SUNTAN (2016)

Directed By: Argyris Papadimitropoulos 

Written By: Argyris Papadimitropoulos and Syllas Tzoumerkas

Cinematography: Hristos Karamanis

Editor: Napoleon Stratogiannakis

Cast: Makis Papadimitriou, Elli Tringou, Dimi Hart, Marcus Collen, Giannis Tsortekis, Pavlos Orkopoulos, Yannis Economidas, Milou Vancroesen, Hera Katseeli 

Kostis is a 40-year-old doctor that finds himself in the small island of Antiparos, in order to take over the local clinic. His whole life and routine will turn upside down and fall apart when he meets an international group of young and beautiful tourists and he falls in love with Anna, a 19-year-old goddess.

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This film is truly disturbing. This is one of those films you watch and observe  rather than watch for entertainment. As this starts off simple and then becomes a nightmare.

As it seems to be almost a middle aged fantasy that takes a wrong turn. Simply as the character takes it too far and instead of being loose and treating it as flirtation. He expects real results and lifetime commitment. Even as he should know better.

It can look like the you get characters are evil, but while annoying they are more innocent. As they Don’t know their own strength and whip at times taking advantage of the main character. They Don’t know that they are building a monster or playing with a bear so to speak.

As they take advantage of his vulnerability at first.

On one level it be can see hey he falls or is seduced by the 21 year old Anna who is gorgeous and practically a goddess to him actually is willing to show him attention. Who treats him nicer then any of her friends, but it soon becomes evident he is more only being nice to them to get closer to her. She even gives him a chance and he blows it a bit and treats it too nonchalant for him. That is when he b owns territorial 

Though we see him as lonely and the island he works for doesn’t offer many singles of any age. Though in the summer season there are mroe age appropriate women for him to pursue. He becomes obsessed with the one. Even as he manages to get with someone else physically. He fixates on Anna 

The film seems to set out to make the audience uncomfortable. As it increasingly becomes more cringe worthy, awkward and volatile as to goes along. Especially in the second half. 

Everytime you think you know what’s going to happen. The film throws a realistic twist. At first everything seems a bit awkward more because he is a shy introvert. So the first half of the film you feel a bit embarrassed for the main character.

Then the second half becomes a full psychological thriller horror film for him. A she breaks down and seems to become an alcoholic and lose touch with his responsibilities and sanity.

At first you have some sympathy for him, but soon he bypasses all of that. Not even listening when others warn him. Like the townfolk.

Now the kids aren’t innocent, but Don’t deserve their fates. As after all they are young and Don’t necessarily know any better nor the power they have over him. As it seems they were using him. But also maybe Had some kind of feelings for him no, never any loyalty.

As One can admit. You can see why he becomes obsessed with the young lady, but also he should know better and practice better judgement. As even when he gets his chance his fantasy he blows it. So to speak, though that seems to be the point of momentum as he has gotten a taste and wants more chances to partake like an addict.

Though obviously he takes it too far

You have hope, but a single action ruins, everything, and in the middle of his downfall he doesn’t quite realize it’s happening to him.

The film has the character start out innocently and then ruining everything Essentially for a fling with a Tourist, and turning his back on the town people, he knows, and is surrounded by an actually support him. That is the depth of his loneliness. We do get hints of a dark past. When he runs into an old colleague. which should be a kind of warning that he has serious issues that are not being talked about or shown, but he still should know better.

The last scenes are especially disturbing where he finally seems to remeber who he is.

Hated the ending. Though it seems to bring him back to reality of what his oath is supposed to be, helping people and trying to heal their wounds. 

The film becomes a character study as the nice guy character who he should be rooting for, becomes the villain of the film, which makes it all the more shocking and scary.

The title of the film can be taken as a metaphor since they are on a tropical island in the summer or you go to the beach you wanna get a nice tan, but you have to be careful when it comes to tanning to little no one sees any difference too much end up getting burned. So you have to find that right balance in between and unfortunately for the main character, he doesn’t maintain that balance

This is definitely a conversation starter and a film her to dissect and talk about with others but it’s also a cruel movie and what some might call. A feel bad film.

Grade: B+

THE HITMAN (1991)

Directed By: Aaron Norris

Written By: Robert Geoffrion & Don Carmody

Cinematography: Joao Fernandes

Editor: Jaqueline Carmody 

Cast: Chuck Norris, Michael Parks, Al Waxman, Alberta Watson, Salim Grant, Ken Pogue, Marcel Sabourin, Bruno Gerussi, Frank Ferucci, James Purcell 

After surviving an attempt on his life by his former partner, officer Cliff Garrett exacts revenge on those who wronged him by going undercover as a hit man. He works to gain the reputation and trust needed in order to be accepted by the burgeoning Seattle-area criminal underworld, but it is all done in order to take it down from within.

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This is one of the first Chuck Norris movies I’ve ever watched from beginning to end, where he was a star and not a supporting player or making a guest appearance.

I will admit, I saw bits and pieces of it on television before I decided to screen it and watch it in full and part of the reason is Chuck Norris is look in this film with this long slicked back pretty much a mullet with a Scar and him looking more like a bad ass in a leather trenchcoat.

This film was directed by his brother, Aaron Norris, and I wonder if Chuck over the years kind of brought him in as somebody he can trust and also might do more of what he says instead of it, being such an open collaboration, where other directors might have visions of Granduer, whereas with Aaron Norris, who has directed many of his brothers films it’s more simpatico it’s family is all for a common vision in good

Considering the image Chuck Norris has of all americana and western. This one is more of an urban tail though with plenty of stereotypes, especially of mobsters of the early 90s.

No, obviously the film  gonna play fast and loose with any kind of  facts or logic, especially when his introduction as his undercover character is him blowing somebody away with a shotgun what you don’t even really see many undercover cops do in other movies and television shows so it is a bit of a shock

While he does have some hand to hand combat scenes, it’s mostly gunplay, which again is kind of new at least for me when it comes to a Chuck Norris movie nor did I expect it to be quite as violent and a bit gory.

Then, throughout all this, he still tries to help his neighbor who is getting picked on, stand up for them self and be a surrogate father figure which leads to an unbelievable ending of the film

No, truthfully this phone is already unbelievable from beginning to end and it’s just typical straight to at the time video kind of shock even though I know this plate in movie theaters and it’s not a very good looking film it’s very dated watching it as to be expected, but as bad as it is, it’s very entertaining it’s got character actors, Gloor and clearly paycheck rolls, but playing it for all it’s might.

It moves along even though at times you’re rolling your eyes it’s still wouldn’t make me a Chuck Norris fan necessarily but if you are in it will not disappoint you. It’s a bad movie that’s so bad that it’s actually good as far as entertainment, but it still leaves me as to why the cult of Chuck Norris I don’t give me wrong. I like WALKER, TEXAS RANGER for all probably the same points that people if they like this movie would like this movie but Walker was free to watch. Whereas people had to pay to see this movie.

This film is really straight up trash or maybe even junk. Though As even as an action film, the action isn’t that memorable and he seems to be involved in very little of it half the time until the end really

Grade: C-

DEAD MAIL (2025)

Written & Directed By: Joe DeBoer and Kyle McConaghy

Cast: Sterling Macer Jr., John Fleck, Micki Jackson, Susan Priver, Sean Heyman, Tomas Boykin, Nick Heyman, Micah Fitzgerald

An ominous help note finds its way to a 1980s post office, connecting a dead letter investigator to a kidnapped keyboard technician.


As always, this is a film that is probably best to go into knowing very little about as they can offer you some surprises.

The film starts off with a bang of intensity. That seems to settle as we wait to see how we got there in the first place.

This film is a retro thriller with a 1980s aesthetic with a heavy synth score throughout that at first seems like it’s gonna be a detective story, and then reveals its hand to be more of a thriller.

The film is a slow-burn thriller. That is also a crime story with a dash of horror.

It’s also a layered story so that each act feels like a puzzle piece being put together so the audience learns more and more as it goes along and feels like well. There is one man mainly at the center who is causing all of this. Even as the story gets passed around to different but recurring characters.

This is a movie not to spoil that keeps you intrigue throughout as you keep wondering what’s next.

The film goes above and beyond with the premise that first seems so simple then makes you feel all the more paranoid as it goes along.

While there is no eroticism or homoeroticism. It does feel like the main character feels similarly betrayed as if it was a relationship, even though it was a collaboration with only one of them, putting in the real work, and the other, just being supportive. So that when he leaves, it feels like cheating or a betrayal.

By the end, you’re like all this just for a synthesizer?

Grade: B+

ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR (2025)

Directed By: Paul Feig

Written By: Jessica Sharzer and Laeta Kalogridis 

Based upon the characters created by: Darcey Bell 

Cinematography: John Schwartzman 

Editor: Brent White 

Cast: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Allison Janney, Elizabeth Perkins, Michele Morrone, Elena Sofia Ricci, Alex Newell, Bashir Salahuddin, Taylor Ortega Aparna Nancharla, Andrew Rannells, 

Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson reunite on the island of Capri, Italy for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman, which is interrupted by murder and betrayal.

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This phone is OK considering it didn’t feel like the first film really needed a sequel as this truly could’ve gone either way it stays in the spirit of the first film, though this feels more like a buddy mystery comedy.

Whereas the first film felt generally like a suburban mystery with twists and turns. this film has decided to take the characters and go international. Sonthat it feels like it’s following the trend of the KNIVES OUT murder mystery franchise, finding corpses of the past no matter where these characters go. We get a whole new set of supporting characters played by recognizable faces.

Even though in the first film, they were friends and rivals,  in this film where are forced to believe that they have buried the hatchet so to speak and become friends,  uneasy ones, but eventually, ones who seem to have made peace with one another.

Anna Kendrick’s character seems to only go along with her to help her book sales which are lagging. Henry Golding is in the film and for all the sex appeal he had in this film. He seems like an insufferable jerk and clown.

I won’t say that this film is predictable, but the twist and turns seem more melodramatic or almost out of a TeleNovella rather than a solid story. 

Not to mention for a film that is supposed to take place more internationally. One would think that the location and lush is this film would look more lavish. it has its moments, but from the looks of things of could’ve been everywhere and just added some color.

Whereas the first film felt like it had deeper stakes and was set in a reality you recognize. This film just feels like it’s a slapstick comedy and the deaths aren’t really that deeply felt or even respected. they’re just like part of the plot. It’s a shame as some characters we know some characters are new to us, but they are treated more Flagrantly than deeply

Which only helps make our leads look all the more guilty. Even though we in the audience know they’re not and give them a reason to be on the run.- while sidelining any supporting characters from the first film other than the stars to cameos 

The film is fun and a guilty pleasure way whereas it’s not rushed, it also didn’t need to be made, it still wants to keep its acid tongue, humor, and cynical, as well as try to be a bit campy 

All the actors do what is required of them and they are really what makes this film work and makes it at times fun though corny bits that kind of overcrowd the film too or also cliché moments and characters that don’t need to be there, but are it doesn’t hurt.

Luckily Paul Feig returns as the director as without him this would most certainly fail, but he brings his skills and panache with the actors to craft quite a meal from scraps

If you are a big fan of the first film, you will probably enjoy this one but know that it’s not as sharp as the first film it’s not dull, but it just doesn’t quite as deep as well as the first film and leaves itself open for another sequel for this to be a franchise 

Grade: C+

BLOOD, SWEAT & CHEER (2022)

Directed By: Traci Hays

Written By: Barbara Zagrodink

Cinematography: Greg Hudgins 

Editor: Aaron Putnam

Cast: Tammin Sursok, Monroe Cline, Kaylan Montgomery, Aliyah Jacqueline Vasquez, John Paul Kakos, Doug Dawson, Andrew Shaw, Courtney James Clark

A suburban divorcée masquerades as her teenage daughter in a twisted attempt to make the dance squad at a local high school.

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With a title like this, you know what you’re getting into. As the film is ridiculous and built on camp as melodrama, which makes it a fun watch and whenever the film tries, you never can quite take it too seriously though I believe that was it’s true aim.

As you have a leading actress who is a beautiful woman, but you would never believe could pass as a teenager, even as half the women who play teenagers in this film, look to be in their 20s

It almost feels like Drew Barrymore never been kissed where we go along with the rules for the film, but you know an actuality no one would truly believe this. As in plot and motivations of the main character are understandable, but so silly.

The production values and script are quality so those who are watching this looking for skin or even violence will be disappointed as this is pretty much a PG or rather PG-13 rated film so all you have to go off of is the comedy and camp quality of the film.

Shock this wasn’t a lifetime channel original as it could’ve easily gone further than what it does, but it’s silly enough to maybe make family film night and not be too risky

Even the choreographed dance sequences are not that impressive for supposedly going for the city or state championships, and it has a strange credit sequence for its final credits where we just watch everybody coming out of the gym all the credits and it really adds nothing to the film or the characters so it’s an odd choice.

I can give the cast credit as they truly try to sell the material and make you emphasize with them and find themselves in.

though at heart, this is truly be movie material with a C grade polish and script. As this film was meant to entertain and have fun with for the cast and audience. 

Grade: C-

BLACK BAG (2025)

Directed By: Steven Soderbergh 

Written By: David Koepp

Cinematography: Peter Andrews

Editor: Mary Ann Bernard 

Cast: Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, Naomie Harris, Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Rege-Jean Page, Pierce Brosnan, 

When intelligence agent Kathryn Woodhouse is suspected of betraying the nation, her husband – also a legendary agent – faces the ultimate test of whether to be loyal to his marriage, or his country.

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One can admit when it comes to spy and espionage movies sometimes I don’t get everything the first time through so that one need to watch it a second time to fully understand or maybe go back through it to see the things I might’ve missed .

This is one of those films, It’s truly admirable with this film for how it relates espionage and spying with a relationship more importantly a marriage at first it seems like the main theme of it is how you do it simultaneously like MR. & MRS. SMITH only with veterans and less action.

This film tries to tell, not only an espionage story but also shows how marriages can work in the same way. Because being a spy is all about relationships and networking and identities, false and real. It’s all about gaining and selling information and using it to your advantage. This film seeks to portray how in a marriage you have your coworkers, your friends, you have your little secrets, and Devotions that mix, measure, and influence. Almost like you must perform and present.

 How sometimes there’s information that you must keep to yourself for the safety of all or just your partner and if there is a betrayal, it hurts the whole system and creates little holes that could gather and rock the foundation. It also focuses on who you can trust, betrayals, and in the end true love 

I will admit, when I first watched this film, sitting through it at first I thought it was good, but nothing spectacular, but after the film and thinking about the film, that is when it started getting to me and laying down its bones in my mind. It’s a beautiful film to look at the costumes stylish, as well as the location,  filmmaking, and mood. It comes off as very cold and non-erotic but exciting and it is way old school it does it tightly in under 100 minutes giving you enough details for you to follow and keep continuing the story.

No, truthfully wouldn’t expect any less from Director Steven Soderberg, especially as he stays being his cinematographer and editor as well as being the Director, of course.

As once again, he dismantles the genre and filmmaking and then put it back together. Minus a few parts but make it efficiently and put the focus on aspects most studios or filmmakers wouldn’t. They do it with a story that has mass appeal, or might be recognizable becoming at it in a different way. Luckily, this isn’t one of his more experimental films

The actors are all marvelous, Convincing, and concocting, As at times it does play off like WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOLFE in spies clothing and with a larger cast 

It’s not a film that everyone is going to love or

like. If you’re looking for action scenes and sequences and a lot of violence. This is probably not your film. The little that is shown in the trailer is more meant to entice. It’s not a major part of the film just goes to show consequences.

If you want something that is an adult drama that keeps you intrigued and stays a little playful. I would recommend this film. Unfortunately, they rarely make films like this anymore.

In the end, I will say that if this has been a spy novel, it feels like this might’ve been one of the side stories and another factor of the things that is truly enjoyable about the film is that you’re never quite given 100% details of anything so what you think you know You might be surprised to find out you don’t know or only got part of the story.

It’s a star story but it’s also for all that’s at stake,  a small story.  not a blockbuster, but found like one

Grade: B

CRUSH (2013)

Directed By Malik Bader

Written By: Sonny Malhi

Cinematography: Scott Kevan 

Editor: Jeff Canavan

Cast: Lucas Till, Sarah Bolger, Crystal Reed, Leigh Whannell, Camille Guaty, Isaiah Mustafa, Holt McCallany, Caitriona Balfe, Reid Ewing, Meredith Salenger

The promising high school soccer player Scott is injured on the knee in a game and two years after, he is still trying to heal his knee. The teenager Jules feels unrequited love for him but Scott is concentrated in recovering his physical condition and considers her as a friend. The also teenage Bess that works in the store owned by David with her mature colleague Andie has a crush on Scott. When Scott is stalked by a mysterious person that threatens Jules, he believes that Bess is responsible for the weird situations. Is his assumption correct?


This film is just  so tedious and badly paced most of the time it keeps building up and then when it does finally offer a release you are so thankful but never truly lives up to It’s potential or premise 

The way the film points at the red herring the more it becomes obvious that it’s not them.

It could have been a bit more fun if it played up it’s Ridiculous aspects or camped it up or actually added thrills. The way it plays it is more limp. Where you find yourself asking questions or creating your own scenarios rather then go with what is on screen. As it is taking way too long at a little over 90 minutes 

Not to mention the main character has looks and seems to be a good moral kid, but he has very little personality for all these ladies to have such crushes on him. Especially the teacher.

Though a teenage boy who is really into classic black and white films. Warmed my heart as I wished I could go to this town’s theater, but feels mroe an invention of a writer. Who wanted to put a piece of themselves and lvoe of film In there. As the film chosen isnMt even an inside joke or a hint of what is to come. 

Though will say she seemed to only be here for eye candy for anyone desiring some skin other then some from the lead actor and even what is shown is more pg-13 quality 

Know it would most likely be straight to home video quality but expected a bit better then what is offered. Espeically with such a recognizable cast, but we all have to start somewhere. 

It feels like a WB channel thriller if you remember what those were more targeted to the youth, a little risqué, but almost every character is picture perfect good looking.

While there’s barely anything objectionable, that is why it feels more like a TV movie or a movie meant for or could’ve easily played on a lifetime channel or MTV or WB

Crystal reed is the only true notable performance throughout. Everyone else does what is expected of them. 

Grade: D+

THE VAGRANT (1992)

Directed By: Chris Walas

Written By: Richard Jefferies 

Cinematography: John J. Connor and Jack Wallner 

Editor: Jay Ignaszewski

Cast: Bill Paxton, Michael Ironside, Marshall Bell, Mitzi Kapture, Colleen Camp, Patrika Darbo, Marc McClure, Stuart Pankin, Teddy Wilson 

The Vagrant tells the story of Graham Krackowski, who moves into his new home only to be terrorized by an unruly vagrant that lives across the street in an abandon lot. What begins as simply an inconvenience to him, escalates into an all out war of head games, wit, and eventually murder.


 The film mixes hard and comedy and the humor though dark is funny and parts, but it never quite land. It always feels like it’s missing a beat. 

The performances are believable and the material you expect a bit more zaniness and can see why this film does have a cult following and it’s fans but personally, it never quite comes alive nor as fun as the premise it presents

It seems to be headed for better and you expect more especially with such a cast. 

The film does seem to treat every female. He comes across as attracted to him, and they are all secondary by nature or props, then actual characters. 

Bill Paxton’s character change of looks later in the film. It also shows the range of Mr. Paxton who is the only reason I saw this movie for.

As I knowingly used to pass the box for this movie and video stores in my youth, all the time always thought it would be more run-of-the-mill and basic one can appreciate that at times it tries to be different and subvert the audience 

The film is a low budget movie that tries and you want to like it. it seems to work against itself never quite finding that right mixture as it feels more comedic when it wants to be horrific, and it feels more horrific when it wants to be comedic finding its groove.

It should be noted that it’s sort of the few times. Michael Ironside has been in an intentional comedy.

The film was directed by Chris Walas, a special effects artist, and whose previous film was THE FLY II. Which was a guilty pleasure in my teens and was hoping this film would end up being a diamond in the rough as this seems to be the last film that Chris Wallace has directed so far it ends up disappointing because the potential had more than anything

Grade: D+

THE STRANGE VICE OF MRS. WARDH (1971)

Directed By: Sergio Martino 

Written By: Eduardo Manzanos, Ernesto Gastaldi and Vittorio Caronia 

Cinematography: Emilio Foriscot and Floriano Trenker 

Editor: Eugenio Alabiso 

Cast: Edwige French, George Hilton, Cristina Airoldi, Manuel Gill, Alberto De Mendoza, Bruno Corazzari, Carlo Alighiero, Ivan Rassimov 

After arriving in Vienna with her diplomat husband, a woman is stalked by a mysterious, razor-wielding maniac, with people around her getting killed one by one.


 Right now, I am truly immersing myself and the Gallo genre or at least catching up on many that I have never seen and truly never heard of when is thankful for Tubi for actually having a lot of these films to offer finding out about these films from various box sets devoted to lesser known examples of the genre. vinegar syndrome in particularly has a bunch of these in box sets that help me just discover titles to try to find and see for myself

There is a certain grace in Giallo films 

And it fees  like the story telling is on a rhythm almost like liquid as it flows. This film feels more rough around the edges att times. Which adds to it’s Charms. 

Though they started in these films and the women sometimes are treated horribly in them. Though the Film and filmmaker seems devoted to showcasing the actresses as unearthly beautiful but makes their behavior all the more human. That either you root for them in their indiscretions as their partners treat them horribly. So that you feel a certain sympathy for them. It is also the filmmakers putting you on yheornside as the men dominate the women to make them seem all the more human and weak to a certain extent. that way each film seems like a testament to the actress or the lead character and the actress just encases the role.

story wise this film is pretty typical of Giallos. There’s always a murder mystery at hand and the film offers. You many suspects as well as grand death scenes scenes were the lead female character is almost a victim, but it saved last minute or manages to escape. 

it tries to make you believe that anyone could be the killer offering, red herrings, and plenty of motives for different characters who are close to the main character to do it as well as scenes that try to provide alibis or reasons as to why we might suspect cannot be the killer.

While also providing plenty of intrigue, seduction, glamour, international landscapes,  sex scenes, nudity and graphic violence that the directors usually try to make seem brutal, yet artistic in the aftermath.

Even though a little more predictable than usual, this film is truly an undiscovered gem as again it’s imperfections or set it apart from the typical Giallo, which can be original sometimes are so stylistic that it’s too much for their own good.

Edwige French captivtes the screen. As you want to see more of her or for her to do more. One can’t take their eyes off of her. Conchita Airoldi does the same in a more supporting role. Which has her leavi g the film before she can truly make too much of an impression, but while she is there. She works as a distraction at times though one with a great smile. 

By the end the puzzle isn’t too hard to figure out but the end packs a hell of a punch. 

Grade: B

CUCKOO (2024)

Written & Directed By: Tilman Singer 

Cinematography: Paul Feltz 

Editor: Terel Gibson and Philipp Thomas 

Cast: Hunter Schafer, Dan Stevens, Marton Csokas, Jessica Henwick, Greta Fernadez, Jan Bluthardt, Proschart Madani, Astrid Berges-Frisby

Reluctantly, 17-year-old Gretchen leaves her American home to live with her father, who has just moved into a resort in the German Alps with his new family. Arriving at their future residence, they are greeted by Mr. König, her father’s boss, who takes an inexplicable interest in Gretchen’s mute half-sister Alma. Something doesn’t seem right in this tranquil vacation paradise. Gretchen is plagued by strange noises and bloody visions until she discovers a shocking secret that also concerns her own family.


This film matches its title. As even once you price everything together it still comes off as bizarre, Yet idiosyncratic.

This is a film that you should go into knowing as little as you can. Though even if you know some of it. It will still be bizarre and mysterious. 

All of the actors are on top of their games and give memorable performances. One only wishes there was more to remember story wise. That at times feels confusing for its own sake and to keep us as off center as the lead character played by Hunter Schafer.

The film is very stylish and keeps you on your toes trying to guess what is coming next. 

The film puts you Ina strange environment and commit ity and leaves you there. For you

To figure it out as much as the characters. Though they take to it a little more

Quickly and routinely than the audience most Likely will. 

This movie is a drug, Purely. It’s up to you wether the trip it leaves you with is good or bad. It’s definitely cinematic, experimental and theatrical. 

Honestly… This $h*t is bananas in a good way. Far from predictable, but hard to explain A wild stylish ride. Hunter Schafer is quite good, and a Fox but Dan Steven’s once again runs away with the film. It has a strange taste to it, foreign and not Terrible quite tasty but not exactly a favorite 

Grade: B-