joriethomas Reviews

Pet Sematary: Bloodlines (2023)

Worst Pet Semetary yet, wasted cast.

[3/10 · 8 October 2023]

I gave it 3 because the cast was great and had they had a good script, this movie would have been amazing, even though Samantha Mathis never spoke.

I loathed the remake but even this tops it... The plot holes for one are as big as the pet semetary. Jud told Louis he had buried his dog in the pet semetary when he was a boy, so he would've known about it. I'm also highly doubting that Manny and Donna wouldn't know the legend since their tribe is native to there. The eye thing was never a thing either.

The characters were dumb, even dumber than most horror movie characters. The descendants knew and were prepared but were taken out easily.

I'm doubting in all that time, only one other corpse made it in the ground?!

I would've given this movie an extra star if the girlfriend would've been killed and came back. Why would she be left alive 😕 makes no sense except to give it a happy ending which doesn't fit pet semetary at all. 👎

A Good Person (2023)

A good movie

[10/10 · 31 August 2023]

I really don't understand where any of the negativity for this movie came but it was beautiful. It's heartbreaking, honest, dark, and yet humorous. All the characters were so well written and even better acted. How Florence doesn't have an Oscar yet is a tragedy. I loved how raw it was, I've never been an addict but I could feel her pain and the layers of trauma and pain through the father really shone. I really appreciated how the trauma and pain is what brought them together and helped with the healing. Great movie and will watch again when I need a really healing cry or to remind myself that no trauma is beyond healing.

Scream VI (2023)

They're getting it back

[9/10 · 23 March 2023]

5 was eh but they definitely brought it back with 6. I was upset about their treatment of Neve and hope they do eventually do right and bring her back with adequate pay, I'd also like to see Patrick Dempsey back. Was happy to see Kirby, she was my favorite, a Tatum and Randy mix that I hope to see again. I love that they're following the formula, having a parent of the killer as the killer x2 with siblings. Only way a 7 will work is someone deep rooted has to re-emerge as in Scream 3 with Roman. Was happy Gale didn't die, she truly has more lives than a cat. As long as they bring back Sidney and continue to freshen the movies, I could go for 4 more at least.

M3GAN (2022)

1T'S A W1NN3R

[10/10 · 11 January 2023]

Upon initially seeing the trailer, I thought it looked really good but after seeing them really push the marketing so heavily, I became worried the movie would be bad. My initial instinct was right though. It's so much deeper than what you'd expect, really delves into a lot of psychological issues with Gemma and Cady, both perfectly acted by the way. I expect to see Violet and her sister (Madeline McGraw from Black phone) be Oscar winners one day. There was so much more to this movie than a killer AI doll. It was genuinely entertaining with comedic spots to break up the dark. Can't wait for the sequel!

The Now (2021)

Should have been renewed

[10/10 · 1 January 2023]

I liked Quibi a lot and they had some really great content and I was excited that Roku bought their content but with that being said, I'm pissed that they haven't renewed any of it. Of all the stuff I watched, this was easily the best and had so much potential for another season with Dummy being a close second. I love the dark comedy and it's well written as well as acted. Sad they canceled.

This whole bs of so many characters is getting old really fast since the best reviews are usually short and sweet; we don't need wannabe critics and/or wannabe jacket writers writing a synopsis of the content or going on forever and a day to meet the required characters.

Terrifier 2 (2022)

Sub plot fail

[7/10 · 1 November 2022]

I really liked the first and of course due to the hype took the challenge of seeing it in theaters. I love slasher films and the gross factor intrigued me greatly but they added too many sub plots that went nowhere. I enjoyed the movie despite some very bad acting and the aforementioned pointless subplots. I'm fine with a slasher film that has no other meaning than mayhem and murder; however, why add all these stories to not complete them? It got really ridiculous in the end and kind of ruined the overall movie, especially when compared to the original that played by no typical rules. Fun gore fest but truly became more comedic and face palm near the middle. I want to see Art the clown more and hope they can redeem themselves, story wise anyway, in a franchise. The movie did well enough in theaters to warrant another installment.

Short Term 12 (2013)

Beautiful movie

[9/10 · 1 November 2022]

I first found this movie as part of a training for my work as I have been a residential counselor/child care worker for over a decade now and this movie was part of a required training to point out all that they did wrong. Great movie though and almost hits what we do on the head. The job is fairly unknown to the outside world but this movie really got a lot right. Sad it's not more known and praised as it speaks volumes and now has 2 academy award winners in it. LaKieth should really be included in that for this performance alone. I worked with a lot of troubled kids, having my own trauma as well and the movie really touches on that dynamic. All the actors truly shine.

Halloween Ends (2022)

Sad letdown

[3/10 · 14 October 2022]

Wanted to like this movie even though I had low expectations after Halloween Kills, which in my honest opinion was terrible. There were some good and fun kills but that's about it. I was busting up laughing the majority of the movie which wasn't the intention I'd assume. There was unnecessary sub plots that became main plots that no one asked for, took almost an hour to even see Michael. I seriously got so bored, I started checking my email. The ending was lackluster and had no depth. Also, forgotten stuff from Halloween kils like why Michael stared out the window? His house wasn't even in this movie. Ugh, just a mess.

Monster High: The Movie (2022 TV Movie)

Cute, could be better.

[8/10 · 11 October 2022]

I'm a huge fan of monster high and would've preferred a continuation of the older movies but this was cute. I hated the last attempt at a reboot but they rebooted again a bit better. They did my favorite Abbie Bominable a bit dirty in this movie though and would've preferred a better version of Ghoulia; also where were Manny and Claude?! Some of the main characters were missing or poorly done. Other than a few minor gripes, it was cute and I loved Frankie! I'd like to see this continue on and see where it goes. I wish the original would keep going but I'll watch this too. Could've been better but definitely Could've been way worse.

Clerks III (2022)

Amazing addition

[10/10 · 2 October 2022]

This movie made me laugh and cry then laugh again, then cry again. Kevin Smith and the cast outdid themselves with this one. Great addition to the askewnverse! Went back to the basics and there was so much only true fans would notice and fully appreciate. Got the pleasure of seeing this during the tour and Kevin spoke before and after it. It was fun hearing what cities reacted to what parts and proud to say, he said Sacramento was the only city so far out of 18 that reacted for Elias standing up to Randall. I can't wait to see what he brings next, love Kevin Smith and the universe he's created.

The Munsters (2022)

Nope

[1/10 · 28 September 2022]

I'm a huge fan of Rob zombie and Sheri Moon Zombie but I'm a bigger fan of the Munsters. The characters looked good (although Lily was supposed to be green) but Herman's voice was noticeably bad and Sheri's acting as Lily was extremely bad. Grandpa was the only good part. The story was an uncohesive mess. I was so bored and annoyed I had to push myself through it taking multiple breaks. Fred Gwynn and Yvonne DeCarlo are turning over in their graves right now. I don't know what Rob was thinking if he's truly a fan, he didn't capture any of the Munster charm at all, this was painfully terrible. Only good part was Grandpa, Zorbo, the house, and Spot. The occasional throw back Herman laugh was good too.

Flowers in the Attic: The Origin (2022)

Almost perfect

[9/10 · 11 August 2022]

So as a huge fan of the books, I was so excited to see an adaptation of garden of shadows. They added some to it but it fit well so wasn't upset at all but I felt it softened some edges that needed to be hardened to make sense for the follow ups. Olivia was always jealous and cruel to Corrine which made sense for follow ups. Otherwise, it was perfect.

Thirteen (2003)

Glad if you think this is not realistic

[10/10 · 29 July 2022]

One of my favorite indies. This was me at 13 and I'm the same age as Evan. Great movie that needs to be seen by parents. The coming of age story people don't want to see but is all too real. Brilliant script and acting.

The Black Phone (2021)

Thriller horror is revived!

[10/10 · 29 June 2022]

Such a great movie! Had funny moments, sweet moments, scary moments, etc. Every character was so well written and acted, the story is scary in a reality based way. The jump scares were great but there was so much going on under the surface, you got implications without everything having to be shoved in your face. We need more movies like this. It was almost traumatizing to watch but enjoyed every second.

The Langoliers (1995)

Great adaptation

[9/10 · 24 June 2022]

This was and is one of my favorite Stephen King adaptations. It was a great story and the actors were all really good. Yes, it was early CGI and effects were hard for that time, it was also a made for a TV miniseries. With all of Stephen King's work being remade with bigger budgets, I'd love to see this get a reboot simply for technology, maybe even bring back some of the original actors. I just hope they do it right if they do, I hated the new Pet Semetary and Firestarter was bland.

Father of the Bride (2022)

Nope

[2/10 · 17 June 2022]

I walked in with an open mind, the Steve Martin one was a remake and I loved it. Not to mention, I love Andy Garcia and Gloria Esteban but this was a waste of time. Not all remakes are bad but this one was. No heart, no humor, no enjoyability. Sad really.

I, Tonya (2017)

Great movie and all Oscar worthy performances

[10/10 · 17 June 2022]

Tonya Harding will live in infamy but I like that this movie humanized her without making excuses. It was handled well but it was a heartbreaking watch to see such a talented and gifted woman be treated so badly by the people who were supposed to love her the most. All the performances were so great.

Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995)

Raw storytelling

[9/10 · 14 June 2022]

If this movie didn't hit home, count your blessings. It's such an honest anf brutal look at being the awkward girl and angry girl and even highlighted the bully who was suffering at home. The 90s were cruel to a lot of us, even teachers participated in the bullying at times. So much young talent in this. I will say, it's a good lesson in how not to be a parent too, was so sad and painful to watch the bullying at home.

The Twin (2022)

Great Elevated horror/ suspense thriller

[9/10 · 10 May 2022]

Not really seeing where all the bad reviews are coming from, maybe they didn't finish the movie? Teresa shines, her acting ability is Oscar worthy. I went from thinking it was a haunting, to the omen, to midsummer, to real life. The greatest horror is reality and this movie nailed it. I was crying at the end, her pain was real.

Third Watch (1999–2005)

Best show ever to grace the screen

[10/10 · 1 May 2022]

I used to watch this with my mom who was a retired police officer and she said no other show nailed the reality better than this one. The stories and characters were handled so well and never one dimensional. I laughed, I cried, I was left with an impact. The fact that there were real firemen and officers in the show definitely shone through. I can't believe it only lasted 6 seasons, I'd still be watching it if it were on. Of all the shows that deserve a revival, this one is the most. So glad I found all seasons on Roku, in case you're looking for it.

Never Goin' Back (2018)

Fun ride

[8/10 · 7 April 2022]

There really aren't enough stoner buddy female movies and this one was great. I love the girls' personalities and both actresses nailed it. It's frustrating that all these types of characters are usually written for men so it's refreshing to see women break out of the norm.

Mass (2021)

Powerful

[10/10 · 5 April 2022]

Whenever a movie can thrive in a one room setting and purely rely on the dynamic between the people, it's a win. The acting is Oscar worthy from all but the story is so powerful and painful. I feel like Columbine was the inspiration due to similarities. We often forget that the "monsters" were human and that their families are human. You felt the pain and sympathy for all of them. It's easy to feel for the parents of the victims but imagine losing a child but your child was the killer. You have to mourn them and their actions, suffer alone, be hated, etc. Right up there with We need to talk about Kevin.

Master (I) (2022)

Solid attempt

[6/10 · 5 April 2022]

The ending was a mess, all the build up and seasoning throughout and at the end, no resolve. Maybe it's supposed to be a you decide for yourself what the ending was type but I needed a little more. I had a feeling the teacher was dark and somehow involved early on. I get that the subtle racism is the ghost but still, would've appreciated a little more. I agree that the script was very jumbled and jumped from genres like crazy as if it couldn't figure itself out but I liked that to be honest, making reality the ghost story. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and performances were amazing. Just wished for more at the end.

Love Stinks (1999)

Solid unromantic comedy!

[8/10 · 1 March 2022]

So I'm noticing a lot of women don't like this movie because they thinks it's woman bashing but there are women like this, more than you'd think. How many movies are there that make men look bad while portraying the women as poor sweet victims?! I'm a woman and loved this movie, it was hilarious and brilliant.

2:37 (2006)

Thought provoking and powerful

[9/10 · 29 December 2021]

I really loved the way this movie handled the subject matter. It's such a real look into the lives of teens. All of them carrying their own stress, depression, traumas, etc. The whole movie you're really trying to figure it out and just like everyone else in the movie, you missed it. The sweet and quiet girl, helping everyone else and fading into the background. No one ever asked if she was okay, too busy wrapped up in their own lives. Really highlights how we never really know what's going on in someone's life.