Horror Movies

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

 

[Taddy Mason]

started the Dracula series on netflix. really liked the first episode. second episode wasn't bad, but it was feeling a bit off as to where it would go and then it lead to what is the third and final episode which has seen it go to complete and utter shit. started off so promising. fuck, still 50 more minutes, don't even want to bother finishing it.

 

[Blackshirts BLVD]

Posted this in the Last Movie thread as well...


Lighthouse.

I honestly, don't know what to say about this movie. It is very strange. I'm not sure if any of it was real or if it was just a crazy persons imagination or a near death hallucination or something else all entirely.

None of the story really added up to me... with anything, there wasn't a real story... really. To me, this was a movie about emotions. About fear, psychosis, loneliness, hate, shame, trust, and simply being lost in your own mind.

With all of that said, I think Pattinson and Dafoe were excellent in it. Their acting was fantastic. Pattinsons was a little slow building, but I think that was due to the nature of his character. It was strange, bewildering, eerie, but didn't strike me as thrilling, scary, frightening, suspenseful or any of the typical horror sensations.

Personally, the story is a huge part for me enjoying movies and perhaps I just need to see it again, but as of right now. I have no desire to ever see this again. So again, great acting, but with a lack of story and a wildly eerie movie... its not my cup of tea. I also think that the use of dull colors would have made it better. I am fine with black and white movies, but I think this one would have been better with some dark and dull colors instead.

I give it a 5/10 - based on the acting and camera use alone.

 

[BrockForBroglio]

I had similar thoughts about this movie.
Found it to be very engaging and paced very efficiently and effectively.

On a side note, while not a movie, I binge-watched 2 seasons of You on Netflix.
Had never heard about this show, but it's about a stalker/potential killer.
Thought the second season was better than the first season.

I watched the first episode of "you" last night. It kind of reminded me of Dexter with the narration, but without any action cept for the final 5 minutes. But if this is a "horror" movie, it better pick it up big time. Should I just fast forward to season two?

 

[Sparhawk]

I watched the first episode of "you" last night. It kind of reminded me of Dexter with the narration, but without any action cept for the final 5 minutes. But if this is a "horror" movie, it better pick it up big time. Should I just fast forward to season two?

I would call it more of an interesting take on the serial killer vibe.

Contains horror elements, but isn't necessarily a 'horror' series, if that makes any sense.
The show is more about the psychology of the chase and not so much when the cat catches the mouse.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Posted this in the Last Movie thread as well...


Lighthouse.

I honestly, don't know what to say about this movie. It is very strange. I'm not sure if any of it was real or if it was just a crazy persons imagination or a near death hallucination or something else all entirely.

None of the story really added up to me... with anything, there wasn't a real story... really. To me, this was a movie about emotions. About fear, psychosis, loneliness, hate, shame, trust, and simply being lost in your own mind.

With all of that said, I think Pattinson and Dafoe were excellent in it. Their acting was fantastic. Pattinsons was a little slow building, but I think that was due to the nature of his character. It was strange, bewildering, eerie, but didn't strike me as thrilling, scary, frightening, suspenseful or any of the typical horror sensations.

Personally, the story is a huge part for me enjoying movies and perhaps I just need to see it again, but as of right now. I have no desire to ever see this again. So again, great acting, but with a lack of story and a wildly eerie movie... its not my cup of tea. I also think that the use of dull colors would have made it better. I am fine with black and white movies, but I think this one would have been better with some dark and dull colors instead.

I give it a 5/10 - based on the acting and camera use alone.

This is all exactly what I surmised from watching the trailer. Glad to know it was the right choice to pass on it. Thanks for reviewing it!

Trailer looked like it was about 2 dudes losing their minds while living in seclusion within a lighthouse. I typically like watching psychological thrillers that dive into pure insanity or rather the degradation of sanity, but this movie struck me more as one of those allegorical films chalked full of symbolism & art. There's just too steep of a hurdle to cross for these types of films and honestly it's tailored to a very small target audience. I have no idea why it was so highly regarded out the gate. Found articles everywhere I looked touting it as must-see material and i kept coming back to the trailer. Just never struck me as something that I wanted to watch.

 

[Shanemansj13]

I watched the first episode of "you" last night. It kind of reminded me of Dexter with the narration, but without any action cept for the final 5 minutes. But if this is a "horror" movie, it better pick it up big time. Should I just fast forward to season two?

Not really a horror imo but like Sparhawk said just a serial killer vibe. Love the main character and how he narrates. Love this show, enjoyed Season 1 more but Season 2 has a lot of spins and twists as well so still REALLY enjoyed it. Really interested what they do for Season 3 but how S2 ends I think I know how that one will go.

Just wish these Seasons were longer. Only 10 episodes, watched S2 in like 3 days (partly on the weekend)...too damn quick

 

[Shanemansj13]

Anyone else feelin this one? CGI looks epic... But..... Kristen Stewart is a huge turnoff for me. She's a terrible actress. The rest of the cast looks good though.

I fucking hate that bitch. She is probably the worst actress in the last 20 years, I stay away from any movie with her in it unfortunately. Another actress I am not a fan of is Anna Kendrick.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

I fucking hate that bitch. She is probably the worst actress in the last 20 years, I stay away from any movie with her in it unfortunately. Another actress I am not a fan of is Anna Kendrick.

Anna Kendrick was ok for a while. She's got personality which takes her miles above Stewart. But I do think Kendrick's shtick has grown tiresome and tailors everything to a younger audience.

 

[Shanemansj13]

Anna Kendrick was ok for a while. She's got personality which takes her miles above Stewart. But I do think Kendrick's shtick has grown tiresome and tailors everything to a younger audience.

Yeah she isn't comparable to Stewart. I might just be bias but another reason I don't like Kendrick...was doing valet after college and they were filming a movie down the street so some famous people were staying there. She was one of the stars in the movie, everyone said she was a stuck up little bitch and so inconsiderate. Actually parked Richard Jenkins' rent-a-car though so that was kind of cool, he's a pretty down to earth guy haha

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Yeah she isn't comparable to Stewart. I might just be bias but another reason I don't like Kendrick...was doing valet after college and they were filming a movie down the street so some famous people were staying there. She was one of the stars in the movie, everyone said she was a stuck up little bitch and so inconsiderate. Actually parked Richard Jenkins' rent-a-car though so that was kind of cool, he's a pretty down to earth guy haha

I could see it. Her DGAF personality as she portrays herself didn't start until after her big start in those singing movies. Ego went straight to the head once she got lead roles.

 

[UVA_Guy81]

Watched IT Chapter 2 last night. It was decent but probably nothing I'll ever bother watching again. I think that I still like the original with Tim Curry better but thought that Bill Skarsgard did a solid job as Pennywise. I think the CGI took me out of the movie in a few points but I did like the tribute to John Carpenter's The Thing with the boy head turning into a spider.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Countdown (2019)


The plot concept for this movie was hard to digest. The demonology aspect was cool, but making sense of a demon collecting souls through an app took a leap of faith. I guess demons dabble in computer programming nowadays. Some backstory would have been helpful to bridge that hole.

The progression & flow of this movie was somewhat clunky although it built tension well enough to remain entertaining. The deaths from the app alone weren't fluid. From the start you are led to believe you simply die when your time is up. But then we start to see different sides to the story where the gypsy demon starts haunting & attacking its victims. Why & how it did this only seemed to differ for the protagonists, which was convenient for both the plot & the scare tactics. The final act was about the only clever piece of writing from the movie. IMO the film went out on a high note largely because of it, but also due to a satisfying final resolution. Obviously you know what you're in for before you watch it, and the only surprise it holds is in the climax.

Acting was solid, although I wasn't a big fan of the side characters. I'm typically not a big fan of the use of supporting keystone characters. Characters that are solely responsible for the continuance of a plot for the protagonists. This movie had multiple of those. The phone store hacker and the demonologist priest. If you remove either of those characters then the movie ends prematurely. I guess the hacker didn't necessarily extend the plot since the countdowns reverted, but it gave the appearance of borrowed time.

Overall despite solid lead performances, good cgi, well executed jump-scares and entertaining thrills, the film is weighed down by poor execution of plot points and a concept that just doesn't make sense. It's popcorn entertainment.

Demons gone mobile... 6.5/10

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Eden Lake (2008)


This movie does a great job of evoking raw emotion. And not necessarily in a good way. It plays on pure emotion by pulling you into a mixture of frustration, disgust & pain and robbing you of a sense of morality. It leaves you empty-handed & feeling like your blood is boiling. It's not a film for the weak-hearted.

It starts off like the typical movie of victims caught in a bad situation that quickly spirals into chaos. But it loses itself due primarily to poor decision making & illogical writing. The ending especially pissed me off. Jenny unknowingly ends up at the same place that she & her husband were at the day prior, the home of the lead delinquent, and they just so happen to be having some sort of swinger party with all the parents of the rest of the gang. Too much coincidence is never a good thing for writing purposes.

The acting was good, and the movie was well made. But it was all outweighed by a complete lack of logic in the writing. Implausibilities abound all throughout this film. The concept itself was plausible, but the progression was awful. And just when you think things are about to get interesting, in the vengeful variety... That's a hard no. The stupidity continues into an unsatisfying sign-off.

Overall it was a brutal film, both in the theatric sense & the viewership. There is horror & terror mixed with decent amounts of gore, which made it tolerable entertainment, but it didn't save it from being a mess of a film. I'd say it lands in the 4-5/10 range, but my resulting anger makes me want to push it down further. Entertaining enough for a 1-time-only viewing I guess. But be forewarned, it'll piss you off.

Unbelievably frustrating & nihilistic experience... 4/10

 

[Blackshirts BLVD]

Anyone posted this trailer yet?

I didn't see it, so... whatcha'll think?

 

[Shanemansj13]

Countdown (2019)


The plot concept for this movie was hard to digest. The demonology aspect was cool, but making sense of a demon collecting souls through an app took a leap of faith. I guess demons dabble in computer programming nowadays. Some backstory would have been helpful to bridge that hole.

The progression & flow of this movie was somewhat clunky although it built tension well enough to remain entertaining. The deaths from the app alone weren't fluid. From the start you are led to believe you simply die when your time is up. But then we start to see different sides to the story where the gypsy demon starts haunting & attacking its victims. Why & how it did this only seemed to differ for the protagonists, which was convenient for both the plot & the scare tactics. The final act was about the only clever piece of writing from the movie. IMO the film went out on a high note largely because of it, but also due to a satisfying final resolution. Obviously you know what you're in for before you watch it, and the only surprise it holds is in the climax.

Acting was solid, although I wasn't a big fan of the side characters. I'm typically not a big fan of the use of supporting keystone characters. Characters that are solely responsible for the continuance of a plot for the protagonists. This movie had multiple of those. The phone store hacker and the demonologist priest. If you remove either of those characters then the movie ends prematurely. I guess the hacker didn't necessarily extend the plot since the countdowns reverted, but it gave the appearance of borrowed time.

Overall despite solid lead performances, good cgi, well executed jump-scares and entertaining thrills, the film is weighed down by poor execution of plot points and a concept that just doesn't make sense. It's popcorn entertainment.

Demons gone mobile... 6.5/10

Yeah I watched it a couple weeks ago, it was pretty good. Not too into the demon/spirit movies tbh though

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Yeah I watched it a couple weeks ago, it was pretty good. Not too into the demon/spirit movies tbh though

What subgenre is more your cup of tea?

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Summer of 84 (2018)


Because of the timing of this film's release, its hard not to compare it to movies & TV shows that came up with the formula before it. Obviously Stranger Things is the first that comes to mind, but then you have IT: Chapter One (2017) and Super Dark Times (2017). Hell, we could even go as far back as The Goonies (1985) & The Monster Squad (1987) to find similar concepts. The formula is somewhat of a homerun as a standalone film, but Summer of 84 feels like somewhat of a ripoff that tries too hard to copy other films' makeup instead of establishing its own identity. Especially in terms of the forced vulgar comedy that came off as more off-the-cuff rather than candid. What this movies does do well however, is incorporating a suspenseful true-crime dynamic.

True crime movies are always fun. Especially one that can successfully encapsulate the timeframe in which it is set. Nostalgia-baiting is an easy way to win over audiences if done right. The stylish flair of everything from the settings to the outfits, to the masterful score in this film was top notch. The pop culture references were applied sparingly, and mostly incorporated via dialogue, but they were enjoyable. Sometimes directors can get too carried away with that stuff, like in Stranger Things. The suspense aspect was a highlight for this film. As the stakes get raised the film gets more & more compelling with dramatic tone shifts & tense sequencing.

One thing that bothers me about this movie is the inconsistency with the parenting. Mainly about how they only became overprotective when it was convenient to the story-line, whereas they were completely oblivious at other times. The fact that AFTER the Cape May Serial Murderer investigation was announced this entire neighborhood of children were all mostly left home alone with doors unlocked and free to roam the neighborhood as they played a game called "Manhunt" that involves wandering around in the woods in the middle of the night. Not to mention many of the scenes with these children were around the hours of 10pm-1am. Am I really supposed to believe these children's parents were that oblivious when a serial killer whom targets young teenage boys is on the prowl? I cannot buy into the diatribe about nonexistent helicopter parenting in the 80s. Like I said, the parenting aspect only became apparent when it was convenient to the film's plot.

The acting was solid even if the characterization of the friendships were a little farfetched. You spend the entire movie watching this band of misfits hang out without ever really understanding how they became friends. Odd ducklings like these didn't quite fit together too well, other than they shared an affinity for staying out late and playing a neighborhood game. And then throw in the implausible fantasy/popular girl that went from posteresque/unattainable to being the nerdy protagonist's side chick all in the matter of a couple scenes. The majority of the cast just didn't quite mesh.

Overall it wasn't a bad movie by any means. It had lots to like about it from a suspenseful true-crime dynamic. But as I said before, some logical inaccuracies & the feeling of this film being mostly carbon copied hurts the overall presentation.

Logically inconsistent copycat, but nostalgic true crime entertainment with good suspense... 7/10

 

[Shanemansj13]

What subgenre is more your cup of tea?

Anything else, not too picky. I even like the slow movies with not much plot. Just never been into ghosts/demon movies (some demon movies depends). Not a huge fan of the supernatural movies but if it has good acting, plot I will watch anything.

My go-to genre is thriller/murder mystery

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Ready Or Not (2019)


This is one of the more refreshing & original horror comedies that I have seen in some time. The title itself was a fun play on words as it was fluid to the game itself, but also in the context of marriage. I'll admit that the premise was sort of silly, but the exaggerative & satirical themes it played with were awesome. Especially the anxieties of marrying into an unfamiliar family, which in this case was a play on a worst case scenario, as well as the epic "tear down" to both the institution of marriage and the rich. With the combination of superb writing & directing, this movie has quite the WOW factor to it and will easily become a cult classic of sorts.

The progression of this film was action-packed. It delves into ridiculous absurdity without ever feeling that way because you're too busy enjoying the ride. The ending was batshit crazy but it was hilarious & very satisfying. About my only knocks with it, and I really had to search my brainwaves here, are that the scares are soft (it's comedy man, of course its soft) & the imagery feels familiar (what doesn't anymore?).

It was easy to love this cast. The overall presentation of the family had a certain lowbrow Adams Family feel to it with southern drawl which was absolutely hilarious. Samara Weaving (whom I keep forgetting is not Margot Robbie) was sensational in her role and established herself as scream queen status. With her charisma & wit, she is the glue that holds this entire ridiculous movie together. But the entire supporting cast was stellar. The fiancé was surprisingly good as well. The comedic relief from everyone involved was definitely a highlight, each presenting a different yet equally amusing style. The tradition-fueled vendetta-seeking dad, the evil aunt, the fat idiot cousin married to the coke-addict, the odd butler, and even the "fuck it lets get drunk & do this" aptitude of the mother & brother.

The gore element had a wide variety, but was VERY rewarding. Lots of fun & epic deaths to watch. Everything from the "whoopsy" deaths, to the hilarious climactic finish, and even incorporates some dramatic deaths to push plot agendas... It was a violently dark, wild & bloody-hilarious ride.

One of the amazing things about this film is how low the budget is, despite the film's lavish & ostentatiously rich house setting and sizable cast. Don't know how they pulled it off, but the film-makers had to be cutting their teeth to fit this into budget.

This movie has easily found its way into my private collection & will be viewed ritualistically. It easily rivals Shaun of the Dead in my supreme horror comedy tier. I don't typically like giving out 10/10 scores because you leave yourself vulnerable to skeptics, but f*ck it, this movie was just too much fun & I had too difficult of a time nitpicking anything wrong with it. If you haven't watched it yet, then get on it.

Wicked, charismatic & fun, and loaded with satirical horror... 10/10