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Reviews
The Dark and the Wicked (2020)
Something dark and wicked comes your way....
Something dark and wicked comes your way; albeit, something dramatic and with horror tropes.
If you're like myself; the less I know about the plot of a movie, the better the movie experience.
Yes, this movie contains many horror tropes we've seen before. However, it can't diminish the excellent performances, beautiful cinematography and complimentary score. All melded together, through an intimate and an eerily suffocating family dynamic. All of these elements envelope you, along with the characters own growing feelings of dread and isolation. The film masterfully balances the creepy slow burn, with the jolt scares.
****Spoilers Below****
Ending explained:
The "entity's objective," was actually for Louise to be it's host, not her father.
Now please go back, and rewatch before posting a review.
Chernobyl (2019)
Russian Horror Story
Depicting the real life consequences of actual "fake news".
The power of life and death through propaganda, makes this series incredibly relevant in today's world.
Stunning and haunting cinematography. The writing, is driven with a respect for the hero's history forgot or more accurately, purposefully erased. All captured by powerful yet subtle performances. A must watch for everyone.
Liberated: The New Sexual Revolution (2017)
Limited: The Pretense of The New Documentary
Documentary film makers have a responsibility to its audience, to get to the bottom of a story, to be accurate in the story you're presenting. Simply, to tell the truth.
Not only does this film negate any of the above qualities; the first half hour plays out like an episode of Jersey Shore. Scripted scenes, presented as "reality" included.
A good documentary contains an objective and broad overview of a subject, while zeroing in on its macro and micro societal implications and their effects.
The objective of the film makers own notions, is made obvious, with their chosen location and time period.
Panama resort, during spring break.
Somehow this small world and time period is meant to represent an entire generation and their belief and value system around sex?!
This film does make some valid points surrounding the media's influence on sexuality. However, not enough to lend an validity to the films subject.
The level of integrity, ethical responsibility, and accuracy, for what constitutes a documentary nowadays, is well depicted, in this films shameful direction, about an entire generation.
Luther (2010)
Hyper let down
There was so much hype surrounding this series, I was excited for an intriguing, character driven cop thriller series. Instead I found a highly over rated, formulaic and just down right ridiculous by the end of season 3. Season 1 starts off strong, we're introduced to characters that ultimately prove to be clichés, but were intriguing enough to keep me watching. Unfortunately, the longer I watched the more unbearable the series became.
Past season 1, the more ludicrous the plots became. No other copper seems to be competent enough to solve a case, other than Luther. The character constantly finds himself framed for crimes that have gaping plot holes. Add to that, the idiotic female victims who hide in closets, when there is time to a.) call 999, b.) make a break to escape c.) anything other than hide in such a conspicuous place.
Too many bad clichés and stereotypes undo all the great acting found in this series. Ruth Wilson is one of the only redeeming factors in this absurd, contrived, sorry excuse for a UK crime drama. People who haven't been exposed to so many other brilliant shows will probably find this one... Well, brilliant. To anyone else, don't bother, your reasonable intellect will be the shows undoing.
Knock Knock (2015)
Who's there? Inelegance
First off, I am a fan of Keanu. That may put me in the bottom percent or not, if you're also a fan, but it does give perceptive about this review. I enjoy the thriller genre and Eli Roth has made some artistic and well executed films in this field. Unfortunately, this was not one of them. I watched this movie on DVD and watched "the making of" featurette, in order to understand what the people involved were attempting to create. In one word, art, seemed to be the intent. Both director and writers speak of creating suspense and psychological intensity, neither of which this film offers. As with many movies as of late, the best intentions of those involved, end up being driven by their own ego and ultimately making a film that is just huge disappointment for an audience member. There is nothing artistic or poignant about this drivel. It just ends up being absurd and flat. A character driven story, with characters so cartoonish in nature, I kept waiting for Batman to make an appearance. At least then, there would have been a character with some small amount of intrigue to hold my interest. The acting is quite good, despite an awful script, which is the only reason this picture was given more than 1 star. But hey, at least I had time to finish a rather difficult sudoku puzzle.
Penny Dreadful (2014)
Style and Substance
Delving into the Victorian era, through the iconic fictional horror characters of the time. If you're a fan of Gothic horror, this show needs to be on your must watch list!!! Not only is this show beautifully shot, with a keen eye for for detail but the stories are filled with carefully crafted characters and symbolism. Whether in film or TV,it is rare to have both style and substance in one form of media. Tim Burton films come to mind as an example of great style, thats visually gratifying but rarely does the story really engage it's audience. With the swing of a pendulum, you have a show like Newsroom, rich in dialogue with brilliant pacing, enabling the actors lines to resonate. One is left to feel the full weight of the message long after the shows conclusion. Penny Dreadful captures both the visual and audio senses exceptionally well. With a simple premise of good vs evil the rest of the show is anything but. For myself, I prefer to know very little about whatever movie or show I'm about to watch. I enjoy being totally engrossed while the story and characters unfold and if I go in with a preconceived notion, it can take away from that experience. With that being said this show is worth investing your time. If your a fan of GOOD horror, than this show will not disappoint!