angelreyeswashere Reviews

Gremlins (1984)

Silly but infectious fun

[8/10 · 12 April 2023]

I will admit some of it is very silly, but all the same it is infectious fun from start to finish. Directed by Joe Dante, produced by Steven Spielburg and written by Chris Columbus, Gremlins has quickly established itself in my opinion as a comedy horror classic. The direction is rock solid throughout, and is super efficient. The script is funny and inventive, and the story growing from a very simple idea is engaging and delightful. Plus all the characters are credible. And I have to say Jerry Goldsmith's music is a treat, that man knows how to compose a good music score I can tell you. Haunting, shocking and exciting are three ways to describe the score here. The gremlins are the scene stealers here, at first they are very cute then all of a sudden when they start causing carnage they are quite the opposite. But the acting from the human actors is just as good. Zach Galligan is bland at first, but as the film gets going and you know more of his character you warm to him. Hoyt Axton is indeed a hoot as the inept inventor, and Keye Luke is great as the Grandfather(Mr Wing). Also watch out for a young Corey Feldman as Pete Fountaine. Plus the Christmas speech makes it essential Christmas viewing. All in all, silly it is, but it is clever and consistently engaging. Not only that, it succeeds at both comedy and horror, and that isn't easy to do.

Jack Irish: Bad Debts (2012 TV Movie)

Terrific and Engaging mystery series

[7/10 · 21 March 2023]

A terrific and engaging mystery series from Australia that has a tremendous amount of style, suspense, dark humor and action. A full-on and extremely exciting Australian noir. A stunning and mesmerizing crime-drama. Guy Pearce creates one of his best characters ever in one of his most exciting performances. A thrilling piece of television. It's the real deal; great storytelling and great acting. Guy Pearce brings the late great Peter Temple's down at the heel gumshoe to life. I'll admit, when I first saw Pearce cast as Jack Irish I didn't buy it. But Pearce makes the character his own. Backed by a superb Aussie cast (special mention goes to Aaron Pedersen as the charismatic Cam) witty dialogue and some great Melbourne scenery, it's a must watch for anyone who likes stylish noir, well told.

Perfect Blue (1997)

Beautifully strange

[7/10 · 21 March 2023]

Satoshi's way of depicting and drawing characters in his movies is so weird and unique, it has a realistic style, opposite of what most anime movies do. There's a lot of emphasis on the eyes. You can tell whether a person is important, or incompetent, or smart or attractive or even shady with the way he draws eyes on the characters. Either making them look small, or putting them far apart, or making them big and beautiful. I can already tell this movie is going to be about fandom, obsessions over pop idols and the dangers that come with fame. Those lyrics the girls are singing on stage could definitely be taken the wrong way. They're basically saying be more aggressive towards finding love because in the end, you'll get a chance and you will be loved. This message is wrong, man. This kind of opens the door for creeps and perverts to interpret it in their own messed up way. I can already tell that creepy-looking security guard with the green/grey eyes is idolizes her and is obsessed with her, he looks kind of inbred lol. He's probably going to stalk her and record her when she's not looking. That was so jarring how the tone of the movie completely changed once she received that fax that was calling her a traitor. The way the intense music creeps in and the lighting changes was beautifully done. It seems like Mima isn't cut out for the film industry. The way everything becomes overwhelming to her when she's getting ready to say her one line isn't a good sign. This movie just gets darker and more ominous doesn't it? Now the letter that was supposed to be for Mima explodes in her manager's hands when he opens it. He unknowingly saved her life. I don't like how calm and nonchalant Mima's agent is about the whole letter incident. It's almost like she doesn't care about Mima's wellbeing. Really cool to see the beginning stages of the Internet back in the late 90's and how they portray it in this animated movie. I remember like it was yesterday, I'll never forget that horrid dial up sound. Really great use of the red tapestry hanging on top of the computer, probably warning us about psychological harm it might cause to Mima. In a way, Mima does like the attention and the "love" she receives from fans, and this is what's going to get her in trouble. I bet the person who created the Mima's Room website was the creepy guy from the concert. I love how self-aware and meta that scene was when the guys at the video store are talking about how psychological thrillers are all the same and boring. I can't imagine what it must feel like to know that you're being stalked and followed. How darkly ironic how Cham is 83rd on the pop charts and is gaining popularity now that Mima is gone from the group. I can't imagine the amount of pressure Mima feels now that she has to prove herself as an actress and now that Cham is actually doing better without her. Ok, I was wrong about Mima's agent. She is actually trying to protect her and her image, you can see how worried she is when Mima willfully agrees to doing the rape scene. It's really shocking how quickly she agrees to it without even putting up a fight or standing up for herself, especially a scene that's so dark. It seems like she's kind of desperate at his point, it also doesn't help that she's shy and lacks self esteem. I don't like how Mima is compromising herself to a rape scene just so she can make it as an actress. Darker and darker the further we go. It's like going down a rabbit hole of bad decisions lol. She's bringing herself to a new low and sexualizing herself in the worst way. It's absolutely ridiculous how they wrote the rape scene specifically for her character in the show. It's like they want to torture her psychologically and purposefully ruin her image, they're trying to see how far she's willing to go to get what she wants. I felt so uncomfortable watching that rape scene, I was grimacing the whole time, that was hard to watch. I like how the guy on top of her tells her, "I'm so sorry", which ended up being some well-needed comedic relief. I wonder if that guy was a fan of hers when she was in Cham. My god, I can't imagine the psychological torture that must be to go through, even if it is just acting.

Ringu (1998)

Watch this over the remake!

[9/10 · 21 March 2023]

Compared to the American remake, the approach of this original Japanese version of "The Ring" is more subtle and understated, creating a general tone of horror and foreboding that might be likened to a harrowing slow burn. I was struck by a kind of documentary quality to the film which in turn further enhances the horror through imparting it a naked and yet uncompromising feeling of realism. It is, however, considerably weaker than its American counterpart in terms of character development; an issue that may prove particularly burdensome to American viewers who may already be feeling alienated by the sometimes notable cultural divide. Such concerns notwithstanding, Ringu treats us to one of the most terrifying sequences offered on film, emblazoning its truly grotesque image on the viewers mind in preparation for haunting their dreams to come. Watch for this sequence, if for no other reasons.

With its restrained use of horror that implies violence rather than explicily showing it, emphasizing suspense and the creeping nature of its threat rather than relying on overt violence, the film's design was a slap in the face to a horror industry that had relied on slasher one-upsmanship to put asses in seats for decades. Along with the underground hit of the Blair Witch Project, the cult classic status of this film inspired emulations in Japan, the United States, and beyond. The premise is straightforward and the simple, unrelenting nature of the threat keeps the film compelling. That said, there are some weaknesses - the narrative's reliance on unexplained psychic abilities (independent of the supernatural monster) are jarring, the twisted death faces are pretty silly, and one of the most entertaining moments of the film is the vision of Sadako's death, which is depicted in an almost Charlie Chaplin-esque visual style that includes a hilariously out-of-place and cartoonish 'BONK'! Several thematic interpretations have been applied to the film, which ultimately feel unnecessary; why can't reasonably well-designed horror just be that?

Drive My Car (2021)

Brilliant film

[9/10 · 21 March 2023]

Drive My Car is a brilliant drama film. With a touching journey that feels real and raw, audiences will be hooked and engaged with this film very easily. Performances here are strong, and characters all around have wonderful stories with solid setups. The film is packed with strong moments that are unpredictable and unforgettable. Apart from the ever so slightly slower third act, this film is practically flawless, It's one of those three-hour movies that flows like a short film. The mostly Japanese- language picture is all over the map, but ends up in a really powerful and riveting place. It sounds daunting and it does demand your attention, but it's a rare beast in that right after the first watch, you almost immediately start thinking about it and ponder a rewatch. Tonal changes are some of the most subtle on film. Performances are nuanced in Ryusuke Hamaguchi's latest. The talented filmmaker has been trending to this and may finally have his masterpiece.

Infernal Affairs (2002)

Packed with twists & turns

[8/10 · 21 March 2023]

Packed with multiple twists and turns, Infernal Affairs takes an original story and a gripping relationship and mixes it to make a riveting world cinema action thriller. It has an excellently structured narrative and it has more thrills and suspense than most cop dramas. Where it lacked was where the remake, The Departed, really nailed, but it has a different ending and more ambiguous details than that of the American version. But the best picture winner took a lot from the original and even if you think the remake is better this was the first to shock and excite. Not as good as the remake, but to see the twists in its original setting and a different structure and ending and to have it more about the moles than everything else around it, it becomes a classic in its own right and definitely not overshadowed by its successor.

Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism (2023)

Exceptionally powerful film.

[8/10 · 21 March 2023]

One of the best exorcism movies in my opinion because it has an immersive plot that actually invokes the viewers emotions and the movie is not just there for the jump scares. It was very well done and I liked the psychological horror in it too.

A film that gets the job done of creating emotionally enriched characters and a compelling themes. There are quality performances all around from a diverse cast, ranging from Eyers to Ewing, while deeply studying the manipulation of relationships with wonderful tension. I was absolutely blown away by how heavy this movie was. It sucks the breath right out of you, and never really let's you get it back.

I Saw the Devil (2010)

Greatest psychological horror

[10/10 · 21 March 2023]

Kim Jee-woon's South Korean psychological horror thriller I Saw the Devil (2010) is brutal beyond belief. The blood, gore, and torture makes this closer to a snuff film than any regular thriller like its clear inspirations of The Silence of the Lambs or Se7en. I saw Kim Jee-woon's hilarious action-comedy The Good, The Bad, and The Weird (2008) and I Saw the Devil destroys that level of bloody violence and bodily harm. I must warn viewers that I Saw the Devil features numerous murders of the most shocking nature. If you get easily disturbed or upset, this is not for you. For everyone else, I hope you find I Saw the Devil as compelling and entertaining as I did. Kim Jee-woon's direction is so visceral in his violence and unrelenting in his depiction of heinous crimes that you may look away from these horrible crimes being committed on screen. His direction never shies away from atrocity or pain, so I was simply enthralled the entire time. Cinematographer Lee Mo-gae captures all the intimate struggles of violence being inflicted as well as the stunning environments in these ethereal wide shots. His few close-ups find just the right angle to let you see every emotion on someone's face. I Saw the Devil is so well shot. Kim Jee-woon's style is similar to Park Chan-wook's for his beautiful and poignant Vengeance Trilogy of Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Oldboy, and Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, but with less humanity and empathy. Writers Kim Jee-woon and Park Hoon-jung craft an intricate tale of revenge, sleekly going from murder to torture and into an unreal chase you will not believe where it ends up. Their dialogue revels in the sadism of murder as much as it makes you feel revolted for having witnessed these crimes. I Saw the Devil proves that seeking revenge against those that have hurt you will only leave you hollow. It is a phenomenal picture that will stay with me forever. Lee Byung-hun (The Good, The Bad, and The Weird, Squid Game) is outstanding in his greatest lead acting role as secret agent Kim Soo-hyeon. His performance is captivating as you witness him experience profound loss at hearing his fiance has been killed in an unthinkable way. As well as, seeing his grief compound into a poignant and moving realization that his love is gone and he's lost his humanity in seeking out his wife's killer in order to slowly torture the man. Byung-hun lets you into his deepest feelings with his hurt expressions of grief, guilt, uncertainty, rage, and anguish every second he's on screen. I Saw the Devil is as much about Lee Byung-hun's portrayal of coping with loss as it is a testament to the futility in seeking vengeance. Choi Min-sik (Oldboy, Sympathy for Lady Vengeance) is relentless with his insane serial killer villain Jang Kyung-chul. His sadistic pleasure in torturing, raping, and murdering innocent women, men, and children is disgusting to behold. Choi Min-sik is truly gifted as portraying ruthless sociopaths with ease. He delivers one of cinema's most despicable antagonists with his jeering insults, cold killings, and hateful personality. Choi Min-sik is simply sublime in his delight at killing all in his path. Jeon Kuk-hwan is touching as the grieving father of one of Kyung-chul's murder victims and a former Police Chief named Jang. He is subtle in his pain, yet feels completely authentic. South Korean actresses Oh San-ha and Kim Yoo-seo are wonderful in I Saw the Devil. You feel such devastating empathy for how scared they feel. They are as realistic and moving as anyone in I Saw the Devil. Editors Nam Na-young and Kim Mi-young tastefully cut around the brutality for 142 minutes, giving the scenes a brisk pace. You never linger too long in one place, unless there's a murder taking place or a heartfelt conversation occurring. Jo Hwa-seong's production design creates grimey homes as bases of operation for murdering victims as well as gentle homes for residing. Art directors Kim Byung-han and Son Min-jeong paint a vivid picture with imagery of blood red bodies getting dragged in white snow to chains binding a victim to their torturous fate in squalid areas. Set decorator Kim Cho-hea places butcher knives of all manners in every room for an eerie atmosphere everywhere. Visual effects artist Jung Sung-jin creates these realistic blood and gore with dismembered heads and limbs like you cannot imagine. Composer Mowg wrote all these wondrous themes for I Saw the Devil that will take you away to an ideal reprieve in your mind as you witness murder after murder. I adored Mowg's music throughout I Saw the Devil with a variety of sounds and genres present for all the slaughter. Kwon Yoo-jin's costumes are classically fitted and stylish with a realistic modern approach. I am amazed at all the cuts and wound make-up from artists Kwak Tae-Yong, Lee Hee-eun, and Kim Hyun-jung. In the end, I Saw the Devil is a must see film if you can handle the bloody revenge ever present on screen.

Chungking Express (1994)

Great cinematography

[8/10 · 20 March 2023]

All the fuss about the movie is mostly related to its cinematography, which is unarguably ethereal and gives the movie a major push. However, the whole movie cannot be purely dependent on that one feature when it comes to gathering favorable reception. This doesn't mean the other present elements are no good; but rather that they simply don't meet up to the expectations and standards which the cinematography potentially sets for the movie. We're talking mainly about the storyline, which may seemingly appear gripping in the beginning, but goes on to express traits of vapidity as it progresses, combined with unneeded elongation which eventually leads the viewer to unjustifiable malaise. In all, it's a tasteful display, but only with a suitable mood prepared afore.