all cracked up will have fans as it deserves it, but it doesn’t seem to do as much as it could with its ideas. It was never quite as thought out past that or they couldn’t make the story necessarily work as much with it.

They realized that this was the only way to make a slasher that was a bit different than usual.

It’s a film worth checking out, but be worn beforehand that it’s not as exciting as one might hope or think. 

Grade: C

KILLER BODY COUNT (2024)

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Directed By: Dansihka Esterhazy 

Written By: Jessica Landry 

Cinematography: Manoel C. Ferreira

Editor: Lee Walker 

Cast: Cassiel Eatock-Winnick, Savana Tardieu, N’Kone Mametta, Khoshi Ngama, Bjorn Steinbach, Jessie Diepeveem, Ethan Saunders, Jason K. Ralph 

Mistaken for a sex addict by her devout father, Cami is sent to an isolated rehab center. But when a killer begins to hunt the teens, Cami realizes that her survival and her independence are intertwined in ways she could never imagine.

Considering the subject matter this film could have been a lot worse, bordering on pornographic or even exploitive. 

The cast is mainly made up of new faces for the most part and they do what is required, but don’t necessarily make too much of an impact. Except for Alex McGregor, who seems to be one of the more acting veterans of the cast who plays one of the brothers and sisters who run this camp.

A Horror film that revels in its exploitation that could’ve had a real message about conversion therapy and religious hypocrisy not to mention, power dynamics, and even the way sex is handled or dealt with between the sexes

Instead, it goes with the easy route of being an 80 slasher film being awkward and hokey humor makes it perfectly disposable and entertaining while you watch, but won’t gather too many thoughts or memories after 

It’s possible and a little more lighthearted, despite its violence like the director’s previous film banana splits the movie only here it doesn’t seem to celebrate or find fun in it in this film is more about presenting and hoping it’s shocking 

As each death scene seems to go a little further and its violence is almost like the film itself following the baseball euphemism when it comes to the sex of first base second base, and third base each goes a little further 

The film comes across as a nice attempt, but it’s never quite engaging nor do any of the characters stay particularly memorable. What would you expect when we’re not really ever given anything to really remember them by other than names and looks there’s nothing particularly memorable about them as even their personalities almost seem similar 

so that you care truly about them except for maybe the lead and that is because we’re supposed to as she is our introduction into the story, even as the action takes place a little bit before we meet her

There is a budding lesbian relationship, which might be why the lead character can’t seem to get an orgasm, which seems to be a major plot point of the film female characters consistently the lead characters are a little different than any other lady with those same byproducts.

Though truthfully you know what you are getting into and what type of film this is, as it goes for the easiest way out and tries to be more humorous at times.

The third act tries to surprise itself by piling on the surprises. as even the audience will be left, guessing and having their own theories until all is revealed. That eventually might make some in the audience’s eye roll. Though at least is trying for maximum entertainment. 

Grade: C- 

TOURIST TRAP (1979)

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Directed By: David Schmoeller

Written By: David Schmoeller and J. Larry Carroll

Cinematography: Nicholas Von Sternberg

Editor: Ted Nicolaou 

Cast: Chuck Connors, Tanya Roberts, Jocelyn Jones, Jon Van Ness, Robin Sherwood, Keith McDermott, Dawn Jeffory 

Four people go in search of their missing friend. What they find is Slausen’s Lost Oasis, and mannequin-dressed museum, and a seemingly abandoned mansion owned by gentle old Mr. Slausen. He agrees to help with their car trouble, but some of the girls decide to look for a working phone inside the house even though Mr. Slausen warned them not to. Hidden within the home is Mr. Slausen’s misunderstood mask-hidden younger brother. What they learn is that the mannequins seem very much alive, or is there something much more terrifying behind the mask?

A great old-school horror of the 1980s. That was a video store heyday that haunted the shelves. It took me this long to finally watch and it’s a shame as this is definitely a film that stays on your mind.

This is one of those films you think you have seen a long time ago then when watching realize you never did. Even as you have seen the poster title for the longest time.

This film at first seems like it will be run off like the poster that could be for any 1980s generic horror film, but this one set itself apart with a kind of creepy puppet tree. That leads to a disturbing atmosphere throughout.

The characters/victims are the usual suspects. You never get to really know them and barely care about them. You were just appalled that they have to go through this torturous violence for nothing. 

The mask of a character from an episode of the Nickelodeon show  SALUTE YOUR SHORTS. The episode was creepy out of nowhere and didn’t seem to be as intentional as it is in this film.

Were it not for the originality and creepy atmosphere the characters and kills are pretty basic and almost not eventful. Except for most of the cast, conveniently short summer outfits.

Especially Tonya Roberts cleavage heavy, and tube top that only adds to its exploitation factor.

This is a shame, considering its originality and other aspects as it becomes more and more unsettling 

There are some action sequences, though they are slow and it seems like the characters wound,  very easily.

The film is not too far off. it’s believable at least in the first half of the film. 

The film seems to be designed to be more atmospheric with a smaller number of characters which leads to the film feeling more intimate. When there is a Chase the film has more time like the killer to stalk.

As a fan of Chuck Connors, this film is quite enjoyable as he is clearly having fun in his role and he is truly the big-name star of the film, especially at the time of its release.

The film is inventive when it does things that are there to surprise you like switching around the final girl you might expect. The survivor truly ends up, becoming someone you would least expect. By the end, the film still offers something that makes it feel even creepier.

That makes you wonder in the end if there is still a certain psychosis meaning that the killer has succeeded. it certainly leaves the audience with something unexpected and unsettling. 

Grade: B 

1BR (2019)

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Written & Directed By: David Marmor

Cinematography: David Bolen 

Editor: David Marmor, Rich Fox And Anna Rottke 

Cast: Nicole Brydon Bloom, Giles Matthey, Taylor Nichols, Alan Blumenfeld, Naomi Grossman, Celeste Sully, Clayton Hoff, Susan Davis

When Sarah lucks into a sweet one-bedroom at Asilo Del Mar Apartments in Los Angeles, she thinks she’s hit the jackpot. It’s got plenty of space, friendly tenants, group BBQs, and even a cute neighbor next door. All is not what it seems: loud noises start keeping her awake at night; her cat is missing; everyone seems to be a little too helpful and friendly, except for the weirdo, Lester. Soon, Sarah learns she didn’t choose this apartment – It chose her.

This film is short. It might’ve been more effective as a short, but I don’t know if it could’ve made it or been felt as deeply if it was a short short. 

As you get a little more backstory and understand how everything works more.

The film is interesting though it’s never quite strong enough. The premise is strong, but it feels here. They try to do more hands-off presentations and try to be more psychological and subtle, which does work as more of the scares psychologically physically. 

There are scenes of violence. It seems the territory they’re trying to mental rather than going for shocks or anything that could be seen as exploited.

One of the hurdles, the film never quite gets over is how bland and basic the film feels no matter what happens as one can understand that it wants to be more subtle. No, the film feels like it needs to have more life in it. 

Even as you were talking about a certain subject that is played a little bit more clinical it doesn’t feel like it has that much of a spirit.

Though it keeps your interest up until the end and makes the mistake of trying to be shocking or at least add a new shock in each act, which then pushes it into overkill, also helps the film to keep the viewer interested as if it didn’t it would pretty much almost be a drama with some extremes.

Again, this feels more like the type of film that feels part of a yearly Halloween anthology or could easily be an episode of an American horror story except without as much sensationalism. It could’ve said the same thing in a shorter time. 

By the end, you can’t say that the film is bad as it has plenty of promise that it just falls short of truly fulfilling, but there are great ideas and decent acting throughout. Once the filmmakers get a little more season could really give the audience more of a run for their money.

Grade: C

THE SUBSTANCE (2024)

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Written & Directed by: Coralie Fargeat 

Cinematography: Benjamin Kracun  

Editor: Coralie Fargeat, Jerome Eltabet and Valentin Feron 

Cast: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid

A fading celebrity decides to use a black-market drug, a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.

Whatever you might have heard about this film you are not entirely ready for where it takes you. 

Again this is one of those films that is best to go. Into blind. Which allows for surprises and plenty of discovery. 

It has equal parts David Lynch, David Cronenberg, and even a bit of Stanley Kubrick in style, but director Coralie Fargeat manages to make it her own.

As there are symmetrical shots and angles. Colorful production design, and plenty of gore that at first seems artistic until it truly gore for the gusto in the third act. At certain points it feels like science fiction, but more a cruel satire that truly becomes a horror movie. It also feels French and European while taking place on American soil. 

it’s amazing, disturbing, uncomfortable, and beautiful. That truly seeks to disturb, disrupt, and challenge. Which for some will make it all the more stronger. 

The film offers a full-blown assault on sensibilities and your senses. It manages to build a world while revealing so little and having limited spaces and locations. 

It haunts you afterward. Each time you think about the film, you want to go back to see if there is anything you missed. as you want to study the film. It’s that intricate, and pristine 

It’s not only the effects that are scary or disgusting but the characters. Dennis Quaid as The lead character’s manager is always his over-the-top stylish suits and seems like he cares. He twists lives in his client’s backs and eats sloppily and disgustingly. 

The film is a tale of feminism and the perils of aging for women and how they are treated in the world but especially in Hollywood and the spotlight. This film explores what some are willing to do or forced to do who choose to want to stay in the spotlight. How cruel they are treated for even trying.

It’s also a tale of greed, how there is never enough time, and how quickly it can be stolen or used. When you are younger you always think you have enough time and still want more and are more prone to be jealous that you will even betray your own best interests. How at times a person can lavishly sacrifice just to have the spotlight to themselves even as it does damage to themselves. Not playing by the rules and regretting. Losing sense of oneself.

Self-hatred giving up on yourself for others to prosper. As you feel your life isn’t worth living anymore. Too much work not enough benefits. Needing the adoration to feel worthy. 

Demi Moore gives one of them. the best performances of her career. While getting one of the best roles of her recent career. This is the perfect movie for her to make a comeback. Even as critically as most of the characters treat her. She still looks extraordinarily beautiful. The horror is that for so many years Ms. Moore has been the model for what was seen as perfect and beautiful that many women aspired to be like or look like and now here she is not considered good enough. 

It also offered her the most range in a role. Yet it also, feels familiar or like a reality she might be facing only magnified. As the film shows how aging especially for women is seen as a horror in society and how many of them have resorted to some kind of substance be it surgery, fillers, creams or ointments to try to keep their youth or look youthful. Even as it becomes a violence against themselves. Taking themselves down the. Face the reality they find themselves in. Trying to reach or keep an idealized version of themselves and literally buying into it 

At certain points, it feels like a TALES FROM THE CRYPT movie. Which only reminds the audience of Demi Moore’s appearance on that show in an episode. By the end, it also reminds the audience of another production that she was part of the animated Disney film THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. 

You could also throw in some RE-ANIMATOR. As well as the story THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY. As well as THE GAME, DEATH BECOMES HER, THE TOXIC AVENGER, FIGHT CLUB, and SECONDS. With those ingredients, she used them to make something piercingly original 

It even tackles eating disorders. As when she can’t really punish or fight her double. She strikes back the only way she knows how overeating bad food. as she robs her of her youth. 

Vanity destroying yourself to give yourself more time. Almost like an addiction the same as a vampire uses blood to survive and stay young or at least keep up appearances. Usually preying on the young here it is reversed. 

As the younger self has all the promises or is given promises of course she becomes more selfish hoping to live just a bit longer. 

This film by the end becomes a fable of addiction to the limelight of fame and attention and how lonely it can become once it begins to fade. Even though you have a following how quickly they can abandon you and if you are never prepared for your eventual downfall. You have truly nothing left. How these rules seem to apply mostly unfortunately to women. Hollywood is a fickle mistress. 

Grade: A 

THE WRATH OF BECKY (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote

Based on characters created by: Nick Morris, Lane Skye, and Ruckus Skye

Cinematography: Julia Swain 

Editor: Stephen Boyer 

Cast: Lulu Wilson, Seann William Scott, Courtney Gains, Matt Angel, Denise Burse, Jill Larson, Michael Sirow, Aaron Dalla Villa, Kate Siegel

Two years after she escaped a violent attack on her family, Becky attempts to rebuild her life in the care of an older woman – a kindred spirit named Elena. But, when a group known as the “Noble Men” breaks into their home, attacks them, and takes her beloved dog, Diego, Becky must return to her old ways to protect herself and her loved ones.

Wow, this film is much shorter and gets to the point faster. As we already know the character. It also leads to one of the biggest problems of the film. There is no suspense. We know she can take on these villains as she is faced with much worse and much tougher.

So even if it was like a horror film, where we are just here for the kills. It still proves to be disappointing as the kills aren’t that inventive or any real creativity to the table. it also seems like for a hit film. The budget is much lower for this film, which is strange.

The film plays like a familiar song only with its own different beat that isn’t as catchy but serves the purpose of it.

Even the inciting incident just seems so ridiculous and minor. that feels lame, weak, and unneeded just as her enemies could’ve felt a little more dangerous instead it almost feels like you’re watching a deadly version of PROBLEM CHILD. 

So the film wants us to believe that she is tapped into a much bigger conspiracy and leaves very few victims in this film and they’re not that impressive. There is no joy even as she’s getting her revenge through it all. which is a similar problem to be found in the bigger budgeted THE EQUALIZER films, but they still find a way to be entertaining. This film wants to have a dark sense of humor and a try, but it never quite rises to the level.

It’s giving the audience it’s what it wants, but it also feels a bit lazy. which is a shame as the first one was no masterpiece, but it was a fun little sadistic action film that was surprising. Instead what we get here is gory and goofy.

The film tries to offer a twist only it’s not that shocking and you don’t really care and it’s nice to see Seann William Scott on screen and he certainly is menacing. You just wish the project matched his talent and intensity. 

By the end, there is promise of a sequel, which hopefully will help redeem the franchise. If you are a huge fan of the first film, you might take a chance and watch this. Though truthfully there is no need.

Grade: C-