margiehalls Reviews

Superdeep (2020)

Russian the Thing - nyet bad!

[8/10 · 7 July 2021]

This is a very cool take on the Thing - with it inhabiting the earth's inner core. The FX are super rad in this, and the style and mood are very cool. Captures the suffocating atmosphere of 80's Russia (I imagine) very well, as that's the obvious metaphor here - along with fear of the unknown, and an innate desire to conquer said beasts. Great ending as well - definitely satisfying, if you're into this neo-body horror genre.

Saint Maud (2019)

Leave eM wantin' More

[9/10 · 18 May 2021]

This movie was so incredibly done. My only complaint is that I wanted MORE (which I'm saying cheekily, as it's not a complaint, rather an ackowledgement that the film was so visceral and engaging, I just wanted to see more of it). Anchored by a phenom performance, the visuals in this film just add to the dread and wonder. It really makes you think about all these historical 'saints' who spoke to "God" - were they all nuts too? Either way, this slow burner really 'heats up' and has a tremendous pay off. As mentioned, I just wish there were a few more scenes of Maud communicating with her maker, with the "one below" and various other spiritual entities. Overall, a great take on religion horror. A+

Scare Package (I) (2019)

great parody

[9/10 · 10 May 2021]

Loved this film. Pure horror nerdery. Mocks all the tropes in a very clever way. Definitely a fun watch, with lots of archetypical hilarity.

Death Sentences (2020)

worth the wait

[8/10 · 10 May 2021]

I enjoyed this film. If you are a writer who ever felt blocked, you probably will appreciate it too. It's definitely very slow at the beginning, but the story picks up in the middle and comes together in a nice twist. Super low budget, but nicely put together overall.

Wish I Was Here (2014)

Tearjerker with true heart

[10/10 · 1 May 2021]

I'd never heard of this movie before, but it popped up in my Netflix queue and I couldn't be happier. I shouldn't be that suprised though, as Braff's work is always thought-provoking and deeply emotional, and has truly funny humor at its core. The parent dying / questioning of one's faith trope could be tired territory, but here it's deal with aplomb - the supporting cast is really in top form too, from Mandy Patankin to Kate Hudson to Olaf the Snowman (Josh something I forget) to the rising star Joey King to the guy that's obviously friends with Braff who's in Garden State as the cop. Overall this movie had me tearing up several times, and bawling at the end, and then some happy tears at the very end. Really loved it.

Sandpaper (2018)

kept me entertained

[8/10 · 29 April 2021]

There's a lot of times in this movie when you're like hmmm..would that really happen like that? And there are other times when you aren't sure if the antagonist is even totally that bad - so this was frustrating at first, but once you kind of give in to it, you see that it's pretty clever after all. I like the performance by the lead actress a lot - she grounded this otherwise farcical, far-fetched movie (I mean, why would people buying a house care about who lived there before / if the deck was finished???) -- anyway, the end was pretty sly and well done too.

Cabin Boy (1994)

The funniest Movie of all time

[10/10 · 28 April 2021]

I will go on record here and say that this movie is the funniest ever created. There is not a single scene in it that doesn't have a laugh out loud moment. Chris Elliot is pure perfection. Every line is some poetically crafted, either his high fellutant prose or the crass brass talk of the seamen. The best cast ever! Melora Waters has been in every PTA movie, but her work here is paramount. "Wouldn't it be jolly jack splendid if we spent a fortnight or two in Hawaii?" YES. Yes, Nathanial, yes it would.

The Dead Don't Die (2019)

They really won't..

[9/10 · 28 April 2021]

I agree, you either will love the cast and their tongue and cheek performances (this is a parody of zombie movies, FYI) or you'll not get it and hate it. They surreal ending really did it for me. It's got all the typical Jarmush trapping, but with some added spunk. A departure from his hard hitting dramas, but definitely still plays up the interpersonal relationships he's best at exploring. Murray is hilarious as always and Adam Driver and Cloe Sevigney hold their own. Remember this is a comedy..mostly.

Mare of Easttown (2021)

amazing all around

[10/10 · 28 April 2021]

So far, this series has totally got me. It's so real, raw and gritty. I love every aspect! Kate Winslet's transformation is mind-boggling - not just physical, but her whole entity seems different than anything we've seen from her. The ending of the first two episodes leaves you CRAVING for more (and I believe the subsequent episodes will continue this). So well done. This show seems like a real sneak peek into these people's rough lives. Seems like an antidote to the glossy, super superficial "The Undoing" from HBO. Bravo to the creators and HBO for going in this direction. Can't wait for more!

Reap (2020)

know what you're getting into

[9/10 · 28 April 2021]

I think you have to go into watching this movie without the expectations of a larger budget film, and you'll get a lot more out of it. I see what the other reviewers are saying here, about the low grade filming and technical issues, but the story and concept at the heart of the movie is really interesting, at least to me. I don't see what there is to complain about the actors, they all seemed solid. There are some parts that drag a bit, but I think the ending is well worth the wait. Really a clever twist.

Incident in a Ghostland (2018)

great twist !

[9/10 · 25 April 2021]

This movie was actually way better than expected. Lots of good scares and the ending really shocked me. The actors are phenomenal too - I predict big things for the lead, who is really beautiful too.

Layer Cake (2004)

Best Crime Thriller Ever

[10/10 · 25 April 2021]

I personally think this movie has every element perfectly balanced. The right amount of action, humor, personal drama, intrigue, and the best ending of any film I can remember. This is the role of the lifetime for Criag, forget Bond. X , his character's name, is so silky smooth and still so human at the same time, with realistic flaws and desires. A strong supporting cast brings this film to life - eery one of them hits home. Watch this over most of the crime thrillers , in recent memory or the classics. Ahh the ending!

Buster's Mal Heart (2016)

Mind-bending, surreal adventure

[10/10 · 21 April 2021]

What a cool movie. I love the roles that Malik chooses - without spoiling anything, a lot of sleek symmetries between this and Mr. Robot. This film is a thinker, that's for sure - about the duality of a person (and sometimes the multiplicity of a person..), and how we can never truly know ourselves. Great supporting cast as well. This is not just a cinematographic masterpiece, as some reviewers mention; it's also a very tightly wound story, that keeps you on your toes the whole time. If you're in the mood for something eerie and beautiful and cerebral, this is it.

Bullet Head (2017)

good dog

[9/10 · 20 April 2021]

I don't normally go in for these type of shoot em up crime thrillers, but this movie (given the subject matter) was actually really understated and deeply emotional. I am a fan in general though, of contained films (mostly in one location), where the budget is mostly spent on a stellar cast. Malko is his usual brilliant self, in the career criminal role he does so well, Rory Kulkin as a dope addict is great as well, and Adrian Brody delivers yet another powerhouse performance (he's really just so good). While a blood-thirsty dog is the central antagonist of this film (a dog-fighting dog no less), it seems on the surface, we eventually learn the true villain here: and that's man. This simple lesson is executed to its full potential. The character work here is exquisite. Really a surprise from the otherwise lackluster Netflix selection (although, again, with this cast, it should be obvious that this movie is gonna hit you where it counts).

Daniel Isn't Real (2019)

Unexpected thrill ride

[9/10 · 17 April 2021]

I don't know what's up with some of these reviewers. This movie was not at ALL what I expected. Thought it was going to be another Fight Club rip-off, and was delightfully surprised to find a nuanced story about mental illness, coming of age, and actual evil forces. I love the concept here (not at all what the trailer showcased), and the acting was really amazing! Some people criticized it -- I'm sorry, there is a scene where he is having the most realistic seizure, then crying, and then snickering like a demon - what more do you people want?? I loved Sasha Lane here too, a nice touch in casting, who really brought her artist character to life. Definitely a good flick for some unexpected scares and a truly twisty storyline.

Portlandia (2011–2018)

god I love this show

[10/10 · 16 April 2021]

I think the funniest sketch of all time is the pretentious thrift store one, and that alone gives this show a 10. Brownstein and Armisen are the best comic duo in recent memory - there unique brand of irreverent humor is so smart and can be so delightfully crass at the same time. Also the running format of the show is so brilliant. Want more of this!!

We Go On (2016)

and on and on!

[9/10 · 15 April 2021]

Great film. Period. Really clever concept for the plot, and amazing execution. This movie is legitimately frightening. I love how it starts off as a kind of snarky comedy of sorts, and then quickly descends into a really dark and scary tale. The actors are so committed here, and really bring the whole thing to life. Raises a lot of interesting questions about the afterlife and what we are supposed to be doing with this one. Almost didn't watch it because the poster on amazon looks very cheesy (not the one here on IMDb), but so glad I gave it a shot. One of the only movies to really scare me (the ghost images are ..haunting..). Well done all around - need more smart films like this.

Tales from the Darkside: The Movie (1990)

a true HORROR anthology

[10/10 · 13 April 2021]

I've been on a kick lately of watching 80's horror, and this one is still in my top 3. Each story here is so cool and creepy (loved the original show, but sorry to say this film blows that out of the water). Production design, direction and some AMAZING creature effects really elevate this snarky little film. The Mummy with Christian Slater and Steve Buscemi is such a fun tale (omg they're so young here..) and Lover's Vow is truly a work of art - such a soulful story, with a really great lesson. The Cat one rocks too (great casting again!). All of these, sandwiched in between the sinister Blondie story and BAM, the perfect anthology.

Super Dark Times (2017)

dark indeed!

[9/10 · 13 April 2021]

What a thoughtful and creative film. A+ acting, storytelling, cinematography and direction, above all else. The surreal scenes are a trip, with splendid photography and just the right about of tension. Love the whole cast (most of whom are stars in their own right at this point). This is for anyone who is into the exploration of how deep and dark we can get as humans. Great plot and, yes I agree with another reviewer, perfect ending!

Lucky (IV) (2020)

interesting take on the female experience

[8/10 · 13 April 2021]

Can't believe how dense the reviewers are here. This movie clearly went above most of their heads. It a taught, exceptionally well executed film. The main character is so well thought out and layered; we feel her anxiety growing and growing and are totally sucked in. There are some really fantastically filmed surreal scenes here too, which only heighten the dread and confusion of the protagonist (I'm sure this is where the reviewers got lost). Overall this is a very clever take on what it's like in a (still..) male-dominated world. Watch it with your eyes and ears fully open, or you will miss the point.

Creepshow 2 (1987)

best episodic horror film ever! (and its a sequel!)

[10/10 · 13 April 2021]

Recently rewatched this (after watching the fun new Creepshow series) and was simply tickled - it totally holds up! Each story has a great lesson too for the kiddies: The Chief: you have to have respect for your elders, or you will get murdered (also vanity a big no no here) - The Raft: hubris will get you ever time (also don't try to feel girls up while they sleep! Ew!) - also pay attention to signs... - The Hitchhiker: If you have to ask yourself 'can I live with this?', the answer is 100% NO. Also don't smoke and drive. And have affairs. And be privileged. -- The Raft used to be my favorite one, because the 'thing' in it is so cool - such a unique predator! And the actors are so committed -- but my 2021 fav is the Hitchhiker - simply because the actors, Mrs. Lansing and the H-hiker, are both so great in their parts. They both deserve horror Oscars in my book ('Kings' maybe?) - If you haven't seen this film, please please do. It's snarky and hilarious!

The Evil Dead (1981)

Spawned a Generation!

[10/10 · 11 April 2021]

This movie is still the best in its genre, all these years later! Yes, the reboot was pretty creepy and well done, but nothing captures the Sam Rami wit and brilliance like this low budget classic. The special effects are a class in what you can do with some green goo and exploding latex and make it hilarious and scary!