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Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills (1989)
Overlooked, underrated 1980's black comedy
This is one of the funniest movies made in the 1980's that unfortunately did not get a wide release, resulting in it being overlooked. It premiered on HBO shortly after its release date. Great acting with a good script that keeps you engaged, interested and laughing.
The film's cast is probably its biggest strength - Jacqueline Bisset, Arnetia Walker, the late Ray Sharkey, Robert Beltran, Mary Woronov, and the late Paul Mazursky who does a wonderful performance as Sidney Lipkin. We also see another side of Barret Oliver who played Bastian Bux from The Neverending Story; this was also his final film.
The dark shadow that looms over this film is the murder of the late Rebecca Schaeffer, who was murdered a month and a half after the release of this film. It was this film that enraged Schaeffer's murderer, after he saw her in a scene in bed with another actor (the late Ray Sharkey).
Night Swim (2024)
One of the dumbest and worst horror films in cinematic history
This is one of the dumbest and worst horror films ever made. Lame jump scares, unconvincing performances - particularly the father and the son - poor execution, lame characters, and horrible plot.
This is nothing but the same ole same ole Blumhouse going through the motions - no jump scares,no creepiness,no special effects ,no point - just a bloated family drama. But if you liked The Nun and The Nun 2 then you MIGHT like it!
This film is a prime example of a film being marketed as horror and then are so dull that children can go see them and not be scared. The film was simple, silly and dull.
Scream VI (2023)
Essentially a loose remake of Scream 2
The sixth installment was an improvement over the 2022 film, which was essentially a remake of the 1996 film.
I can applaud this film for attempting concepts not previously attempted in other Scream films, which gave the film some individuality and uniqueness.
However, given at this stage of the franchise, it has become increasingly difficult to fool the audience who may and who may not be the potential killers, and the comical and scare factor, as well as the climax of the reveal, has never been replicated from the original 1996 film.
Lastly, this film had a few similarities to the 1997 sequel - the protagonists are now away to college, away from Woodsboro while Gale Weathers happens to be in the same town as they are. Also, without providing spoilers, the similarities are also elsewhere in the film, but one will have to watch it in order to see them.
The Black Phone (2021)
Good horror film for 2022 horror standards
This is a good horror film for 2022 horror standards. It is worth watching in the movie theater at least one time (I myself will only watch it one time). It is an ordinary, average, good horror film.
It is NOT the masterpiece, the "on the next level", "incredible", "moving", "absolutely terrifying", or "phenomenal" horror film some people are claiming it is. It is NOT a unique horror film that stands out, punches or leaves a lasting impression that makes you keep thinking about it for over a week after you've seen it. People claiming such things about it either have short, selective memories or have not seen true, deep, impactful horror films.
6/10.
The Forever Purge (2021)
The Best Purge Film
The people reviewing this film as the worst in the series or as "woke trash" do not like hearing the truth about the political climate in America and where it could potentially be headed. Yes, this is a political horror film that is not subtle about it in the way Romero was, and it certainly, indirectly reflects the current political climate of America today. It is clear who The Forever Purgers reflect in today's political reality while it is clear who the rest of the characters reflect.
The film is an improvement over the films in that it takes The Purge to the next level. Although the film is not as violent as Anarchy and Election Year, it does reflect how The Purge continues to divide a nation but explores aspects of racism and unity among people.
As I saw this film, I asked myself, what will my country look like in the future? Aer my politics indicative of how I treat and feel about other people? What can I do to make my country a better place? How can I comprise with people I do not agree with and find common ground?
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
Heavily influenced by 1973's The Exorcist
The 2013 film was tame. The 2016 film was a major improvement. The new, 2021 film is probably the darkest film of the three, and takes the series to new heights as well as pushes the Warrens to new challenges unlike any they have faced. While I am still undecided whether I enjoyed the 2021 film over the 2016 film, I can comfortably say that this film kept one's interest, engagement, and was intriguing all throughout the film, similarly to how 2002's The Ring effectively accomplished.
On a side note, one thing I can appreciate about these films are the homage they pay to the 1970's and 1980's - one being the music - which is something this 1990's + generation needs to be exposed to in our modern horror films. 😁👏👍
This new, 2021 film would not have been made possible without the impact and the influence of the 1973 The Exorcist film. Many horror films tend to lose their impact over time, and there were clearly many influences from the 1973 film present here.
10/10.
Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021)
TERRIBLE
TERRIBLE. This is the great value of the Saw series. The villain is the great value of Jigsaw. Unoriginal, unentertaining, non-creative, non-imaginative, not scary, non-redeemable.
The Unholy (2021)
Influenced by The Conjuring and Sinister films
I heard negative reviews from other horror fans about this film before I went to go see it, but I ended up liking it. It is an adequate, decent horror film for today. Some parts of the film were cheesy and not convincing, but Jeffrey Dean Morgan delivers a convincing performance as a disgraced journalist trying to repair his reputation and seeking redemption in a young girl who suddenly becomes a saint in her community by being able to heal the incurable sick by powers gifted to her by the "Virgin Mary".
The film's tactics work on cheap scares and scary art imagery; however, its plot remains interesting enough for horror fans to want to know more. The characters are relatable and are easy to empathize with when danger hits them.
I would recommend this film to anyone whose interest remains in horror films with religious themes.
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)
One of the best representations of a good slasher film.
I gave Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) the same rating that I gave its predecessor and would rate it a VERY CLOSE SECOND as the second best Friday the 13th film right behind its predecessor.
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) is an excellent slasher film that incorporates slasher film elements effectively. It immediately starts a suspenseful, intriguing, and creepy mood with its opening and haunting score at the location of its predecessor. The audience is left to briefly wonder whether or not Jason is truly alive and is also reminded of the horrific carnage he left behind in the previous film.
While its reclusive setting for the new victims is not as effective as providing creepiness and scariness as its predecessor, the film nonetheless matches or arguably even surpasses its violent kills and Jason once again is menacing, showing virtually no mercy toward his victims. The film goes beyond its predecessors in the addition of Kimberly Beck and Crispin Glover who deliver good performances, as well as with its gore and nudity.
There are two scenes in this film that would not fly in today's horror films: The first is the scene of Tommy Jarvis (Corey Feldman) laying on his bedroom bed watching an older teenage girl/woman undress and subsequently make out with her boyfriend while getting excited, rolling, and jumping on his bed. The second is when Tommy Jarvis accidently stumbles upon the teenagers/adults skinny dipping at the lake, sees them naked, and insists he wants to keep watching them when his older sister comes over to turn him around.
Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
Clash of the Titans!
Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) is better than the 2019, 2014 and 1998 Godzilla films and the 2005 King Kong film. It is a toss up of whether it's better than Kong: Skull Island (2017).
The reason to see this film is to watch iconic and epic monsters battle it out. The action sequences are entertaining and wonderful with great visual and special effects. Otherwise, there isn't much left to be desired from the film. The film is plagued with a mediocre plot, bland characters, and poor story telling.
Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)
A downgrade from the previous two films but better than any film after it.
Although Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning (1985) may have the highest body count of any Friday the 13th film, it lacks the suspense, thrill, violence, creepiness, and scariness of its previous two predecessors. However, that is not to say all is terrible about the fifth installment of the Friday the 13th franchise. It is quite enjoyable, has a more diverse cast from its predecessors, and has likeable and funny characters that give the film kick, charm, fun and enjoyment.
One of the main morals of this horror film is how a particular character - a man, in this instance, deals with PTSD after something horrific and traumatic happening to him years prior to him. Although the film may be beloved and disliked by many horror fans, it also brings out mental health awareness and how we all deal with our own demons.
Friday the 13th Part III (1982)
A solid slasher horror film that needed to be seen in the movie theater
Friday the 13th Part 3: 3-D is a solid horror slasher film that needed to be seen in the movie theater during its year of release and in its original 3-D theatrical print in order for one to experience its fullest potential, effects, and terror. If you didn't, you simply missed out.
The 3-D effects were innovative and made the kills terrorizing, creepy and scary watching them in the movie theater. I knew watching the previews/trailer to this film on cable television in 1982 shortly before its release that this was going to be a solid horror film and a step up from the first two films and it most certainly was. Steve Miner is a solid director that effectively used elements from John Carpenter's Halloween (1978) to hide Jason in this film and make him look suspenseful, creepy, mysterious, and scary. He also used the "slow-burn approach" having hard-core kills coming about one hour into the film.
I would rate this film the best and scariest in the Friday the 13th franchise. It probably has the most violent kills of any in the series and is probably the most daring. Its setting is also the most effective at creating a secluded, creepy place for Jason to stalk his victims where they have nowhere near for them to seek assistance. No other film in the franchise can beat watching the violent kills in 3-D and Jason coming at you with his arms extended on the big screen.
The Neverending Story II: The Next Chapter (1990)
The first film is special. But this sequel has a heart of its own.
I first saw the original 1984 film in movie theaters during its year of release and witnessed a triumphant film that has continued to impact audiences today.
The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter (1990) is a downgrade from its predecessor. It lacks the magic and excitement that made us fall in love with Fantasia and root for its good characters battling to stop The Nothing.
Sure, there are many cheesy scenes and dialogue, as well as the acting of Jonathan Brandis, although he is a suitable replacement for the role of Bastian. Clarissa Burt, John Wesley Shipp, and Martin Umbach shine in their acting abilities.
However, this sequel has qualities that give it a heart of its own filled with important messages. "We are all part of a NeverEnding Story...even after we die"...this is the most important life lesson Bastian learns as he heals the strained relationship with his father, makes peace with the death of his mother, reflects on the poor choices he has made, and attempts to face his fear of diving. This is essential to facing "The Emptiness" that not only plagues Fantasia but also plagues him as well. We are all responsible for doing our part in ensuring a better world, and by doing so, we love and we heal "both our worlds".
"Courage comes from the heart, not from symbols"...as Bastian faces the Fantasia monsters and Xayide, he risks his last wish, knowing he may never go home, and risking all of his memories. As the emptiness is filled with love and Fantasia restored, he is able to go home by facing his biggest fear of diving and healing his strained relationship with his father.
The ending of this film is the best and the most beautiful part. It summarizes the message of the entire film.
On a side note, I dare say that the Joe Milner song, "Dreams We Dream" is an upgrade from the Limahl theme song from the original song. It makes you feel good every time you hear it.
Coming 2 America (2021)
One of the worst sequels ever made to a legendary original film
This is hands down one of the WORST sequels ever made to a legendary, masterpiece, flawless, excellent, original film. In fact, given that this horrible and BORING sequel re-wrote history, it ruins the original film. The 1988 film is THE FUNNIEST MOVIE OF MY LIFETIME. This 2021 sequel was BARELY FUNNY and ONLY FUNNY because of Leslie Jones. Leslie Jones' comedic skills are the only reason to watch this film. Otherwise, the characters that made the 1988 film enjoyable that return for this 2021 sequel have been reduced to terribleness.