Malignant

People are always whining that no one tries anything new in Hollywood, well here it is. Sure it borrows elements from other movies but it's a fresh take. Turn your brain off and just enjoy the ride. If you're a true horror fan, I mean one who devours all things horror, you'll love it.

Oh no, a positive review. I must be either a bot or a paid studio shill. Good lord, people are such drama queens these days.

James Wan's latest film is a fun and gory love letter to the Italian horror movies of the 1980's. With that, much like the Italian horror movies of the 80's, it is style over substance. It embraces it's outlandish premise, and totally revels in it's campiness, and delivers a stylish, over-the-top, gory romp with a totally bonkers 3rd act. If you don't enjoy movies with a high camp factor, look elsewhere. As for me, I had a damn good time at this thing.

James Wan is one of the best horror film makers working today. It breaks my heart when he makes a film like 'Furious 7' or 'Aquaman' because it is such a waste of his talents. I have been excited for 'Malignant' for a very long time now due to the pandemic. I finally got to see it tonight, and I'm very disappointed to say it was a big let down.

This was a really bizarre viewing experience for me. It felt like Wan was intentionally trying to make a bad film at times. There are moments that are so shockingly campy and unnatural it ruins entire scenes of the movie. Also the theme music was utterly bizarre. It was so over-the-top and unsubtle and often played in moments that were completely not calling for it.

The movie tries to pull things together later on in the piece with some interesting reveals, but by then too much damage is already done. There is also a shocking scene near the end which feels like it was pulled straight out of 'The Matrix'. A character suddenly becomes superhuman in their ability to move and it makes no sense at all.

I just don't know what happened here. Was Wan so desperate to create something unique and original that he decided this was worth a try? Possibly. Even the best don't get it right every time. 5/10.

I had fun with this movie. They just went nuts and it was amazing. For a lot of the movie, I had problems with choices the characters were making. I was worried that when it got to the end, I was going to feel like it wasn't plausible enough. Well, that wasn't a problem, because this movie is so far off the rails, you'd be a goof to complain about realism. I appreciate what they did here, and I wish more movies could take things this far. Did I mention this movie is completely crazy?

Don't listen to any of the negativity, that's what happens when a movie shows up on HBO Max and people who don't appreciate horror movies try to watch it.

"Malignant" is Jame's Wan's love letter to old school horror and those of us who love it. A scary, fun movie that turns totally bat-s***t bonkers at the end, this movie is great from start to finish. Totally original and yet at the same time inspired by the grindhouse horror films of the 80's (and one in particular, but you won't get me to ever reveal which one!), Wan has delivered one of the most entertaining movies of the year. Best seen in theaters, but if you watch it on HBO Max, turn down the lights, mute the phone, pop some popcorn and prepare to be wowed.

If you're a fan of horror movie, "Malignant" is highly recommended without reservation.