Kaat1220 Reviews

Riverdale: Chapter Seventy-Four: Wicked Little Town (2020) Season 4, Episode 17

They got it right this time!

[10/10 · 26 August 2022]

Out of loyalty to the show, I suffered through all of the other horrible musicals.

However, I absolutely LOOOOVED this one!

There was a nice balance between the regular show and musical portion; the songs were better, their voices were amazing, and there was an excellent message about tolerance.

No more suffering through the musical to be loyal; it was an absolute treat.

Way to go Riverdale!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All About Steve (2009)

I Don't Get the Negative Reviews

[10/10 · 7 November 2021]

What so many do not like about this movie is exactly why I love it.

Sandra Bullock's comedic timing is brilliant. She manages to be hilarious, weird, odd, smart, awkward, and a little sad all at the same time. It's odd, to be sure, but that is what makes it work. It's hard being who you are, especially when those around you do not appreciate your uniqueness and want you to fit in.

Those who think it's a bad movie are not paying attention . . .

The Killer Inside Me (2010)

Disturbingly Brilliant!

[9/10 · 10 January 2019]

The weird thing about this movie is that through all the horrific violence that this man committed, I rooted for him when he was chasing down the blackmailer through the streets. For some reason, I did not want him to get caught.

I find my reaction disturbing on so many levels.

Casey did a brilliant job at making you root for this very damaged man.

You could see that he did not really want to kill the two women. I think he actually loved Joyce, and deeply cared about Amy. I guess he felt that his reasons justified the murders. Not any actor could show compassion in his face while committing a murder. I am becoming a Casey fan.

He wanted to be good; he just didn't know how.

Mother! (2017)

There Are Things That Should Never Be Done

[1/10 · 10 January 2019]

This movie does not work on so many levels. There is no way that a crowd would show up at someone's house then simply destroy it, and do all of the horrific things that are shown in this movie.

Once the baby was born, I had a bad feeling so I looked up what would happen, and STOPPED watching.

Showing a poor baby getting his neck broken, then being cannibalized is something that should NEVER be done for ANY REASON.

Some directors think that anything and everything is justified to the sake of art.

Well, it is NOT.

This is nothing more than torture porn by the end.

This is BY FAR, the worst movie I have ever seen. It was doing great until about 40 minutes before the end.

If you are sensitive, steer clear of this crap.

Halloween (I) (2018)

Close Enough to Perfect!

[9/10 · 17 December 2018]

I loved this, and let's get real. The acting in this is far superior than in the original movie. Laurie Strode's two friends in the original could not act; they were horrible.

But I do have one quibble about Michael.

Michael Myers takes slow, measured steps. He is never too slow, nor is he too quick, and he NEVER turns his head; he turns his entire body.

In this version, he sometimes moves too quickly, and turns his head which is a bit off-putting to me. He also made a slight sound when Laurie stabbed him through the door.

Except for those two issues, I absolutely loved this version.

I really missed Loomis though. He cannot be replaced.

I Am a Ghost (2012)

Brilliant little film!

[10/10 · 16 December 2018]

I was not bored, not even for a second. This film managed to keep me rooted to my seat with ONE actress. I get bored easily, but this grabbed and kept my attention.

I felt incredible empathy for this girl when usually I am shouting at the screen at the stupidity of the main character. The actress managed to come across as intelligent, likable, and so very, very lost.

I was at first conflicted about the ending, but then I got it. She remembered Sylvia's mantra "I am a ghost." All the other ghosts were disappearing, and there was a look of horror on the man's face, so I think she made it out.

Gotta tell you though, I sat there, holding my breath, half-expecting her to start cooking eggs again.

This is an elegant, absolutely gorgeous film.

Marrowbone (2017)

A Film About Family, Love, and Loss . . .

[10/10 · 27 November 2018]

If you think this is a movie that is about restless spirits, this may not be for you.

It is a beautiful but tragic movie with actors/actresses who turn in seasoned performances far beyond their years.

There is a difference between hauntings and being haunted.

Hereditary (2018)

You Had Me Until the End

[6/10 · 26 November 2018]

What started as, and through most of the movie, was a film about grief and loss (with a bit of supernatural thrown in), turned into utter crap at the end.

It's like this film is made by two filmmakers: one puts a lot of thought into the characters and their development, and one who wants to "play" and take a dump on such a beautiful creation.

I also must say that this is the first time that Gabriel Byrne has turned in a less-than exemplary performance. He comes off as indifferent, cold, and rather impatient with his wife throughout the entire movie. He is actually bordering on unlikeable.

The only thing that I can equate this film with is when Axl Rose delivers a stunning vocal performance only to "f" it up in the end by holding notes too long and sounding utterly ridiculous.

I am seriously upset, AND stunned.

What WERE they thinking?

The Devil's Candy (2015)

This is Awesome!

[10/10 · 2 June 2017]

I don't usually go for this type of horror. I generally prefer the atmospheric haunting movies because I take comfort in knowing they may not be real.

However, this is the type of horror movie that deals with REAL horror.

Those things that happen every day, and it FREAKED me the f out.

I have always loved Pruitt Taylor Vince, and he is awesome in this. I never cared for Ethan Embry UNTIL now.

This is the genre he needs to keep doing; he absolutely shines.

Shiri Appleby and Kiara Glasco are great in their parts, but the two main leads are the stars of this horror show.

God, it took me to a place I did not want to go. But it was brilliant!

The Bye Bye Man (2017)

Do Not Believe the Negatives!

[8/10 · 29 May 2017]

I don't understand why so many hate this movie! It's certainly better than any of the Paranormal franchise. I usually go for the slow burn, atmospheric movies, but I found this scary and entertaining.

It's simple to follow, and there are plenty of scares. It's not too complicated so it doesn't get tangled up in itself.

If you like movies like "Candyman" or "Boogey Man," you will probably like this.

The only way to know is to watch and decide for yourself.

Caché (2005)

This Film Lost Me At a Certain Scene

[1/10 · 5 May 2017]

I was quite enjoying this film UNTIL they cut the head off of a real chicken.

If you are an animal advocate or animal lover, do not watch this film.

I stopped watching. They could have easily faked this scene. I have no respect for any filmmaker who will kill an animal for entertainment.

No excuse for this . . .

The Human Stain (2003)

Hopkins and Kidman Work Well Together . . .

[9/10 · 23 January 2016]

I want to be careful not to give too much away. I don't think I have ever seen a bad Anthony Hopkins film. I almost did not watch because I thought it would be too unsettling to see sex scenes between Hopkins and Kidman.

However, the intimacy between Kidman and Hopkins comes across as genuine, and the movie was extremely tasteful when dealing with the sexual part of their relationship.

Kidman shines in this film as a damaged, uneducated woman tormented by her tragic past. Gary Sinise and Ed Harris are, as always, excellent in their roles.

Anthony Hopkins is one of the best actors of all time. He is able to show so much depth and emotion without trying. He manages to always come across as likable (even in the Hannibal movies).

If your movies have to be filled with nudity, explosions, and special effects, this is probably not for you.

However, if you like movies that deal with the inner workings of two complicated and diverse people, you will probably enjoy this.

Forget all of the reviews, and judge for yourself.

Jamie Marks Is Dead (2014)

I Would Have Loved This More If . . .

[7/10 · 19 January 2016]

I liked this movie and how it skirts around the issue of Adam's sexuality. While he seems interested in his girlfriend, there is definite interest in Jamie. I like how they use Adam feeding Jamie words in place of consummating a sexual relationship. However, I am glad that they never took it further. It was a beautiful and confusing friendship.

That being said . . .

I took points off due to the deer hanging from the basketball hoop the entire winter. Please tell me they did not kill a deer just to stick it in a movie? Even if it were killed for food, it is disrespectful to leave it out that long.

This movie has a message that we should all be more compassionate toward each other, but you have a once-living thing strung up the entire movie and no one thinks twice about it.

I found it sad, disturbing, and distracting . . .

I almost stopped watching.

The Mirror (III) (2014)

A Decent Horror Film

[7/10 · 10 October 2015]

I actually liked this movie. I enjoyed it a lot more than The Paranormal Activity franchise. I was bored to tears when I watched those movies.

However, this movie had just enough happening to keep me interested.

The actors were pretty good, and they are kids, so that explains their decisions made throughout the film. Too many people pick apart every single thing about this movie. It's a horror movie; it's not bloody Shakespeare, and I've yet to see an absolutely perfect film.

Watch it with an open mind, and ignore the little things.

It's better than many movies out there.

One Missed Call (2008)

Don't Believe the Negatives

[10/10 · 30 September 2015]

I am giving this a ten to balance out all of the unfair reviews. Does this movie reinvent the horror genre? No. However, it has a unique plot and two strong leads with Shannyn Sossamon and Edward Burns.

Too many people rate horror movies based on how bloody or action-packed they are. I am one of those viewers that does not want to see bloody arms and legs everywhere.

This is a good, solid horror film that does not need a lot of gore to remain interesting.

I think that this movie will find its audience and end up being a cult favorite.

The Gallows (2015)

A Solid Horror Movie UNTIL the End

[7/10 · 25 September 2015]

SPOILERS AHEAD!

I did not hate this movie, and I believe it deserves a higher rating. I have seen a lot of bad horror films, but this is not one of them. I was set to give it a ten to balance out the negative reviews - until the ending. The plot was simple (but they managed to screw it up).

Here is the problem. The tragedy happened in 1993, then they fast forward to twenty years later. At the end, they strongly imply that "Pfeifer" is Charlie's daughter. However, if Charlie died twenty years ago, even if his daughter was already conceived, she would be around 19 and out of school.

This could have been fixed by fast forwarding 18 years instead of twenty. There is one other possibility. Since Charlie is a ghost and capable of killing - perhaps, he and his girlfriend supernaturally conceived a few years later. Then his daughter would be the right age. However, that should be made clear if this is the case because most people's minds are not going to go there. It is, more than likely, an error - which really bothers me because they did so well with everything else but managed to forget that the audience can actually count.

I do like the thought that had Reese's father not called in, Reese's father would have died, and Reese would not have been born. So, Charlie feels as if Reese has no right to be on this earth.

The actors could actually act (not always the case with low budget horror). There were plenty of scares to keep me at the edge of my seat.

Due to the age flaw, I cannot give it more than seven (a solid score for horror).

I guess what I am trying to say is that this movie did NOT suck. I really enjoyed it.

The Eclipse (2009)

A lovely little film

[10/10 · 23 September 2015]

I find it a bit hard to quantify what makes this film so spectacular; it just is.

It flows seamlessly from drama to mystery to comedy to horror to romance.

Ciarin Hinds and Iben Hjejle have excellent on screen chemistry. These are two people who have been out in the world and experienced life. Hannah Lynch is not in the film a lot, but she brings much to the role as the caring daughter. Mac the dog does a great job as Ringo (gotta love a dog named after a Beatle).

What makes Ciarin Hinds so special is that he is honest, mysterious, complicated, and vulnerable without even trying. He is a seasoned actor, and I cannot imagine anyone else in the lead role. He's simply a lovely man.

The mark of a great film is that it is over before you want it to be over, and you feel satisfied.

The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976)

Sparkplug Rules!

[7/10 · 15 September 2015]

Andrew Prine turned in a solid performance, but Bud Johnson appeared as if he were reading from a cue card. If you can tell someone is trying to act, they are not doing a great job.

Although Dawn Wells was only in the movie for a brief time, she gave a solid and memorable performance as Helen Reed.

I must say that while I did enjoy this movie for the horror, there is one actor who stole every single scene, and that is Charles B. Pierce as Spark Plug.

A director who can actually act - a rare breed. He was absolutely adorable and hilarious.

Spark Plug rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Harvest (I) (2013)

Major Plothole

[5/10 · 13 September 2015]

Spoiler Alert!

Am I the only person with a brain here? Why was Andy (the teen boy) kidnapped at birth? It cannot be to harvest the organs for a child that did not yet exist. The boy in the basement cannot be more than 8 years old. Even if he looks younger because he is ill, that is still a stretch. He cannot be older than the teen we've been seeing. Now, had they kidnapped the older boy recently, that would work. However, not since birth. It is impossible . . .

As strong as the performances are in this film. I cannot get past this major error. Which is why I give it half of what I would have.

Playback (II) (2012)

Major Plot Hole

[5/10 · 18 August 2013]

It's not a bad movie, but it's not a great movie either. It is also a waste of Christian Slater's talents although his short performance added to the enjoyment of the movie.

However, that being said, this movie revealed a major plot hole early in the film. The legend is that Louis Le Prince (the devil) wanted to steal his son, Adolph's soul by filming Round Hay Garden. He wanted to replace Adolph's soul with his own, and the possession would continue from father to son down through the generations. Then, it was stated that all who appeared in the film died shortly thereafter. Well, that would include Adolph. If Adolph died, Le Prince could not possess him and Adolph could not have a son and possess him, and so on down through the bloodline.

Major flaw and made it hard for me to enjoy the movie.

The Perfect Host (2010)

The Perfect Host is Almost Perfect

[24 October 2011]

I really liked this movie because first, there is David Hyde Pierce. However, I expected him to be great, and he did not disappoint. He was fantastically creepy. Second, I found myself really liking Crawford's character. He initially comes across as the ruthless bad guy and you think, "poor, poor Niles is going to get his head bashed in." Then, through flashbacks, you begin to understand that yes, he is a thief, but he is capable of great love and compassion. You begin to root for him to survive against Pierce's character who is revealed as one sick puppy. I mean, this guy is twisted beyond words. This was an excellent movie with two very diverse male characters.

**Spoiler Alert**

One thing did upset me about the movie. Pierce's character shows a photo album to Crawford's character and one of the photos is an actual autopsy photo of Elizabeth Short aka The Black Dahlia. Hasn't this woman been exploited enough? They had resources; they did not have to be disrespectful to the dead.

The Happening (2008)

A Character Study in Human Nature

[9/10 · 27 August 2010]

I am going to risk getting flamed and give this movie an EXCELLENT review. Why? Because what everyone hated about this film is exactly what I loved about it. We get so used to seeing larger than life heroes save the day and never break a sweat. We are used to seeing blood, guts, and entrails splattering our screens. People will forgive a weak plot (as many horror movies have) if you give them a big, bloody payoff. This film is not so much about "the happening" although that part is terrifying and exciting to watch; after all, how many of us are afraid of losing who we are or going insane? This film is about human nature. It is about how humans behave when everything normal is taken away. Yes, there are some awkward acting parts, but I think that this is done on purpose. I prefer to give Mr. Shyamalan the benefit of the doubt because I have said stupid stuff at the most inappropriate times. The fact is that humans are not perfect; humans do not always say the right thing, and humans can be selfish even when other people's lives are at stake. However, people usually do the right thing and come together. It's an excellent character study in human nature.