Tag: Horror

IMMACULATE (2024)

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Directed By: Michael Mohan

Written By: Andrew Lobel 

Cinematography: Elisha Christian 

Editor: Christian Masini 

Cast: Sydney Sweeney, Simona Tobasco, Benedetta Porcaroli, Alavaro Morte, Giorgio Colangeli, Dora Romano, Giulia Heathfield Di Renzi, Giampiero Judica 

Cecilia, a woman of devout faith, is warmly welcomed to the picture-perfect Italian countryside where she is offered a new role at an illustrious convent. But it becomes clear to Cecilia that her new home harbors dark and horrifying secrets.

This film came out at an interesting time. It seemed to be on the heels of the similarly themed THE FIRST OMEN. Though at least this can be considered more an original than a prequel.

This one despite having a rising star in the main role and own in a supporting role. Comes across as more heartfelt ultimately. However, what truly makes it memorable is the surprising and somewhat brutal third act

Though the film offers violence here and there in act two. It seems like there is a lot of build-up going Along the way keeping scenes just intriguing enough. To keep you interested until it finally becomes more than what you expected.

Though the third act is very dark which might disturb some viewers and the reasoning behind some decisions and plans. Seems either silly or like it would only exist in a movie.

Sydney Sweeney is convincing in her leading role. She stretches her acting muscles and is not really dependent on her looks or body as much.

As the film is directed by Michael Mohan who has collaborated on the film THE VOYEURS from a few years ago and the show EVERYTHING SUCKS. Which is where this reviewer first saw her. So this offers her a big screen leading role and a director she trusts. 

This makes sense as this film comes off as a starring role. Made to appeal to the audiences’ fandom of an actor or actress and seemingly written for them or someone of that magnitude. Rather than truly a character role. 

The film offers exactly what you might expect and gives enough scares and violence to keep the horror audience happy. Other than a good ending it doesn’t offer anything that rises above basic.

Though a smaller production, it does feel a little more like a breath of fresh air as this film doesn’t go for campier or trashier aspects of similar material and more recent films.

Grade: C+

THE PLATFORM 2 (2024)

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Directed By: Galder Gaztelu-Urtuitia 

Written By: Galder Gaztelu-Urtuitia, David Desola, Egoitz Moreno and Pedro Rivera 

Cinematography: Jones Sangroniz

Cast: Milena Smit, Hovik Kruchkerian, Natalia Trent, Oscar Jaenada, Ivan Massague, Zorion Eguileor, Bastien Ughetto 

A thrilling physical journey that allows an approach to the darkness, where it is scary to look. It appeals to the viewer’s civil responsibility and forces them to face the limits of their own solidarity.

This is an unnecessary sequel. That is more of the same but tries to keep or Impart an anti-authority message. While also including some personal stories about sacrifice and acceptance. 

The film is overblown and has the effect of feeling like we got the message the first time and now you are just pounding it into the audience’s head who Were already on board. So at times, it feels overblown and annoying. Especially including a leader who ultimately works As a physical manifestation of a villain. Who resembles a version of Jesus.

Though the film is fine and if you haven’t seen the first film it might be shocking or like something new, but if you have seen the first it’s like a procedural more of the same only different faces and new characters. Basically more of the same.

Though the film tries to add mythology to its tale it feels overblown like most sequels and a bit too much for something that should have kept it simple and not overthought it.

It will be satisfying more if you haven’t seen the first one. As this film feels unnecessary.

Grade: C+

THE COFFEE TABLE (2023)

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Directed & Edited By: Caye Cesas

Written By: Caye Cesas And Cristina Borobia

Cinematography: Alberto Morago

Cast: David Pareja, Estafina De Los Santos,  Josep Maria Riera, Claudia Riera, Eduardo Antuna, Gala Flores, Cristina Dilla, Aitzair Castro

Jesus and Maria are a couple going through a difficult time in their relationship. Nevertheless, they have just become parents. To shape their new life, they decide to buy a new coffee table. A decision that will change their existence.

before I even start trying to write about this film. please know that this is a very heavy spoiler written review because it’s very hard to talk about this film without spoiling it. Don’t watch the trailer. Don’t read about it to truly experience the film. It is best to go in blind that is first.

So now here we go Secondary this film is very disturbing so if you have a light sensibility and can’t handle dark material, it is highly suggested you stay away from this movie. Especially if you are a parent.

HEAVY SPOILERS 

So now here we go

The film begins like a truly dark black bleak comedy, and it gets right to the point at first I thought it was going to play out as a bunch of just bad luck and circumstances of the purchase of this coffee table. I didn’t think it would start off so quickly with the dilemma

throughout the film, there is humor and a bit of the absurd, but I think what is generally disturbing about the film is that it also plays so real. It feels like the actual reactions of a person who is in that circumstance and then panicking and figuring out how they’re going to relieve the dilemma, and also having to deal with all these characters around them.

Considering the film takes place in one location it also almost feels like this could’ve easily been a play a stage show. Throughout plays, even the minor supplies seem to be more about character than pieces or funny material.

it’s partially a character piece as we do get to know bits and pieces about the characters and their past and their relationships and really the film depends on them and their believability and emotions. while it has a sense of dread and a cloud of despair hanging through it

Luckily, the film doesn’t go for too much shock value, or show you violence or being exploitative about the situation. The filmmaking is it distracting it’s more of the dramatics of the situation and the believability of the characters that come through the most in this film. As it stays shocking yet always believable.

what I believe makes this film feel so heavy at the end is that there doesn’t seem to be any release or Relief and even with its dark humor there’s no punchline. It’s an all-out tragedy.

As there are no true villains in this film only victims. As it plays It just seems cruel to a certain extent not that it wants to be, but you do wonder why these characters have to be caught up in this and suffer. If not at the time you know it’s coming. The only question is how and why. This is a film that you can just sit back and watch you’re going to find yourself involved somehow even if it’s just in your reactions which will most likely be loud.

By the end, you’re even wondering why this film was made it’s just so heavy and sad that this is the type of film where afterward you’re gonna need something to definitely try to cheer you up whatever you can find as it leaves you in a dark place. as this is one nasty experience that you can’t help but feel something while watching.

this is one of those films that just stays with you even if you don’t like the film or aren’t impressed by the film or its filmmaking. Though I will admit with this kind of imagination, I am interested to see what the Director comes up with next.

Grade: B 

IN FABRIC (2018)

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Written & Directed By: Peter Strickland 

Cinematography: Ari Wegner 

Editor: Matyas Fekete

Cast: Sidse Babett Knudsen, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Julian Barrett, Steve Oram, Richard Bremmer, Fatma Mohamed, Gwendoline Christie, Hayley Squires, Jaygann Ayeh 

In Fabric is a haunting ghost story set against the backdrop of a busy winter sales period in a department store and follows the life of a cursed dress as it passes from person to person, with devastating consequences.

Visually stylish, surreal, and fashionable. 

I wanted to like it more than I actually did. I adore the director Peter Strickland and this seems like it should be a slam dunk.

As it has its peculiarities it ultimately seems to Try for the director to be too mainstream. Which seems to either dull his impulses or feel like he is holding back. While offering quite a visual feast.

The film feels enriched more like literature. It feels like a truly dark fairytale.

As it tries to say something more Than it is letting on. As an object leads to the owners of it unraveling. After They have never felt more beautiful or special. It’s downhill from there literally.

The film does offer a sense of humor and is self-referential. It also seems to be bizarre at times with little or no real reason. It just wants to be that way. 

In the end, the film seems to be about obsession and fetish. How obsessions with objects can become all-consuming and eventually destroy us. 

Literally, this plays like a storybook. That by the end feels like nothing. As it leaves us with little to care about and still confused. There is not too much to take away from it or the experience.

Grade: C

HOUSE OF SPOILS (2024)

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Written & Directed: Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy

Cinematography: Eric Lin

Editor: Marcus Vives 

Cast: Ariana DeBose, Barbie Ferreira, Arian Moayed, Martin Csokas, Mikel Brett Silset, Amara Karen

It tells the story of a chef who opens her first restaurant where she battles kitchen chaos, a dubious investor, and self-doubt, but the pressure heats up thanks to the spirit of the estate’s previous owner who threatens to sabotage her.

This is a film that never seems to get started. As it builds up to a certain degree of what’s the worst that could happen. Which adds a certain comedic paranoia. Though it feels like it drops the ball.

As it seems to take It’s Time to get the audience excited and ready, by the end it gets to its conclusion it feels like much ado about nothing. Making. It feels like most of the movie was a tease with an unsatisfying ending.

It might have been better as a short or an episode of an anthology. So it could get to the point. At least have a stronger ending.

As for the need, it feels more like a film that tries to tie in feminism and witchcraft. Where recipes seem to be the spells and an offering. 

It never feels like a thriller or horror. Though it has elements of each. In the end, it feels more like a drama. That tries to have some mood of THE BEAR mixed in with what might be some supernatural elements. 

The one strong thing about this film is the lead role played by Oscar Winner Ariana DeBose. One only wishes the film and script could be as strong as she is throughout. 

Grade: D 

LOWLIFES (2024)

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Directed By: Tesh Guttikonda and Mitch Oliver

Written By: Al Kaplan

Cinematography: Matt Young 

Editor: Jason Hamill

Cast: Matthew MacCaull, Amanda Fix, Brenda Llewellyn, Cassandra Sawtell, Richard Harmon, Elyse Levesque, Josh Zaharia, Kevin McNulty 

The survival instincts of a road-tripping family are put to the test when they have no other choice but to stay the night at a remote homestead.

This is a film that is definitely better. If you don’t know much about it before you watch it even though the poster makes it look like a run-of-the-mill horror film. Hopefully, you are reading this after the film, As there are minor spoilers.

This film offers the typical violence thrills and scares, but it also offers up quite a few twists that are quite original and fun that keep the film entertaining.

Though the film might reveal its hand early. It seems necessary to heighten the situation that the characters find themselves in.

Most of the most creepy characters in this film, or actually the most innocent, and those that seem the most innocent tend to be the most disturbed ones.

This is a single horror film for the most part, so it maintains its ground and stays on the ground, which works for this tale. All the actors are spot-on in their performances.

This film deserves more of a theatrical release or to be part of the BLUMHOUSE productions. The film gives more to the audience and shows respect for them rather than being easily formulaic and providing cheap thrills. just as this is more entertaining than any of the American horror stories by Ryan Murphy

Surprisingly, this film is more solid than expected. It shows what can be done with imagination and a low budget. it offers a lot with what little it makes you believe it has. It even has a pro-LGBTQ+ romance in it. 

Grade: C+

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