kysta Reviews

Ruthless (2023)

Throwback type genre effort with modern theme - enjoyable

[7/10 · 30 March 2024]

Dermot Mulroney is excellent in the lead role. Enjoyable throwback (with modern theme) to some of the classic action/revenge type movies enjoyed in the 90's.

At times the dialogue feels a little clunky but that comes with the territory, still ok. A little dry humor mixed in between the serious moments worked.

I didn't expect to enjoy this but i absolutely did and the ending was satisfying (very different to what i usually watch with grim, unresolved or unspecified endings). Would i recommend to others? Probably depending on people's taste.

Recently watched Dermot in another role as a support (bad guy) did not do him justice as this film has.

The Royal Hotel (2023)

A fine movie but might not be for the masses...

[7/10 · 29 October 2023]

Felt compelled to leave a review after watching this last night and seeing how many people left poor reviews. All i knew going into it was that it was filmed in Australia and i'm a fan of JG so would watch it regardless of much else.

Enjoyed this from start to finish. For some, movies are about what they make you feel and think. If you enjoy character studies about people, place, time or circumstances then this might be up your alley. It's not a happy movie nor a true horror which is probably how many have been left disappointed. Indie drama/thriller would better describe it.

It's bleak and scary for the fact that human nature is often something to fear more than anything pretend. I had that sick feeling of unease through throughout (which is something i really appreciate from such movies).

I would watch it again however my partner (male) watching with me was waiting for something bigger to happen and felt the end was anti climatic - 2 different views.

Missing: Dead or Alive? (2023– )

Eager to watch more - actual events/investigation, not all re-enactment

[8/10 · 14 May 2023]

This is now on the list on my fav crime shows. It's refreshing to be seen from the female perspective and hear some of the inner thoughts of people (female and male) who do this work.

I'm not sure why such low ratings but possibly people enjoy the crime shows that are super heavy with actors and re-enactment, maybe that makes it more imaginative for some? Personally i want my true crime realistic and avoid the shows that use such formula. Personal taste really...does not make this worthy of rating as low as 1 or 2 under any circumstances.

Well produced for it's purpose and enough grit to keep me intrigued and invested in the episodes to come.

Sleepwalkers (1992)

Transported into a surreal fun story

[8/10 · 14 February 2023]

Watching this again today in 2023 and still one of my all time favs from the 90's. Unlike some movies you go back to revisit this one has aged on the better side thanks to quite a few factors.

Go into for what it is...a fun, surreal ride with a creepy story. Not straight horror nor scary. I never actually read the book (not a huge fan of King's writing) but think it is time i actually did to see what further that may add to the story. Great cast, good story and a leader for it's time attempting some new and cool effects.

The humor is well played and appropriate giving it a light hearted approach among the fun madness. And cats, so many many cats lol.

Music Box: Woodstock 99: Peace Love and Rage (2021) Season 1, Episode 1

Dispicable organisers ad even worse circumstances

[8/10 · 10 September 2022]

The footage from this was...well i'm not sure i even have the right words, but something i will not forget anytime soon. The commentary was ok but some people had their own agenda.

It did make me sick to the stomach listening to the offhand and disturbing comments from the organisers. I came out of it with the firm belief their behavior was criminal and their attitudes seriously deluded and sick.

Sure circumstances where dire but also reinforces the very reasoning to always have a healthy fear of people and your surroundings. There was just so much going on and very little of it good. Could i put myself in that situation? Not really because i would have already been out the gate the minute the conditions and behavior seemed off.

Tell Me Lies (2022– )

The show is decent, leaving this review because...

[7/10 · 10 September 2022]

I have not left a review in some time but wanted to here because felt it was worthy. Went into this series knowing very little, and much to my surprise i really enjoyed the first episode, my attention did not wavier. I like the feel of this. It's not entirely comfortable or at ease as some comments have suggested and that's literally because guess what...stuff is going to go down, so it succeeds in that without a doubt. These characters are not going to be entirely "normal" they have issues.

I don't know any of these actors so a quick google showed me that the male lead is 26yo, his casting to me atleast seems good, same with the others.

What appealed to me is the timeline and maturity of the story it's self. The older you get, hindsight is a great thing - you know that one person who destroyed your soul although swear it was true love. You know that lover who was not healthy for you...but would/could you go back for that fleeting feeling? The one that got away?

I see all that in this series and it's kinda cool, maybe if your living this age now the feels won't get you and it's written off as boring or people wrongly cast but my perspective - this more so about the perfect and imperfect of the world around us and how choices or wrong doing shape us into maturity. Don't forget the baggage that comes with those memories too.

I'm 100% going to finish the season and hopefully it keeps going the same direction as the Ep1.

Tales of the Walking Dead (2022)

Based on the 1st episode...

[5/10 · 14 August 2022]

As much as i love Mr Crewes and the actors did their best with what was presented - it was disappointing and dull. Will watch episode 2 and see what comes. I never tire of the Zombie genre and am open to slow burns or fiendish gore....there is just something missing to this storytelling formula :(

The Black Phone (2021)

Enjoyed it from start to finish

[8/10 · 15 July 2022]

Kept my attention for the entire film and is one of the stronger Blumhouse features. Whilst i would not consider it a horror i have zero complaints, there are many that might due to some blood, death and related themes. It's a great thriller with supernatural and eerie elements. It gave me vibes just as The Girl Who Got Away and The Lovely Bones did, where you experience the events through the perspective of others (or multiple view points) not just an A to B plot. Worth a watch and i personally would likely watch it again. It's been awhile since i really enjoyed any movie from start to finish so this was a nice surprise.

The New Kids (1985)

One of the best from the 80's

[8/10 · 15 November 2021]

Somehow i missed this way back when.

This is wonderfully fun - In 2021, it has timeless appeal - perfect amount thuggery, action, story with some actors you will recognize to this day.

Wish more of today's movies could pull off the cool little vibe this one has.

The only part i can question is 2 kids losing their parents and moving on with life so quickly after a few tears shed. I know the parents dying is a means to an end to create the storyline but that was all done way too quickly and without enough emotion to ring true.

Apart from that absolutely one of the best 80's classics.

The Shrink Next Door (2021)

Crafted with excellence but hard to watch

[5/10 · 15 November 2021]

Title says it all. A fine production - humour, artistic and wonderful cast.

My partner and i watched the first episode and exchanged looks. We knew this would not be our cup of tea nor will it be for others.

Based on first impressions in this case we have decided not to watch on. The long winded story line was not enough for us wanting to invest.

A few scenes made us laugh out loud but it's not fun, lighted hearted comedy (if that is your preference). It's more a twisted tale of real life and people presented in a way that is sometimes deep, sometimes bitter and other times scoffs at the craziness of relationships and such behaviour.

Others will love this, watch and decide for yourself. It might end up being one of those shows that you watch and see yourself in some characters or ask yourself what would you do, what lengths are worth it?

Catch Hell (2014)

Not much of a good reason to watch this

[4/10 · 9 November 2021]

Kudos to RP for multi tasking in this production however it's low budget (where it's painfully obvious its low budget and doesn't have many redeeming qualities to rely on).

It all feels a bit half baked/amateur hour and i can't recommend it for the fact there is nothing to really note otherwise. Pick something else.

Banshee Chapter (2013)

Low budget, didn't quite come together but still worth a watch for lovers of the genre...

[5/10 · 6 November 2021]

Enough to appreciate here although it doesn't quite come together as others have mentioned.

Full credit for the scary feels and scares, we did watch parts of this with our eyes half closed...that's a rare thing these days.

For those who enjoy watching movies a 2nd time over - i really do think a lot more would be pieced together that could have been missed between the jump scares and creepiness of first time viewing.

Finch (2021)

Swept into another time and place with this story

[8/10 · 6 November 2021]

I'm confident the last time i gushed over a Tom Hanks film was about 1994. Hold off the hate, i'm just not a fan of his modern work/choices/genres.

This however was exactly what it should be and really satisfying to get that feeling of adventure from a movie. It was equal parts action, love and humour all whilst a man was on his mission to achieve a personal goal in a world decaying around him, as he is himself.

Def in my top10 for 2021.

We Have Always Lived in the Castle (2018)

Torn how to rate/review this one...

[5/10 · 6 November 2021]

The acting and cinematography is very good, loved the colours and parts sent me to the world of Lemony Snickets....but simply the movie it's self was underwhelming and some parts boring (slow is ok but this felt like a snooze fest in parts) The menacing/creepy vibe was not 100% pulled off to keep me fully engrossed.

I'm going to read the story as hoping that will provide much more of such atmosphere.

Secrets in a Small Town (2019 TV Movie)

Very watchable thriller/drama made for TV

[6/10 · 6 November 2021]

Good example of a made for tv movie. Solid acting, i liked the fact for this mild thriller/drama that the actions of such characters was fairly realistic to real life and expectation. Often characters and their idiotic behaviour/decision making is what ruins a movie.

The closing scenes are the only part that did not ring true for me, could have been handled differently but overall a good watch!

Feel the Beat (2020)

Found this by random, stayed because it did entertain

[7/10 · 30 October 2021]

Reading the varied reviews and what was enjoyable about this movie was the good and the bad that others have pointed out.

Is it perfect? No....is it funny, sad, cringe worthy and endearing at same time...yes!

Full Out (2015)

Like watching a sitcom on the kids channels...

[4/10 · 30 October 2021]

Would not usually refer to myself as the wrong demographic because i will watch almost anything once...however this was lacking in most aspects for what i rate from a movie.

Based on a true story so i won't devalue that, just not for everyone.

Doctor Sleep (2019)

So much to enjoy about this, mix of genres

[9/10 · 29 October 2021]

Really enjoyed this film. Not going to spoil it but if you like a twisted tale with a mix of genres and movies that feel like a good book...this might also be a winner for you.

Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1985)

Still awesome watching it 2021

[7/10 · 16 October 2021]

Maybe i'm fan girling or maybe it's the sentiment from being an 80's kid....but this movie is still as enjoyable watching it today as it was way back.

Watch it alone or with the family, fun music and themes.

Black as Night (2021)

Very Mediocre...

[3/10 · 16 October 2021]

Went into this with limited expectation off the back of other recent teen horrors/remakes (Fear Street etc), it looked to have everything of interest.

It was underwhelming.

Wasted for a greater story it could of told. Nothing was terrible just very mediocre.

Would i recommend or watch it again? No.

Servant (2019–2023)

Intriguing binge watch!

[9/10 · 16 October 2021]

Watched complete season 1 in one sitting. Whats makes this great viewing is the 30ish minute episodes.

I've read a lot of mixed reviews and can't say that that what others complain about has bothered me at all. Enjoyable, well paced and i like that so many explanations could be ambiguous throughout, open to your imagination. That might not be for everyone.

It's tightly woven story left to unwind in it's our style. Whilst it might be unsettling to think about, there are real life people and situations out there that this story borrows from.

Looking forward to season 2 though i will keep my expectations grounded that it will be very different than season 1.

Secrets of a Marine's Wife (2021 TV Movie)

Sad tale of consequences and murder

[6/10 · 26 September 2021]

It's hard to review based on real life films as you can only go by what is being presented. But this was easy to watch, told a story of love and lust gone wrong and those sad consequences for a young woman and her family.

The Girl Who Got Away (2021)

Not a typical horror but still terrific sub genre film

[7/10 · 26 September 2021]

Without giving much away - this is a brilliant movie for what it is. Was pleasantly surprised that what i thought was happening was close but the twists left me guessing until the very end. A few jump scares but builds a good storyline and the thriller/psychological terror is more the backburn to that. Strong cast performances.

What Lies Below (2020)

Weird good

[6/10 · 26 September 2021]

Don't believe all the bad reviews. If you enjoy a creepy vibe and that uncomfortable feeling of not being quite sure what is going on...then this movie is weird in a good way. I'd even watch it again, far far worse out their in main stream movies.

The Croods: A New Age (2020)

It's a good movie when you can enjoy it as much as the kids :)

[9/10 · 22 August 2021]

My 5yo daughter and i still watch this together once a week or so. Even after so many times it's still good fun. If anything better than the original.