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Les chambres rouges (2023)
Strangely high rating
I've been trying to get a hold of this movie for a while now because the ratings seemed spectacular, and the synopsis on IMDb doesn't reveal much. Yesterday, I was finally able to watch it, and after a while, I found myself questioning why this movie has such hype around it. The performances are great, especially from Juliette Gariépy, who does a spectacular job of portraying her character's descent into madness. Laurie Babin also invested a lot into her role, and you can tell that there is talent involved in this movie and not just in front of the camera. The film is well shot, and it's clear the director has an eye for creating suspense.
However, the narrative itself doesn't progress much, and there's not a lot of substance to the movie. My initial guess was that it would contain some really dark and disturbing moments, and while the subject matter is undeniably gruesome and disturbing, there's nothing here that seasoned horror fans haven't seen before in much greater detail. For a two-hour-long movie, it didn't have much to offer the audience, which is frustrating because it feels like wasting those two hours on a simple story that could have been told in 20 minutes. The movie certainly has some unique and interesting ideas, but none of them are fully explored to reach their potential. Maybe this is what people enjoy nowadays, but personally, I didn't get much from Red Rooms, and I am severely disappointed by the final result. [4.4/10]
Mickey's Mouse Trap (2024)
The already low bar has been set even lower
Obviously, I didn't expect much from this movie and thought it would align with Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey, but boy, was I wrong. While Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey was bad, this movie takes things to an entirely new level of awful. The acting is god-awful, the dialogue is atrocious, and the characters are irritatingly stereotypical, becoming progressively more infuriating the longer you watch.
Even the story was a complete mess, with a script riddled with more holes than Swiss cheese. I'll keep this review short because I don't want to spend more time writing about this film than the creators likely spent making it. Just don't watch it, it's not even enjoyably bad. [2.4/10]
Skincare (2024)
Stylish but forgettable apart from Elizabeth Banks
A stunning beauty icon who is no longer at the peak of her career, portrayed by a seasoned Hollywood star, tries different strategies to stay relevant. This theme appears to be a recurring one this year. I hesitate to compare this film with The Substance because the two are vastly different, despite sharing a similar basic premise. However, where The Substance succeeded, Skincare falls short.
The most remarkable aspect of the movie is undoubtedly Elizabeth Banks, who delivers a stellar performance and carries the film on her shoulders. Beyond her performance, there is little that stands out. The acting overall is solid, and the production is polished, but the movie struggles to maintain engagement throughout its runtime.
The premise is initially intriguing, but as the story unfolds, it fails to sustain interest. While the film is stylish and smart, with some great shots and interesting characters, nothing feels substantial. It also lacks memorable moments.
Skincare is a decent watch but not one that will leave a lasting impression. I would only recommend it if the premise truly appeals to you. [4.7/10]
Hellboy: The Crooked Man (2024)
Felt like a low budget TV episode
I'm really not a big fan of superhero movies or films that follow that direction. However, apart from Blade, I think Hellboy is the only superhero I genuinely like. The first two adaptations by Guillermo del Toro are magical and formative. The 2019 version didn't capture that same magic, but it leaned more into the horror genre, which I personally enjoyed, even though I know I'm in the minority on that.
When another Hellboy movie was announced, I was excited until I saw the trailers, which honestly looked like something fan-made. That aesthetic runs throughout the entire film, and it's far from the level of del Toro's movies. To me, it felt like a low-budget episode of a TV series stretched to almost 100 minutes, more like a side mission than a true threat.
I've heard that this adaptation is faithful to the source material, which can be seen as a plus. Overall, I appreciated the dark vibes, and there were definitely some elements I enjoyed. However, for a Hellboy movie, it just wasn't enough. I can totally understand why people don't like it, though I feel like the 4.5 rating is a bit harsh. It's definitely not a masterpiece and does feel like a fan-made project, but it's a decent one in my opinion.
If any producers are considering another Hellboy movie, they should wait a while, invest in a proper budget, and definitely cast a strong actor in the lead role, because Jack Kesy didn't do much for me in this one. [5.7/10]
Salem's Lot (2024)
Overall fine but feel rushed and soulless
Considering that we waited years for this movie to come out, its release felt pretty underwhelming, which is never a good sign. After seeing the first ratings and reviews, my expectations were definitely lowered, but I went in with an open mind, hoping for a decent result. Overall, I'd say the movie is fine and definitely watchable. We've seen far worse adaptations and remakes, especially in the last couple of years.
However, what immediately stands out is how soulless and straightforward the film feels. I have to say, the original movie from 1979 was too drawn out and a bit dull with its three-hour runtime. It's certainly iconic, but after watching it twice, I don't think it's a film I would rewatch. This movie, on the other hand, has the exact opposite problem. It feels rushed, and many interesting elements from the original have been removed. A lot of the film seems lost in the editing room, though I'm not sure if keeping everything would have made it better.
Gary Dauberman said he wanted to make vampires frightening again and steer away from the sexier, more romanticized portrayals. I think this was a great approach, and it's clear the vampire design drew inspiration from 30 Days of Night, which is my favorite vampire horror movie. Unfortunately, they didn't take inspiration from the gore, leaving this movie surprisingly bloodless and tame for an R-rating. In this version, the vampires looked too polished and, again, soulless. It felt like the film belonged in The Conjuring universe, which makes sense since Dauberman directed Annabelle Comes Home and was involved with other Annabelle movies and The Nun spin-offs.
The third act was also pretty anticlimactic, with the sun delivering conveniently variable speeds and some unrealistic moments. Overall, the result is fine, but I believe the novel deserves a better adaptation. Perhaps a TV series would work better, allowing the characters to be fleshed out while keeping the story entertaining, similar to Midnight Mass. I would have loved to see what this movie could have been like if Mike Flanagan had directed it, since he seems to be the only one capable of adapting King's work successfully these days. [5.8/10]
Stream (2024)
A Slasher made by horror fans for horror fans with lots of great cameos
Stream follows the Keenan family as they try to spend quality time together at a hotel. However, their son is obsessed with gaming on his laptop, and the older daughter is rebellious, sneaking out to engage in typical teenage mischief. Shortly after their arrival, the hotel is overtaken by an absolutely unhinged Jeffrey Combs and his four masked killers.
One of the killers is played by David Howard Thornton, who brings his signature movements and gestures to the character. I didn't even know he was in this, but as soon as I saw his character's movements, I was reminded of Art from the Terrifier franchise. Since the movie is produced by the same team behind Terrifier 2 and 3, several people involved in those films also worked on this one. Additionally, there are some great cameos, including Danielle Harris as the mother, Dee Wallace, Tony Todd (R. I. P.), Felissa Rose, and more.
This movie was clearly made for fans of slashers, and you can tell it was crafted by people who love the genre. It incorporates many classic slasher tropes while also introducing some fresh ideas, along with really creative and gory kills. This fits perfectly with the movie's plot, which revolves around Jeffrey Combs playing the role of a game master for an online show where viewers watch the four slashers compete to kill off innocent people. The slasher with the most kills, executed as creatively as possible, is declared the winner.
That said, the movie is unapologetically reckless, delivering gnarly and over-the-top kills that will satisfy any slasher fan. There is a lot of gore, and while it mostly looks solid, you can tell the budget was limited in some areas. Some of the acting, particularly from the young boy, was subpar, though this is forgivable in this type of film.
While Stream is far from perfect, it offers plenty of fun for fans of cheesy slashers, with memorable kills and an undeniable love for the genre. [5,7/10]
Rumours (2024)
A great premise drowning in boredom
I was really looking forward to watching Rumours since the premise seemed original and the trailer looked fun without giving away too much. I still enjoy zombie movies, even though there are countless examples in the genre, because with some talent and unique ideas, they can still be great.
In this film, the leaders of the seven wealthiest liberal democracies are having their annual G7 meeting in a gazebo, while something strange begins happening in the world, with zombie-like creatures appearing in the woods. The movie is a satire and heavily dialogue-driven, which I didn't mind, and the bits of humor sprinkled throughout felt like a fitting touch.
However, as the movie progresses, nothing significant really happens. The characters interact and speculate about what might be going on, but there's no real climax. It's mostly talking and walking through dark woods with little action. Occasionally, the zombies or "Bog People Dancers" as they are credited appear in the distance, but they don't pose any real threat.
I understand what the movie is trying to achieve, but it's simply not entertaining and definitely doesn't warrant a 104-minute runtime. The acting was fine, though the inconsistent accents were noticeable but not overly distracting, but still worth mentioning.
Overall, I was pretty disappointed. While there might be a small niche audience that enjoys Rumours, the majority likely won't find it engaging. [4,7/10]
Speak No Evil (2024)
Actually a solid remake with a killer performance by James McAvoy
Even though the 2022 original movie was typically not my type of film, I genuinely enjoyed it and thought it was a great watch with a unique premise and an interesting message behind it. When I heard there would be a US remake by Blumhouse, I was more than annoyed. I don't mind remakes at all, but I feel like Hollywood often chooses to remake the wrong movies. Instead of reworking flawed films from the 80s or 90s, they frequently remake foreign movies that were already excellent on their own, simplifying them to make them more mainstream and appealing to American audiences.
That being said, I went into this movie not wanting to like it. Now that I've seen it, I have to admit that it is actually a solid remake. It is not as dark as the original, and it somewhat loses the message along the way, but James McAvoy's performance is outstanding. I have always enjoyed seeing him in movies and have felt that he almost always steals the show, which is exactly what he does here. The overall acting is quite strong, surpassing the original, but McAvoy absolutely stands out and perfectly embodies his character.
As the narrative progresses, the remake diverges more and more from the original, which I found refreshing since a one-to-one reshoot would have been completely unnecessary. I appreciated that the children had more interaction in this version, and it is clear the movie made an effort to address some of the flaws in the original. That said, it also introduced new flaws, which, while less significant, were still noticeable. Without giving away any spoilers, I have to say I did not like the ending of this movie. However, apart from that, I think they did a solid job with this one.
I still prefer the original movie slightly more, and I would recommend giving it a try, even though it can be a frustrating watch. [6,1/10]
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Keaton still has the Juice
Before watching this, I revisited the original Beetlejuice from 1988, and I quite enjoyed it, even though it didn't impact me as much as it likely did for those who saw it at a younger age and many years ago. For the sequel, I was excited to see what Tim Burton would bring 36 years later, especially to find out if Michael Keaton would deliver the same way he did in the first movie, and I can confidently say that he absolutely did.
This movie doesn't feel like it was made 36 years after the original. Keaton is clearly having the time of his life again, and it shows in his fun, energetic performance and wonderful facial expressions. Once again, he carries much of the film, but this time he's joined by an absolutely stacked cast. Familiar faces like Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara return, while newcomers like Jenna Ortega (in a major role), Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci, Danny DeVito, and others join in on the fun.
The cast is fantastic overall, though Willem Dafoe feels like he's in a completely different movie. This isn't a problem, since he also seems to be having a blast. Monica Bellucci's character is somewhat unnecessary, but her presence is still delightful, and she remains stunning as ever. While I adore Winona Ryder as much as anyone, I must admit her performance in this film was less convincing than expected.
Tim Burton clearly poured his heart into this playful, chaotic sequel, and it's obvious the entire cast enjoyed themselves during filming. The plot is all over the place, which I found delightful. There are countless settings and scenarios that are hard to describe, and even modern elements like social media influencers and smartphones were cleverly incorporated.
Overall, I'd call this movie a great success. It's packed with fun and offers plenty to enjoy. [6.2/10]
Your Monster (2024)
Unique premise that falls rather short thanks to an unlikeable lead character
"Your Monster" had an interesting and fairly unique premise, and with Melissa Barrera as the lead character, there was a familiar face to root for. However, the main issue is that her character makes it really hard to actually root for her. She starts off with constant whining and crying, which initially works as comedic relief but quickly becomes tiresome, with the Amazon driver bit being the only genuinely funny moment.
In general, the comedy was hit or miss, some jokes were smart and made me smile, while others felt overdone and unfunny. As the movie progresses, her character becomes increasingly unhinged, making her more annoying and harder to sympathize with, which ultimately detracts from the story.
That said, the plot is unique, and this isn't the kind of movie you see released every week, which is a positive aspect. Tommy Dewey as the monster was convincing, and I enjoyed his performance, although the chemistry between him and Barrera felt rather forced.
I've seen some people compare this movie to Fight Club, and while I understand the similarities, the tonal differences make the comparison misleading for anyone expecting a similar experience.
As someone who isn't a big rom-com fan and was more interested in the horror elements, I was disappointed to find those were practically nonexistent. However, if you enjoy romantic comedies and are looking for something a bit different, this might work better for you. [5,1/10]
Monster Summer (2024)
Unremarkable but might work as a gateway horror
I think it's hard to give this movie a fair rating since I'm not the target audience and it's clearly aimed at younger people. That being said, the movie should still be able to entertain adults, and I found it to be rather entertaining. The plot is pretty simple, and this premise has been done before. However, the addition of Mel Gibson as the retired police detective was great, he was probably my favorite part of the movie.
There were plenty of stereotypes and many well-known tropes, which I personally found a bit tiring. However, for younger viewers, it could definitely work. The actors delivered overall solid performances, and the cast was actually quite stacked, even featuring Kevin James. It was also nice to see Mason Thames, the young boy from The Black Phone, as a lead character again, he did a solid job.
Overall, I'd say the movie is decent but nothing out of the ordinary, which might cause it to get lost in the sea of movies being released nowadays. [5.2/10]
Terrifier 3 (2024)
I feel like people either give this a 1 or a 10, why not be realistic?
When you look at what people think of the Terrifier franchise, it quickly becomes clear that opinions are polarized. On one side, there are those who love Art the Clown, and on the other, those who believe anyone enjoying these movies must be depraved or mentally disturbed. I think that is rather unfortunate. If extreme gore and violence are not your cup of tea, there is little reason to watch this series.
By the time Terrifier 3 rolled around, most viewers probably had a good idea of what to expect: copious amounts of gore, brutal kills, and an overwhelming amount of blood and guts. Personally, I am fine with those elements, but a movie needs to offer much more to fully work for me, aside from the gore. Of course, the Terrifier films are primarily slasher movies, and most fans do not come for a complex story or deep themes. This makes it easier to forgive plot holes or lapses in logic. However, in my opinion, Damien Leone still has a lot of room for growth as a filmmaker.
In the first film, I blamed its flaws to the very low budget. With the second film, which had a much bigger budget, it became clear that the story was messy and the film needed significant editing. Now, with Terrifier 3, which had an even higher budget, the same issues persist. While the gore and brutality are executed brilliantly, as in the previous films, the storytelling feels scattered, and the movie desperately needed tighter editing. The runtime ended up being too long, which impacted the pacing.
On a positive note, this film takes itself even less seriously than the first two, and I think this works in its favor. The kills and Art's antics have a slapstick quality that adds a comedic layer, complementing the tone of the film. David Howard Thornton and Lauren LaVera deliver excellent performances and stand out among the cast, though some other actors unfortunately came across as unconvincing. The Christmas theme was a fun touch, and while I don't see myself revisiting this movie every holiday season, I enjoyed it. In fact, it might even be my favorite entry in the series so far.
That said, this is still far from a perfect film, and there is plenty of room for improvement. Nevertheless, I am excited to support Damien Leone in his filmmaking journey. His passion for this genre is clear, and I look forward to seeing where he takes it next. [5,8/10]
Smile 2 (2024)
A really solid sequel
"Smile 2" greets its audience with a great opening scene that reveals what happened to Joel, the character played by Kyle Gallner in the first movie. Shortly after, we are introduced to our lead actress, Naomi Scott, who plays Skye Riley, a global pop sensation. From the outset, it's clear that her character is flawed and multi-layered. She's far from perfect, yet not so unlikable that you root against her. Naomi Scott delivers an outstanding performance, elevating the film with her acting and standing out even amidst a solid overall cast. Her portrayal enhances the viewing experience significantly.
For viewers familiar with the first movie, the general premise will feel recognizable, but this sequel places the main character in a completely different and compelling situation. The film is filled with jump scares, most of which are well-executed and genuinely creepy rather than annoying. There are even a few unique scares that stand out. Visually, the movie is impressive, with some sequences that distinguish it from other horror films. Like its predecessor, "Smile 2" falls into the category of "popcorn horror," leaning on well-known clichés, but it avoids feeling stale. Parker Finn proves his talent for creating great scares and a story that keeps viewers engaged. Additionally, the sound design is exceptional and an area where the first film excelled, and this sequel arguably improves.
While I personally preferred the first movie due to its originality and a more relatable lead character, "Smile 2" is a worthy sequel. The first film allowed for a deeper emotional connection to its protagonist, while this one, focusing on a famous pop star, feels more like watching someone else's suffering rather than experiencing it through them. Nonetheless, Parker Finn has crafted a solid follow-up that exceeds expectations. It's a brutal, well-made film with strong sequences and is overall an enjoyable experience. [6,7/10]
The Demon Disorder (2024)
Amazing effects in this otherwise really average movie
"The Demon Disorder" borrows many familiar tropes from the horror genre, which is unfortunate because the movie had real potential to stand out from the glut of forgettable releases today. The practical effects and makeup, in particular, are spectacular. The story tackles themes like generational trauma and the physical manifestation of grief, explored through three brothers who reunite when one of them appears to be possessed by a parasitic demon-a fate that also afflicted their father.
While themes like these have been explored countless times and are increasingly common in horror, to the frustration of many fans who crave something original, The Demon Disorder manages to reinvigorate them, largely thanks to its impressive effects. This strength makes sense, as the film's director, Steven Boyle, has a background in makeup and visual effects. The result is a slew of gruesomely impressive visuals that I genuinely enjoyed; with a different story, this could have been an outstanding horror film.
In the end, The Demon Disorder is a fairly average movie elevated by fantastic effects and solid performances from the cast. [5,8/10]
Talchul: Project Silence (2023)
Quite flawed but also really enjoyable
Based on the IMDb plot synopsis, Talchul: Project Silence seemed like my kind of movie. A group of characters trapped in an unusual location, pursued by a terrible threat. I also tend to enjoy South Korean films, so I went in with high expectations. However, the movie has several issues, from questionable CGI to illogical character decisions and a number of scenes that defy basic physics or logic.
That said, the movie certainly succeeds in being entertaining. It quickly becomes clear that realism isn't a priority here, and once I let go of expecting logic, I found it a highly enjoyable sci-fi thriller. If you immerse yourself in its over-the-top world and accept its own set of "rules," the film is a lot of fun. The lead character even draws some interesting parallels to Train to Busan: he's a selfish businessman in politics who, with help from his daughter, learns to care for others as the story progresses.
The characters are distinct and unique, though many of their actions feel forced and a bit absurd. While some of the CGI occasionally breaks immersion, which is unfortunate for a story that benefits from full engagement, I still enjoyed this movie overall. If you're looking for realism and rational decisions, you may want to skip this one. But if you're in the mood for a fictional horror movie with an entertaining, nonsensical story, it can definitely be a fun watch. [6.5/10]
Oracle (2023)
Had potential
"Oracle" (2023) doesn't give viewers much to work with. While the premise held promise, and the storyline itself had some interesting elements, the film ultimately falls short. The horror relies on cheap jump scares that lack impact, and much of the suspense feels forced and unearned. The plot takes a while to develop, and until it does, viewers are met with generic horror tropes and tension that feels unnecessary and ineffective.
Occasionally, a poorly executed jump scare or a scream from one of the characters breaks the monotony, but these moments fail to add much value. Lead actress Ryan Destiny delivers a solid. The child actors' performances are uneven, and at times, certain scenes leave you shaking your head at the sheer implausibility.
While it's not a terrible watch, the movie misses the mark on its potential and could have been far more enjoyable. Heather Graham, however, looks absolutely stunning though. [4.8/10]
Dear David (2023)
Probably wanna skip this one
"Dear David" suffers from a worn-out premise, making it challenging to enjoy from the start. While some films manage to reinvent or at least enliven familiar storylines, this is definitely not one of them. The movie relies heavily on cheap jump scares, with little to no real tension. The most intriguing aspect, the main character's struggle with sleep paralysis is barely explored, wasting a unique angle.
Unfortunately, the main character is also quite unlikeable, making it hard to root for him and rendering the film unsympathetic overall. The supporting characters are similarly bland and forgettable, with some lackluster performances that don't help elevate the experience. Misplaced comedic elements only serve to further disrupt the film's tone, feeling completely out of place.
While I've seen worse, this movie can easily be skipped without missing much. [4.5/10]
Things Will Be Different (2024)
Concept was good but the execution lacks
The concept for Things Will Be Different (2024) sounded promising and definitely piqued my interest. Movies involving time travel can often be hit or miss, and unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me. The two lead actors do a decent job portraying their characters, and the movie is beautifully shot with an impressive visual style. However, the story and pacing are where it falls short.
The film raises numerous questions but only loosely answers a few. It takes nearly an hour for anything significant to happen, and even then, the movie remains barely engaging. This concept might have worked better as a short film or with a faster-paced script featuring more tension-filled scenes and action. Instead, the execution is too slow-paced, making it feel much longer than it actually is. Slow-paced movies can work when they don't feel slow, but in this case, you feel every minute.
Ultimately, the concept promised much more than the final result could deliver, so I can't recommend this one. [4.4/10]
Time Cut (2024)
Worst of the bunch
This movie is quite similar to Happy Death Day, Freaky, and especially Totally Killer. While those movies were entertaining despite their flaws, Time Cut doesn't work on many levels. It lacks tension, interesting action scenes, and innovative kills. The overall vibe felt like a Disney movie for children, and although Madison Bailey's acting was quite good as she managed to stand out, the role of a slightly badass girl with a complex emotional background didn't suit her as well as it could have. I don't blame her though, her performance was solid.
Visually, the movie looks good, with a solid production quality and a decent budget, but that doesn't make up for the many flaws that arise. The emotional aspects felt flat, and although the characters were enjoyable, they were also stereotypical. The killer's identity was easy to guess, as there weren't many characters to choose from and a quick bit of thought would lead most viewers to the right guess. Some scenes stretched believability, with the killer's quick movements making the realism harder to buy, much more obviously than in other similar slashers.
I'd say it's a cheaper knockoff of Totally Killer, though I've heard the script was written either before or at the same time, so it's likely just a bad coincidence that Amazon released their movie a year earlier which was more effective. There isn't much that stands out here, though it could work as a movie to watch when you just want to turn your brain off and enjoy 90 minutes of light entertainment.
Hell Hole (2024)
I appreciate the effort
Hell Hole sounded exactly like the kind of movie I'd enjoy. It has an intriguing premise involving a parasitic monster in a remote setting. When I saw that it was made by the Adams family, who have produced several darker horror films in the past, I was even more interested, as I generally support their work, even though it doesn't always align with my tastes. Most films like this end up being SyFy-level productions with poorly written characters getting picked off by cheap CGI monsters. But with the Adams family's usual preference for a more subtle approach, Hell Hole had the potential to be a genuinely interesting film.
First off, the creature was made with practical effects, with some CGI used for certain scenes. The challenge with movies like this is that they require a certain budget and a skilled team for the creature effects to feel convincing. Otherwise, the results can feel cheap and amateurish. Unfortunately, Hell Hole fell into this trap. While I appreciate the effort to focus on practical effects, the monster doesn't look believable, and in many scenes, it's clearly a puppet being maneuvered over the characters. There are a few moments when you get a closer look at the creature's face, where the details are decent, but otherwise, the effects don't hold up. The CGI used for things like blood splashes, often from characters randomly exploding when being shot, also looks unconvincing, and these scenes end up looking poor every single time.
The acting is another drawback with some of the actors delivering their lines unconvincingly, which is an issue given that the movie relies heavily on dialogue. Most of these conversations are unnecessary and end up dragging out the scenes and the movie as a whole which makes this pacing issue even more apparent.
Overall, I liked the story itself and think it had real potential, but the execution just didn't quite come together. That said, I appreciate the effort put into Hell Hole. I enjoy these types of movies, and it's clear the team didn't just throw together a creature feature for a quick profit. They put in genuine effort. Unfortunately, though, the final product didn't quite hit the mark. [5.4/10]
Die Alone (2024)
Definetly better than the poorly made poster suggests
Very once in a while, a movie comes along with a generic plot and a terrible poster featuring two or three high-profile actors who are past the peak of their careers. These films often seem to come out of nowhere, and as quickly as they appear, they disappear, leaving no memorable impression. I was fairly certain that 2024's Die Alone would fit this pattern perfectly based on what I'd seen so far. However, as a fan of post-apocalyptic zombie films (despite how many there are), I decided to give it a shot.
To my surprise, this movie turned out to be much better than expected. It's not the typical, tiresome zombie story with one-dimensional, annoying characters. Instead, it's a film that starts off feeling generic but improves as it unfolds. The world that Lowell Dean created here is intriguing, and it left me wanting to see more. While the virus concept isn't entirely original, it's presented in an interesting way, as are the few zombies we encounter throughout the film. At its core, however, the movie is about love and the lengths people will go to when their loved ones are in danger.
Carrie-Anne Moss gives a powerhouse performance as "Mae." It's clear she isn't just there for a paycheck. She put genuine effort into crafting this badass character and bringing her to life. Douglas Smith also gives a solid performance, although some irritating aspects of his character made a few of his scenes hard to watch. Frank Grillo has a small role that doesn't quite justify his oversized presence on the poster. Whoever is in charge of the marketing might want to reconsider this approach, as it sets the wrong expectations.
Die Alone is an entertaining watch, with strong performances and an engaging story that offers something to think about. Unfortunately, the poorly designed posters make the movie look cheap and unappealing. I went in with a lot of doubts because of that marketing, but I left feeling genuinely satisfied with what I'd seen. [6.7/10]
Blackwater Lane (2024)
Rocognizable plot executed poorly
Blackwater Lane attempts to deliver a suspenseful mystery, centering around a woman who, on her way back to the grand mansion she shares with her husband, witnesses what appears to be a murder. As unsettling events begin to escalate, she grows convinced that she could be the killer's next target. Yet the film keeps the audience questioning the reality of her fears. Her frequent panic attacks, coupled with her husband's repeated denials of what she claims to see, create an atmosphere of uncertainty-though his dismissive behavior itself feels suspicious.
The film introduces several other characters who act irrationally or suspiciously, setting up a classic whodunit. Unfortunately, the story feels too familiar, with a plot we've seen countless times. Its execution lacks the polish needed to elevate the genre, weighed down by logical inconsistencies and flaws that weaken the narrative. Some of the acting also misses the mark, adding to the film's shortcomings.
Ultimately, there's little in Blackwater Lane to make it memorable. It settles into being a below-average mystery thriller with only mild horror elements. [4.7/10]
Natty Knocks (2023)
Below average Halloween Horror
I was looking for Halloween-themed horror movies and came across Natty Knocks. I'd seen the cover before, and my curiosity led me to check it out since the plot summary sounded fun. The movie has decent production value and includes some familiar faces in the horror genre, like Bill Moseley, Danielle Harris, and even Robert Englund-though Harris and Englund don't have much screen time. From a technical standpoint, the movie looks pretty good for a low-budget horror flick, although some of the effects look cheap and overall low-quality.
The acting is generally fine but nothing remarkable. Unfortunately, most of the characters are fairly unlikeable, making it hard to root for them. The story isn't particularly special, ending up quite generic and unnecessarily confusing, which doesn't leave much for the movie to offer. There's nothing distinctive or memorable here that enhances the film. The pacing feels a bit messy, and the scares fall flat, making the movie slightly below average and ultimately not really worth checking out. [4.4/10]
Carved (2024)
Underrated Halloween Horror
If you're looking for a fun, decent movie for Halloween and enjoy practical effects and creature features, this might be the right pick for you. The story follows a group of people trying to survive against a massive, vengeful pumpkin that's fed up with pumpkins being carved up and destroyed for decoration. While the story isn't highly imaginative, it offers a fun premise with some great kills.
I'm actually a bit surprised by the low ratings, because although this movie isn't a masterpiece and does have its flaws, there's plenty of enjoyment to be found in this little creature feature. The practical effects are great, though there is some uneven CGI. The acting isn't always on point, but that's to be expected with a low-budget film like this. The comedic elements work occasionally, though not every joke hits the mark, so I wouldn't watch this purely for laughs. However, I really enjoyed the creature design and the isolated setting. It creates a spooky atmosphere and allows time to get to know the characters.
One of the smaller roles is played by DJ Qualls, which was a nice surprise. Overall, it's a pretty decent Halloween flick, and Justin Harding did a good job expanding his previous short film into this feature-length movie. I'd recommend it. [6.3/10]
MadS (2024)
Not without it's flaws but certainly a unique take on the zombie-subgenre
MadS seemingly came out of nowhere, and as soon as I saw it was a French zombie movie, I was intrigued. The first thing to mention is that the entire film is shot in one continuous take. A remarkable achievement that few filmmakers dare to attempt. There are, however, a few moments where it's clear that if the movie had been shot with multiple takes, certain scenes might have been redone due to minor flaws. But none of these issues are so distracting or problematic that they significantly harm the movie.
This isn't your typical zombie movie; the behavior of the infected is unusual, yet interesting. It brings a fresh take to the genre, which is always appreciated. The characters aren't particularly likable, but they're not bad people either, and the lead actors deliver solid performances. What I enjoyed most about the movie is its realistic feel. The single-take approach contributes to this realism, as does the fact that nothing overly fantastical happens. The characters generally behave in a believable manner, though some of their decisions are a bit foolish and irrational.
Despite that, the film manages to convey a grounded, realistic tone, and even the small dramatic moments worked well for me. Overall, MadS is a decent and unique zombie movie with some flaws, but it still succeeds in the end. [5.6/10]