salemzin Reviews

The Boy (2016)

Be Good to Him And He'll Be Good to You

[6/10 · 7 June 2024]

"The Boy" (2016) joins the extensive list of horror films in the worn-out subcategory of haunted toys. However, the work manages to stand out minimally from other titles with the same context, presenting ideas that bring a freshness of originality.

The film has, at various times, a disorganized script, even though its plot works in general terms. The design of the Brahms doll contributes a unique identity to the film, opting for a simple aesthetic rather than deformed and macabre, as in many other titles of the genre. The direction builds the mystery and suspense in a satisfactory way, manipulating the viewer into believing in the "supernatural plot". Although cliché and generic in some aspects, the film offers a notable twist, differentiating itself from other productions with the same theme.

Building on the success of "Annabelle" (2014), "The Boy" does not disappoint and has several merits of its own. A script with more cohesion could bring the necessary weight for a better immersion in the work, but even so, the film manages to stand out for its successes and originality.

The Others (2001)

Another Family in the House

[8/10 · 6 June 2024]

Striking and classic, "The Others" (2001) offers one of the most memorable plots in psychological horror, with an impressive plot twist that remains impactful to this day.

Starring Nicole Kidman, the film marked a generation with its thought-provoking and well-constructed plot. Unlike many horror productions of the time, "The Others" avoids excessive exposition and appealing scenes. The setting is great, even if the scenes are limited. The combination of the lighting game with the yellowish photography contributes to the film's gloomy atmosphere. The young actors also deliver remarkable performances, essential to the development of the story. The narrative progresses slowly, without frequently resorting to jumpscares or explicit gore to scare the viewer.

Despite being one of the most prestigious works of horror in the 2000s, the plot twist of "The Others" can be seen as influenced by the success of "The Sixth Sense" (1999), by M. Night Shyamalan, which presented one of the twists most striking of the genre. Even with this comparison, "The Others" remains one of the main references in psychological horror, standing out for its quality and lasting impact.

Thanksgiving (I) (2023)

Blood and Thanksgiving

[6/10 · 4 June 2024]

Eli Roth had already demonstrated his talent for horror with the shocking "Hostel" (2006), and he stands out again in his most recent work, "Thanksgiving" (2023). This slasher is simple and straightforward, but well executed.

The premise of involving a popular holiday in the horror genre has existed for decades, with Christmas being the most replicated of all. "Thanksgiving" delivers a relatively new proposal by including the Thanksgiving holiday in this count. The film's originality lies mainly in this element and in some specific scenes, such as its bloody beginning showing a violent Black Friday and its ending portraying a Thanksgiving dinner full of gore. Despite these small breaths of originality, the work as a whole sounds like any other recent teen slasher, featuring few new features and forgettable characters. While some practical effects are well done, not all of them stand out.

With a predictable plot twist, "Thanksgiving" ends up being a pleasant surprise for the year 2023. The film fulfills its role as a typical slasher, showing many deaths with gore, moments of tension and certain doses of humor.

Marrowbone (2017)

The Hidden Wealth in Marrowbone

[8/10 · 4 June 2024]

"Marrowbone" (2017) turned out to be a true hidden gem in the extensive catalogs of little-known films, and although it won over a certain audience, it did not receive the recognition it deserved considering the quality delivered from start to finish.

The direction skillfully guides the mystery and psychological horror, being little expository in the first act and slowly introducing the central characters and their personalities. The plot is dark and mature, avoiding resorting to jumpscares and gore scenes at all times. The photography is both beautiful and macabre, being one of the main factors in immersing the viewer. The cast delivers great performances, with each actor perfectly suited to their respective roles, which enriches the work even more.

The film culminates in a well-developed and surprising plot twist, although it is reminiscent of other well-known classics of the genre. "Marrowbone" has enormous potential and little recognition, making the experience of watching it both charming and frustrating.

Late Night with the Devil (2023)

A New Air for Found Footage

[7/10 · 4 June 2024]

"Late Night with the Devil" (2024) generated a huge response, becoming one of the most anticipated horror films of the year, raising great expectations among fans of the genre.

Creative and daring, the film presents itself as a found footage distinct from the others, using innovative elements and narrative devices to revitalize a subgenre that was worn out by repetitiveness. Its interview format is innovative and works well, with all the actors delivering convincing performances that involve the viewer in the plot. The humor present in the film matches the atmosphere and does not sound out of place. The plot manages to explore old cinema themes, such as demons and sects, in a different way from other well-known works of the genre, such as "Paranormal Activity" (2009), one of the biggest recent references in found footage.

However, "Late Night with the Devil" has a negative impact with its unconventional and, in a certain way, anticlimactic ending, including ideas that clash with the overall work. Despite this, the film's potential lies in its innovation, a factor that makes the work brilliant and well executed.

Smile (V) (2022)

A Cliché Smile

[6/10 · 20 May 2024]

"Smile" (2022) generated a lot of repercussion since its release, becoming one of the most talked about films of the genre in its debut year. Although it was relatively successful at the box office, the film does not meet all the expectations of horror fans.

The script for "Smile" does not present any significant new features, appearing to be a recycling of several ideas from other films such as "The Ring" (2002) and "It Follows" (2014). The film does not bring innovations or new premises to the genre, but it manages to mask the lack of originality with good photography, moments of intense tension and concepts that permeate between the lines of the plot. However, with the arrival of the last act, depending on the viewer's interpretation, these concepts can convey negative messages related to suicide.

Although the film does not bring anything new to cinema screens, it stands out as a complete work. With more courage and improvements to the script, "Smile" could have demonstrated its full potential to the public.

Kill List (2011)

Kill by List

[5/10 · 13 May 2024]

"Kill List" (2011) leaves something to be desired in several aspects of its plot, presenting concepts that are poorly developed or not very expressive throughout the film.

The film seems disjointed at several moments, as if it were a not-so-successful attempt to create a "post-horror" project, a trend that gained prominence in the same decade with films such as "The Babadook" (2014), "The Witch" (2015) and "Get Out" (2017). The photography contributes to this feeling, giving the film an amateurish and uninspired look, while the practical effects fail to elevate the production to a more serious level. Although the suspense and mystery keep the viewer involved, the predictable outcome does not add positively to the plot. The plot involving the cult seems out of place within the context of the proposed story.

"Kill List" had considerable potential, but this potential seems to have been wasted in a plot that presents superficial and undeveloped concepts, resulting in a predictable and uninspired outcome.

Funny Games (1997)

The Consumption of Violence

[7/10 · 3 April 2024]

"Funny Games" (1997) is a challenging experience for unsuspecting audiences who have not received context about the film's conceptual proposal. Initially, the plot seems to follow the pattern of a common slasher, but the pace of the narrative gradually changes with each passing minute.

The film demonstrates a certain awareness of itself, incorporating breaks of the fourth wall and elements of metalanguage in several moments. Between the lines, the plot promotes a debate about the consumption of violence in cinema, coldly and directly addressing the pleasure that viewers find when watching horror films that contain graphic violence. Interestingly, many scenes feature long takes and, ironically, show little gore or shocking moments involving explicit violence, opting to build tension through the psychological horror provided by the antagonists.

Although widely acclaimed, "Funny Games" may not appeal to those seeking a conventional horror experience, as the film itself raises questions about the consumption of this specific type of work. However, for viewers looking for provocative and thought-provoking films, "Funny Games" proves to be a source of pure and challenging entertainment.

7 Days (2010)

The Raw Revenge With One's Own Hands

[7/10 · 1 April 2024]

"Les 7 jours du talion" (2010) is another notable example of the movement known as "New French Extremity", and although it is less violent compared to the great classics of this style, it manages to convey pure horror through its realistic approach.

Although the plot may seem simple at first glance, the narrative engages the viewer through doubt and tension, building an atmosphere that instills a feeling of anguish throughout the film. The work addresses the theme of revenge and justice in a mature, realistic and reflective way, stimulating ethical debates while presenting scenes of torture with practical effects and extremely convincing makeup. The cast delivers exceptional performances, with emphasis on Claude Legault as the protagonist and Martin Dubreuil as the antagonist. The photography, marked by gray tones and dark colors, perfectly complements the dense atmosphere of the narrative.

Despite the apparent simplicity of its plot and the absence of major twists, the film manages to explore the theme of revenge in a visceral and pragmatic way, providing a unique and distinct experience in relation to several other horror films that follow the same theme. "Les 7 jours du talion" is a true hidden gem that certainly deserved more recognition and attention.

Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990)

The Chrome Chainsaw

[6/10 · 14 March 2024]

"Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III" (1990) proved to be a more satisfactory result than its predecessor, approaching the plot in a more mature and convincing way, despite still having many generic aspects of the slasher subgenre in its composition.

The film leaves the excessive humor present in the previous title in the background, opting to better develop moments of tension and anxiety. Its script appears to be a reboot of the first film, as Leatherface's family was replaced by another, with more members and without the participation of the original actors. The villain Leatherface presents several improvements compared to the previous film, including a more menacing design, a better defined personality and a more effective balance between his human nature and his actions. However, the total change of the family represents a significant negative point, as it only replicates the ideas of the first film in the franchise with different actors, who do not deliver convincing performances.

Although "Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III" is superior to its predecessor, it still lacks more refined development, functioning more as a generic slasher than as an integral part of the franchise. The film presents uncreative scenarios and repeats a formula that was already beginning to wear out in the 90s.

Hellraiser: Revelations (2011)

The Amateur Sequel to "Hellraiser"

[3/10 · 6 March 2024]

Unquestionably, "Hellraiser: Revelations" (2011) marks the lowest point of the entire Hellraiser franchise to date, absorbing all the negative aspects of the previous films and reducing successes and good ideas to a minimum.

The performances in this film stand out as the worst in the entire saga, with an amateur cast with little interest in delivering convincing performances. The character Pinhead, played by Stephan Smith, lacks striking moments or dialogue, resulting in a generic and personalityless interpretation of the iconic villain. Nothing stands out in relation to the photography, and the script fails to develop the protagonists' story. In terms of positive points, the film tries to rescue elements from the first films, such as references to sadomasochism, the beggar with Lemarchand's box and the idea of reviving someone by bringing victims. Furthermore, the practical effects and makeup of the cenobites show an improvement over previous projects.

"Hellraiser: Revelations" does not live up to the title it carries and seriously damages the legacy of the first films in the franchise. Not even in its ending it manages to arouse any interest from the public, and, despite being only 1 hour and 15 minutes long, the work seems to drag on for an eternity.

Hellraiser: Hellworld (2005 Video)

Hellraiser for Teens

[5/10 · 5 March 2024]

"Hellraiser: Hellworld" (2005) stands out for being Doug Bradley's last work as Pinhead in the Hellraiser franchise. However, the film, once again, seems uncommitted and not very competent, choosing to explore digital elements in an attempt to attract a younger audience.

The script follows another parallel story, failing to develop elements of the mythology established in the first titles. The teenage appeal is evident, with protagonists similar to victims of slasher films, lacking personality, charisma and reasoning. In relation to practical effects and makeup, the film oscillates between good and mediocre, considering its year of release. The premise of the "online game" involving the universe of the saga, although poorly executed, proves to be interesting, giving the film self-conscious moments with the subtle use of metalanguage.

Despite an unattractive script, "Hellraiser: Hellworld" stands out in its outcome, presenting an interesting twist and different elements in relation to other projects in the franchise. At this point, the saturation of titles and the lack of creativity on the part of the writers and directors involved began to affect public perception, tarnishing Hellraiser's legacy.

Hellraiser: Deader (2005 Video)

The Deader Cult

[4/10 · 26 February 2024]

"Hellraiser: Deader" (2005) represents another chapter in the franchise, however, it brings with it few positive points or attractions capable of maintaining the public's interest in the saga.

Compared to all previous titles until 2005, "Deader" stands out as the worst experience in the Hellraiser franchise, relying on an uninteresting plot with unreasonable comical scenes. Although the plot involving the sect has a certain potential, the lack of depth and twists leaves the film unremarkable. Pinhead, in this work, has little screen time, becoming a secondary figure without much importance. The production lacks commitment in both photography and direction.

"Hellraiser: Deader" seems devoid of personality and completely disjointed, becoming the most unpretentious film in the Hellraiser franchise at the time of its release. In the hands of a more skilled director, "Deader" could have achieved better results and more effectively explored the potential of its plot.

Hellraiser: Hellseeker (2002 Video)

Hellraiser: Inferno V2

[6/10 · 21 February 2024]

"Hellraiser: Hellseeker" (2002) follows a similar approach to the story presented in its predecessor, but with a better planned and constructed structure, improving the few good ideas that stood out in "Hellraiser: Inferno" (2000).

Maintaining the focus on psychological horror, "Hellseeker" reintroduces elements established in the previous title, such as hallucinations, a suspicious protagonist and a suspenseful atmosphere. The film brings back the character Kirsty, played by Ashley Laurence, present in the first two titles in the franchise, an element that adds an interesting touch to the narrative. The protagonist exhibits greater complexity compared to other films in the saga, making the experience more immersive than in "Inferno". The dark photography, combined with the sexual theme, gives the film a nostalgic atmosphere, bringing back ideas from the first films in the franchise. Despite improvements in the script and direction, the digital effects still look amateurish and could be replaced by practical effects.

Although it does not reach the status of a reference in horror cinema, the film demonstrates a certain competence on the part of Rick Bota, especially considering that it is one of his first projects as a director. At its conclusion, "Hellraiser: Hellseeker" presents an interesting plot twist, even though it shares similarities with other projects in the saga.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)

Lots of humor, Less Massacre

[6/10 · 19 February 2024]

"The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2" (1986) sounds strange in several ways, moving away from the disturbing impact of the previous film, which became a reference in horror cinema due to the intensity of its scenes.

The film's narrative continues the story presented in the previous title, offering an improvement in character development and introducing engaging sub-plots, in addition to presenting improvements in the cast's performances. The photography appears less raw, a change from the distinctive feature of the previous project. However, one of the most negative aspects of the work is the imbalance in comedy and the caricatured representation of the family, which does not correspond to its initial presentation. The villain Leatherface, in this film, displays rational traits, demonstrating reasoning and empathy at certain times, which makes him a less threatening figure. Several scenes present elements that are far from reality, clashing with the atmosphere established by the franchise. While the idea of the lair setting is interesting, it doesn't completely align with the aesthetic of the plot.

Released 12 years after "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre", the second title does not contribute satisfactorily to the franchise's legacy. Much of it is lost in moments of disjointed black humor. The film may attract viewers looking for an unpretentious work with comedic elements.

Hellraiser: Inferno (2000 Video)

Jacob's Ladder + Hellraiser

[5/10 · 8 February 2024]

"Hellraiser: Inferno" (2000) emerges as a misplaced project within the franchise, exploring a plot that does not delve into the mythology of cenobites and hell. The film appears to draw inspiration from "Jacob's Ladder" (1990), both in its plot and the creature designs featured.

"Inferno" takes a unique approach to the saga, focusing on psychological horror and the police investigation narrative, while offering little emphasis on the cenobites and Pinhead. The actors' performances leave something to be desired, especially in the case of the uncharismatic protagonist, whose reactions lack meaning in several scenes. The script has flaws in relation to Pinhead's behavior, which, in this title, diverges from the approach of its predecessors. The plot twist turns out to be predictable, not surprising the viewer, making the experience unmemorable, with the hallucinations and the different plot being the only attractions of the project.

Although it surpasses its predecessor, the script for "Hellraiser: Inferno" seems like a recycling of a previous project, incorporated into the franchise's universe. Despite the potential of psychological horror, several aspects continue to harm the work as a whole.

Hellraiser: Bloodline (1996)

LeMarchand's Descendants

[4/10 · 5 February 2024]

"Hellraiser: Bloodline" (1996) marks the starting point for the franchise's first decline, bringing with it numerous negative aspects throughout the narrative.

The film arouses aversion for several reasons, including unconvincing acting, poorly executed makeup and practical effects, inconsistencies in the script, among other points. The foray into Sci-fi themes seems disconnected and at odds with the franchise's characteristic aesthetics, while the absence of a soundtrack at times contributes to the film's lack of identity. Despite being poorly executed, the plot has interesting elements, such as the transition between eras and the explanation for the origin of Lemarchand's box. The design of the cenobites and Doug Bradley's performance stand out positively as points of quality.

With the appropriate script, changes in the cast and the incorporation of the saga's characteristic practical effects, "Hellraiser: Bloodline" would have the potential to deliver more satisfactory results. Unfortunately, the project feels amateurish and disconnected compared to other previous titles in the franchise.

Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992)

The Consolidation of Pinhead

[6/10 · 5 February 2024]

"Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth" (1992) continues the plot involving Pinhead, delving deeper into the iconic figure and its outcome presented in the final arc of the previous film. At this point, the franchise takes more risks by exploring the personality of the iconic antagonist and reducing the narrative related to cenobites and hell.

As for the script, the film focuses on the figure of Pinhead, developing his personality, a brief history of his past and giving space to Doug Bradley's performances. The plot develops more solidly compared to its predecessor, introducing interesting ideas, such as the imprisoned antagonist, his human side before being captured by the box and the new cenobites. Despite some negative points, such as general performances and the protagonist's lack of charisma, the film stands out positively.

"Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth" is not the worst experience in the franchise and manages to differentiate itself from future works. The script presents good ideas, most of which are well realized, although the production and direction do not achieve the same impact as Clive Barker's 80s classic.

Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988)

Hell and Leviathan

[5/10 · 30 January 2024]

"Hellbound: Hellraiser II" (1988) offers a direct sequel to its predecessor, but this time, without Clive Barker's direction and with a relatively larger budget. The success of the book "The Hellbound Heart" and its film adaptation indicated the inevitability of sequels to capitalize on this success.

Despite containing good ideas, much of the "Hellbound" script is confusing and not very engaging, providing little information for a complete understanding of the story. The practical effects fail to impress as much as in the previous film, showing a noticeable drop in the quality of the makeup and creature designs. However, the film stands out by avoiding repeating exactly the same formula as its predecessor, introducing new elements such as the hell setting, a "semi-origin" of Pinhead and an explanation of how cenobites are created.

Despite bringing more evident fantasy elements, "Hellbound: Hellraiser II" does not achieve satisfactory results in the construction of the plot. Even though the scenes in hell can be considered different, they fail to reach the desired potential, becoming generic and poorly executed.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

The first real 'Slasher'

[8/10 · 29 January 2024]

"The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" (1974) is the initial milestone that defined the slasher as a subgenre, introducing all the clichés and characteristics that would be repeated countless times in subsequent horror cinema productions.

Before the release of this film, there were no slashers that incorporated all the elements presented, such as the stalking villain, the mask that hides his face, the group of friends, the sexual content, the figure of the "final girl", and many other points that shaped the work. The direction with an "amateur" aspect and the "fact-based" approach gave an aura of realism to the film, providing disturbing scenes and moments of tension that still resonate today. The character Leatherface has solidified himself as a pop culture icon and is acclaimed as one of horror's greatest villains, especially in his dynamic with the cannibal family.

"The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" represents one of the first works in Tobe Hooper's filmography, revealing an exceptional talent on the part of the director. The film is not only disturbing, but also extremely innovative for its time, managing to produce one of the most prestigious horror features with an extraordinarily low budget.

Hellraiser (1987)

Demons to Some, Angels to Others

[7/10 · 22 January 2024]

"Hellraiser" (1987) became an iconic work in the cinematic horror genre, introducing one of the most memorable antagonists of its time. Differentiating itself from the wave of slashers prevalent in the 80s, the film stands out for the meticulousness of its plot and the careful execution of its practical effects.

With a macabre aesthetic, "Hellraiser" presents several disturbing scenes, notable for the exquisite makeup and practical effects, which become the main characteristic of the work. The narrative inaugurates the franchise in an impactful way, introducing characters with striking personalities and a different plot in relation to contemporary productions, exploring elements related to sadomasochism and sexual pleasures. The cenobites, led by the emblematic Pinhead, have become pop culture icons, with Doug Bradley giving exceptional life to the antagonist. Although the digital effects may seem dated, they do not compromise the integrity of the film, although they would be easily replaced by practical effects.

The work proves to be interesting in several aspects, from the impact it had on the genre to the genius in preparing the script. "Hellraiser" has aged admirably, remaining striking and well produced over time.

Birth/Rebirth (2023)

Motherhood and Return

[6/10 · 16 January 2024]

"Birth/Rebirth" (2023) stands out for its excellent approach to exploring debates about motherhood, conducting the plot with serenity and incorporating elements of mystery and psychological horror effectively.

The film shines especially in its script, presenting a unique perspective in relation to works that deal with the return to life, the most obvious example being the classic "Frankenstein" (1931). Here, medicine emerges as the main motivating element to make events plausible, presenting the proposal in an absurd way in parts, but meticulously engineered in others. The narrative focuses on dialogue to enrich the plot and express underlying criticisms and debates. The scenes involving medical surgeries are meticulously crafted and persuasive, making use of excellent practical effects.

"Birth/Rebirth" establishes itself as a well-constructed and produced project, approaching its theme calmly and subtly, avoiding the exaggerations common in the horror genre. Although it may lack some elements to make it even more attractive, the work appears as a pleasant surprise for 2023.

Better Watch Out (II) (2016)

Passion for the Nanny at Christmas

[7/10 · 10 January 2024]

"Better Watch Out" (2016), a teenage horror immersed in the Christmas atmosphere, stands out for its unexpected revelation, providing an initially apparently simple plot, but which surprises in an ingenious way in the second act.

The film's plot incorporates several pieces of humor, a common feature in Christmas horror productions, presenting dialogues that are purposely inane and not very interesting. Chris Peckover, as director, demonstrates talent in handling the work competently, a remarkable feat considering the filmmaker's relatively short filmography. As for disturbing content, gore scenes are practically non-existent, which makes the project less impactful than it could be, compensating, however, with a clear focus on expertly crafted moments of tension.

Despite not receiving as much attention, "Better Watch Out" stands out positively among Christmas horror films. Its twist and disconcerting situations contribute to creating a peculiar charm around the production. The work, in an unpretentious way, does not take the script seriously all the time, cultivating a relaxed atmosphere that proves to be effective in the composition of the project.

Krampus (I) (2015)

The Dark Magic of Christmas

[7/10 · 3 January 2024]

"Krampus" (2015) emerges as a unique work by mixing Christmas horror with fantastic elements, revealing itself to be one of the most creative and well-executed approaches to this theme in contemporary cinema.

The film skillfully incorporates a children's appeal by adding doses of humor at various moments, choosing to avoid graphic presentations of deaths or disturbing content. The script, in turn, carries out a solid construction of the family drama, developing the relationships between the characters masterfully, supported by excellent performances from the entire cast. The choice of blue photography, in contrast to the design of the monsters, including the iconic villain Krampus, reveals careful visual work that captivates the viewer. The production also stands out for constructing one of the most notable Christmas themes in horror cinema, dedicating itself with care to the creation of scenarios, festive references and, mainly, the Christmas message, consolidating the film as a reference in the proposal.

The ending of "Krampus" is marked by boldness and surprise. Although the childish tone prevails, the balance in the direction is evident, which seeks to please both the adult audience with moments of horror and ensure a memorable experience as a whole.

Silent Night (I) (2012)

Santa Claus and the Flamethrower

[5/10 · 3 January 2024]

"Silent Night" (2012) is a complete reinterpretation of the classic Christmas horror film "Silent Night, Deadly Night" (1984), deliberately moving away from the essential elements of the original film.

In general terms, the film departs substantially from the original, despite including moments of homage in the script that present themselves more as references than as elements integrated into the plot. The cast introduces caricatured characters who lack the slightest charisma, negatively impacting immersion in the narrative. The practical effects, mostly effective, are occasionally marked by exaggerated deaths that fail to evoke the desired impact. However, the film adopts an atmosphere of mystery and investigation that contributes positively to the development of the plot, constituting an interesting change in relation to the original work.

In essence, "Silent Night" does not introduce significant innovations to the slasher subgenre and departs substantially from the proposal of the classic "Silent Night, Deadly Night". The overall experience is characterized by a forgettable and unattractive approach, although its final act manages to captivate the viewer through twists and well-executed action moments.