I've heard about this movie for years and finally got around to watching it last night. Compared to its brethren it probably is at the near bottom in regards to quality. Cretinous acting, bad writing, and the movie plods along with a slow pace. All the murders occur off screen but there is gore for those who are into that sort of thing. All the men wear shorts that are preposterously short even for the eighties and the women/girls all look prepubescent. But its the movies ending that kicks this up towards the top of of the list of the slasher genre. The killer's identity is no big surprise but its revelation at the end of the film is done so well it will stay with you for a long time. Absolutely creepy and shocking.
Reviews
46 Reviews
Spencer
(2021)
Pointless Acting Exercise that Lacks Entertainment
8 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is a boring and indulgent acting exercise that lacks any entertainment value. Watch Kristen Stewart, as Diana, wander moodily throughout the estate where she occasionally throws up in various toilets.
Nothing happens and no decision is made.
I generously give this film four stars because of the efforts of the actors and film crew put into it. View it if you'd like, but don't expect to be entertained.
Nothing happens and no decision is made.
I generously give this film four stars because of the efforts of the actors and film crew put into it. View it if you'd like, but don't expect to be entertained.
Malevolent
(III) (2018)
Good Scary Popcorn Movie
26 October 2021
For a year during the lockdown, I kept meaning to watch this flick. Needless to say, due to all the negative reviews I put this one on the backburner. Finally I watched it and I have to say - I don't get the hate. This is a fun horror movie. Maybe not original in content, but everything else was well done. My only quibble was setting the movie in 1986 which seems arbitrary - since there was nothing of the eighties, to date the setting of this film. Anyway, I enjoyed watching this movie and I encourage others to give it a shot.
Kate
(I) (2021)
Cool Revenge Movie
12 September 2021
I'm gonna give this movie ten points just to give its rating a bump.
While this won't win any awards for originality - this movie reminds me of several of my favorites. Blade Runner comes to mind as the main character (Kate) has to deal with her rapidly impending demise - very similar to Rutger Hauer's character in the aforementioned movie.
The scenes are well shot and the Tokyo background adds to the excitement. The action scenes are Amazing.
Kudos go To Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Kate - she is one badass lady in this film.
This is a great popcorn movie that deserves a look. Ignore the naysayers and check it out.
While this won't win any awards for originality - this movie reminds me of several of my favorites. Blade Runner comes to mind as the main character (Kate) has to deal with her rapidly impending demise - very similar to Rutger Hauer's character in the aforementioned movie.
The scenes are well shot and the Tokyo background adds to the excitement. The action scenes are Amazing.
Kudos go To Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Kate - she is one badass lady in this film.
This is a great popcorn movie that deserves a look. Ignore the naysayers and check it out.
Vincenzo
(2021)
I can't stop smiling!
7 May 2021
I'm only about half way through this serie - Still I gotta say this is one of the most enjoyable shows on Netflix right now.
I don't know where it's going and frankly don't care. It's just one hell if a ride so far.
Funny, entertaining well written and acted -you need to check this one out.
Just hope there is a Season 2!
I don't know where it's going and frankly don't care. It's just one hell if a ride so far.
Funny, entertaining well written and acted -you need to check this one out.
Just hope there is a Season 2!
Sijipeuseu: The Myth
(2021)
GETS BETTER WITH EACH EPISODE
4 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Right before episode 12 I was pretty fed up with this show. If I saw one more character "crying" I was going to throw in the towel. However, episode 12 totally redeemed the show for me. I do not get all the negative reviews so I'm giving this show a solid 8 stars. I dug the time travel theme and I thought the acting was very good. Cinematography and soundtrack are all very good. I enjoyed this series and I think more Folks should give this show a chance. Special nods to actors who played Kang Seo-hae, Han Tae-Sul, Park Hyeong-do - they were all uniformly terrific!
Annihilation
(I) (2018)
Worth Watching
13 April 2021
Based on the polarized reviews I decided to take a gander at Annihilation. Quite frankly I don't get the negative reviews. Beautiful visuals, good acting and a story that is quirky enough to hold my interest for the long running time. I'm giving it a solid 8 stars - the ending is a bit of a let down but still the show is worth watching.
The Empty Man
(2020)
A Solid 6 Worth a Watch
29 March 2021
Someone on Reddit posted a review calling the Empty Man a "Lovecraftian" horror movie.
The title and trailer were kind of dumb as the film seemed to be marketed like Candyman.
Still I thought I'd give it a go as I love Lovecraft and movies based on his work.
The problems started as I was tired and it was late so after a while I found myself falling asleep. As the movie continued I would wake up and have to backtrack to watch the scenes I missed.
There were a lot of cool moments in the show, however, by the time the movie ended I was almost comatose from fatigue and frustration. And quite frankly had become exasperated by the long running time.
The music and acting were terrific. But, the film seemed disjointed. The whole film comes across as several unconnected episodes with no logical narrative to connect them.
Seen as a nightmare the movie works if one takes this as a horrible dream by the MC, ex-cop Lasombre. But I doubt that was director's intention for the audience.
IMHO The movie fails to tie itself together at the end and one is left feeling dissatisfied.
Still it's an interesting idea or ideas and I may watch it again when I'm not so tired and it's not so late to catch a flick.
I'd give it a solid 6. 5 rating based on some of interesting moments in the film. Watch it for yourself and decide and skip all the negative armchair reviews.
The title and trailer were kind of dumb as the film seemed to be marketed like Candyman.
Still I thought I'd give it a go as I love Lovecraft and movies based on his work.
The problems started as I was tired and it was late so after a while I found myself falling asleep. As the movie continued I would wake up and have to backtrack to watch the scenes I missed.
There were a lot of cool moments in the show, however, by the time the movie ended I was almost comatose from fatigue and frustration. And quite frankly had become exasperated by the long running time.
The music and acting were terrific. But, the film seemed disjointed. The whole film comes across as several unconnected episodes with no logical narrative to connect them.
Seen as a nightmare the movie works if one takes this as a horrible dream by the MC, ex-cop Lasombre. But I doubt that was director's intention for the audience.
IMHO The movie fails to tie itself together at the end and one is left feeling dissatisfied.
Still it's an interesting idea or ideas and I may watch it again when I'm not so tired and it's not so late to catch a flick.
I'd give it a solid 6. 5 rating based on some of interesting moments in the film. Watch it for yourself and decide and skip all the negative armchair reviews.
Mandy
(I) (2018)
Mind Blowing
24 March 2021
Not since Dario Argento's Suspiria has a movie tripped me out like Mandy. Great acting, saturated colors, music reminiscent of Tangerine Dream and Sunn O))), over the top violence, and humor to boot. I thought Linus Roache as Jeremiah was freakin' brilliant. And the Skull Riders were effectively sinister as the Cenobite look alike bikers. Mandy, has jumped to the top of my horror movie favorites - which is no small feat.
The Vast of Night
(2019)
Destined to be a Cult Movie
21 March 2021
Nice homage to Twilight Zone and the 1950s. Incredibly innovative and creative. Beautifully filmed and directed. I enjoyed it despite the lackluster ending. Unfortunately, this little sci-fi film will not appeal to a mass audience - as it is a slow burn with little action. There is a lot of talking but, personally, I dug the story, the dialogue, and the prowling camera. Won't be everyone's cup of tea.
I give it 7.5 because I thought the ending could have been better. Watch if you like art house movies.
The Boarding School: Las Cumbres
(2021–2023)
Good Show with a Nice Mystery
8 March 2021
Ignore the negative reviews.
There is a lot of nitpicky reviews about this show. Since I never saw the original series I can only comment on the five episodes I have watched.
The acting is overall good and there is a foreboding that seems to pervade each scene.
The setting and filming is very atmospheric. Clearly the director has a clear vision of the setting and the story.
One thing I think that is well done and clever is that there are no bright colors only drab colors that enhance the pervading atmospheric gloom of this mysterious school.
My only quibble is that the characters while watchable are not likable - don't know if was the way they were written or the actors portraying them. - so it's hard to root for them as they seek to learn the secret about their school.
Overall, I'm gonna give this 8 stars - as each episode has been a fun watch. Watch it in Spanish with English subtitles
There is a lot of nitpicky reviews about this show. Since I never saw the original series I can only comment on the five episodes I have watched.
The acting is overall good and there is a foreboding that seems to pervade each scene.
The setting and filming is very atmospheric. Clearly the director has a clear vision of the setting and the story.
One thing I think that is well done and clever is that there are no bright colors only drab colors that enhance the pervading atmospheric gloom of this mysterious school.
My only quibble is that the characters while watchable are not likable - don't know if was the way they were written or the actors portraying them. - so it's hard to root for them as they seek to learn the secret about their school.
Overall, I'm gonna give this 8 stars - as each episode has been a fun watch. Watch it in Spanish with English subtitles
Suspiria
(I) (2018)
Why this doesn't suck!
23 February 2021
If you are looking for a emotional roller coaster ride with garish visuals, frenetic camera work, illogical plot and jittery soundtrack - then stick with the original 1977 Argento film
However, if you'd like to see a beautifully filmed and well-acted movie with disturbing imagery - then this thinking man's horror movie is just the ticket.
Both films have their strengths and weaknesses. The only issue I had with Suspiria 2018 is that it shares the same name of it's predecessor. If it had been called something else I think 90 percent of the bad reviews would have gone away.
These two movies operate on two different planes - one gives an emotional experience while the other makes you think. Both are worth watching but to compare them is just a a disservice.
However, if you'd like to see a beautifully filmed and well-acted movie with disturbing imagery - then this thinking man's horror movie is just the ticket.
Both films have their strengths and weaknesses. The only issue I had with Suspiria 2018 is that it shares the same name of it's predecessor. If it had been called something else I think 90 percent of the bad reviews would have gone away.
These two movies operate on two different planes - one gives an emotional experience while the other makes you think. Both are worth watching but to compare them is just a a disservice.
Event Horizon
(1997)
A Trip through Hell on a Haunted Space ship
16 February 2021
A well-done mashup of science fiction and horror. I enjoyed the roller coaster ride through Anderson's disturbing funhouse.
I must have missed this when it came out but watched it in its entirety last night.
Kudos on acting, writing, direction, and cinematography. I think there was a nod to Clive Barker's Hellraiser as the movie shares the idea that "Hell" is just another word for chaos and pain.
The film's strongest point is the claustrophobic atmosphere on the ship as the crew members experience the same kind of terror as in the movie Alien.
I must have missed this when it came out but watched it in its entirety last night.
Kudos on acting, writing, direction, and cinematography. I think there was a nod to Clive Barker's Hellraiser as the movie shares the idea that "Hell" is just another word for chaos and pain.
The film's strongest point is the claustrophobic atmosphere on the ship as the crew members experience the same kind of terror as in the movie Alien.
The Sinner
(2017–2021)
Great Show! Ignore Season 3 naysayers
14 February 2021
The Sinner is a great show. Bill Pullman as the detective MC is just incredible as a man who is unable to articulate and demonstrate emotions - yet the character remains a compassionate/brilliant detective who thinks outside of the box.
There is a lot of negativity regarding Season 3 - as it doesn't follow the show's pattern of Season 1 and 2. There is no big reveal or mysteries to reveal at the end of Season 3. Still the acting was just superb and I found myself moved by the final scenes.
There is a lot of negativity regarding Season 3 - as it doesn't follow the show's pattern of Season 1 and 2. There is no big reveal or mysteries to reveal at the end of Season 3. Still the acting was just superb and I found myself moved by the final scenes.
Typewriter
(2019)
Fun Ghoststory despite the premise
13 February 2021
Okay a haunted typewriter doesn't make for spooky viewing nor does not make me grab for the remote. The premise of a possessed typewiter is, well, kind of silly. The kids make the show and it's obvious that Stranger Things influenced this one. There are a few unnecessary subplots and I wish the writers had just focused on the children more. Still my hats off to Netflix - I absolutely love shows filmed in different countries as I get a peek into their culture, country - And I don't mind subtitles.
Twin Peaks
(1990–1991)
Groundbreaking Television
13 February 2021
I have always been a Lynch and TW fan. It's no secret that this show influenced so many others like Northern Exposure,X Files, etc. Some of my favorite episodes were featuring The Black Lodge and it's bizarre characters and visuals. I haven't seen the Return - when it comes on Netflix I'll make sure to check it out.
The Ghost Bride
(2020)
An Enjoyable Fantasy
13 February 2021
I don't know why this has such a low rating. I found this to be a very enjoyable Fantasy. Acting, cinematography and story were all first rate. I thought the actor who played Er Lang, the Heavenly Guard stole the show.
Hemlock Grove
(2013–2015)
Great Start Takes a Nosedive After First Season
26 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I absolutely loved the first Season of HG. It seemed like an intriguing mashup of David Lynch's imagery mixed with the gothic soap opera Dark Shadows.
Unfortunately, the subsequent Seasons proved to be an utter disaster. While the Second Season had some clever ideas - the main characters evolved into snarky, self-pitying people who had meltdowns every episode. The character Miranda was the most annoying and quite frankly I found her acting to be utterly lacking.
Season Three was a mad dash to sew up a few loose ends and kill off as many main characters as possible - resulting in no possible return of what started as a great show.
Unfortunately, the subsequent Seasons proved to be an utter disaster. While the Second Season had some clever ideas - the main characters evolved into snarky, self-pitying people who had meltdowns every episode. The character Miranda was the most annoying and quite frankly I found her acting to be utterly lacking.
Season Three was a mad dash to sew up a few loose ends and kill off as many main characters as possible - resulting in no possible return of what started as a great show.
Sweet Home
(2020– )
Great Start - Nose Dive Finish
9 January 2021
The show's first few episodes were terrific. Great monsters and special effects. About midway the nihilism and the convoluted plot derail what could have been an Awesome series. The ending makes no sense and is clearly a half assed set up for a second season. Also, the MC is quite frankly a sad sack from beginning to end - so don't expect any redemptive character arc. Every episode is filled with people emoting and crying constantly - which works in the first few episodes but becomes numbingly tedious as the show continues to its conclusion. The actors are all uniformly good and are given some space to really shine. However, even the character standouts are eventually left stranded by the nonsensical script. Worth watching though but don't expect to leave the table satisfied.
The Wandering Earth
(2019)
Decent Popcorn Movie
1 January 2021
The special effects are Amazing. Unfortunately they overwhelm a thin plot and so so storyline. Despite the productions efforts I just wasn't emotionally engaged as much I wanted to be. It was as if I was watching an endless display of fireworks that got boring and repetitious after awhile. A major problem is that the characters are poorly scripted and unlikable. Still this makes a decent popcorn movie. You could do worse.
Alice in Borderland
(2020– )
A Solid 10
26 December 2020
This just came up in my Netflix queue as a recommended show to watch. It's a killer show. Lots of action, drama, and terrific musical score. While I am not really into manga I could see how this could easily translate into a movie storyboard. What I loved about the show is that each main character has a backstory that is often touching. The ending has a nice twist and hopefully, there will be a Season 2 - as we leave Arisu and his girlfriend Usagi poised to face more challenge in this hellish dystopian world. Seriously I fell in love with this nail-biting drama and I highly recommend it.
The Untamed
(2019)
A Beautiful Sword n' Sorcery Bromance
9 December 2020
Being a fan of c-drama and c-fantasy cinema since the 1990's I have to say this is the most beautifully filmed and engaging shows I have ever watched.
I'll skip a synopsis of the show since it's been well covered in all the reviews. But, I will add my two cents and say if you love fantasy this is one you won't want to miss.
An engaging story about love and betrayal and how the friendship between two characters triumphs over adversity.
Great cast, beautifully filmed, scored and directed - I put this one up with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon as far as transporting me into a magical world.
My only critique is that I was more emotionally moved by the backstory than I was by the return of Wei and his continuing friendship to Lan Zhan.
A stunning achievement! Absolutely loved it.
I'll skip a synopsis of the show since it's been well covered in all the reviews. But, I will add my two cents and say if you love fantasy this is one you won't want to miss.
An engaging story about love and betrayal and how the friendship between two characters triumphs over adversity.
Great cast, beautifully filmed, scored and directed - I put this one up with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon as far as transporting me into a magical world.
My only critique is that I was more emotionally moved by the backstory than I was by the return of Wei and his continuing friendship to Lan Zhan.
A stunning achievement! Absolutely loved it.
Kingdom
(2014–2017)
Sleeper Series Most of Us Missed
29 November 2020
Phenomenal television series that should have had a Sopranos following. How this show flew under the wire is beyond me. I happen to stumble upon it when Netflix recommended this show after I finished watching Cobra Kai. Everything about this show is exceptional from the story to cinematography. The fight scenes have that Raging Bull cinema verite that is just jaw-dropping. I rarely give a ten-star rating but this show is a solid ten. Highly recommended.
Tunnel
(2017)
9 Stars for a Great Story
22 November 2020
I don't need to summarize the plot or film details as they have been thoroughly gone over on this site. The team that put this film together did a wonderful job. I ended up going through a whole gamut of emotions watching this show. What I loved most about this series is that it told a story without getting bogged down in a pseudo-scientific explanation. A man chases a fugitive thirty years into the future and discovers he can travel back and forth between the past and present. Our enjoyment comes from watching our MC on his emotional journey as he learns how the past affects the future. Well acted, great direction, and music score - this show has everything from comedy to suspense and is definitely worth watching.
Tell Your Friends