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Good Grief (2023)
Nice attempt...just incorrect casting
I admire Dan Levy. He's a great comedic actor. But when he does something dramatic...something feels off. Actors often know the extent of their abilities. Not to say some cant break the mold. But when we see Dan we often want to smile and he enables this by his continues smirks. And there were many times in this film a serious scene was happening and we get that smirk from Dan that makes us think we're going to laugh and we dont. So the entire film felt off. I didn't feel the friends meshed well with him well or covincingly. There were quite a few subplots that really weren't needed. The Paris boyfriend really wasn't explained well either. So while I love that Dan is writing more truthful types of material...something was just off with this. Either casting, direction, or maybe the script wasn't fully executed.
John Carpenter's Suburban Screams (2023)
This format is so dated and done a hundred times
There is nothing special about this series. If you've seen any of the HAUNTING shows on Travel Channel where you have real life people talking to the camera in a documentary type format and then go to reenactments...you've pretty much seen everything. Its kind of a bummer cause I was expecting more. I guess this is Peacock's attempt to gain those supernatural viewers since Warner Bros Discovery has merged with Discovery and Travel Channel and Destinations Channel. Same idea as the 11 seasons of A HAUNTING 15 years running. Or even Eli Roth's: A Ghost Ruined my Life, etc. I guess if you just want short segments real quick its ok...but really nothing great.
The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)
Stellar cast hindered by its length
This adaptation of The Fall of the House of Usher isn't terrible. Its very loosely based on the Edgar Allan Poe story. Its a decent series...but its excessively long 8 episodes drains the viewer to thinking its worse than it is. I really feel this would have worked better as a movie with a faster pace.
It's expertly directed by Mike Flanagan and Michael Fimognari (who's episodes seem to add a certain extra visual quality to them, probably due to his experience as a cinematographer). Its a slow gothic story that unfortunately pulls you out of the story with its modern day references and interpretations of our current political issues.
Carla Gugino hits it out of the park and Mary McDonnell would have been great if it weren't for her strange wig that left the viewer fixated asking...why the wig & bangs? The younger version of Mary McDonnells character Madeline played by Willa Fitzgerald is amazing. Its also fun to see Mark Hamill which I didn't even recognize. Carl Lumbly also give a fantastic performance.
The series isn't bad. But it isn't Flanagan's best. I do believe if it had been tightened up it could have been more effective.
Overall its another solid entry from Flanagan and his yearly shows that premiere each fall. Just get comfortable on the couch.
28 Days Haunted (2022)
Good idea...poor execution
Well the pros to this show is at least it's a twist on an already boring genre. I also like that they're not visiting the traditional old haunts every other paranormal team goes too. (However I have seen a show where a TRVL channel show visited Grant Inn). But the other two locations were new to me. But it's funny how they recycle the same old people for these shows. Shane Pittman was on the cancelled Holzer Files. Jereme was on the Ghosts of Morgan City. And how lucky for us he brought his stupid electro-hat which was the big grand finale in that show too.
I did like some of the newer folks. I liked both female psychics...but I did feel the other male characters where being pretty rude to them. Seemed uncalled for. That Ray guy who was complaining Amy wasn't pulling her weight was a complete jerk. What exactly did he do? Turn a Rimpod on and off? The Aaron guy barely had a line other than a brief crying scene when he was criticized.
The entire Tony Spera thing was dumb. Like we're supposed to believe these guys are sitting watching these folks for 28 days was so stupid. Clearly they had to include him somehow to get the Warren estate approval and connection.
The funny thing is...can they really lie to us like this? I guess so. We ALL know those folks aren't staying in these places for 28 days. The production costs would be astronomical for that.
Not sure how to make this show better. Change some of the cast. Lose the Tony Spera monitor watching part. I'm learning this MAK Pictures company making these shows really aren't very good with paranormal programming. They also did Ghosts of Devils Perch, Ghosts of Morgan City, Ghosts of Sheperdstown. All were narrative crafted paranormal shows. But they just dont come off as real. Neither does this show.
What they did right was make only 6, 30-minute episodes. Easy to watch in one setting which will drive the viewership numbers up.
The Rental (2020)
Two films in one.
This movie isn't bad technically. And I'm impressed with Dave Franco's ability to direct. The problem with this film is its two films in one. The first hour 15 minutes is basically a drama about infidelity with a dash of racism thrown in. It's a worthy plot and idea in itself. The characters buildup are about these 4 people (two couples) in a slow burn film mystery. But then all of a sudden it turns to a slasher movie (mimicking Halloween and Friday the 13th) for really no reason at all. And the last 20 minutes in itself was ok as that genre. But they didn't mesh together. It threw the point of the character buildup out the window. And so we're left to fall back on a slasher movie which had no reasoning or buildup of who it was or why they were killing. So you have two movies here. First half doesn't get a proper ending. The second horror movie part doesn't have a beginning. It's a shame, really, when you had decent actors with decent performances. Good camerawork and cinematography...all for nothing. It's worth a watch. Just don't expect to have an ending...or at least a reasonable one.
Prehistoric Planet (2022)
Great, but a tad monontanous.
Definitely enjoyed this Planet World offshoot with the glorious David Attenborough. And the special effects are amazing. Its a worthy watch. But I'm not sure its worth a 5-night show. A simple 2-hour movie would have been fine as a lot of the same dinosaurs are repeated in the different episodes. And note...its very G-rated. No killing of other animals and even few "fights". I've seen more graphic things on National Geographic. And the mating scenes obscured by plant leaves just came off as odd. But scientifically speaking, I'm not sure how they could know all this by just fossils. A lot of the theories are based on modern day animal interactions. Like mating, hunting and surviving techniques. More than likely a lot of it is correct, but they cant know all of what they portray. One thing I didn't like was they never showed a map of planet Earth during this time. I have no idea what the continents looked like or when they claim the seas of North or South America, etc. I'd like to have seen a reference point to where these oceans were the met the sahara like desert, etc. Overall I give it a B+
Mystery Incorporated: Welcome to Coolsville (2022)
Noble effort but slightly off.
First off I think this is the best live action adaptation of Scooby Doo we've seen to date. So for that I commend them. But this show is definitely in the same family of Riverdale and it shows a bit too much. There's is far too much high school drama when there should be more mystery solving. Battling a new villian each episode is what I was expecting and not who is going to be homecoming queen. I'd like to see this be more Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Buffy the Vampire Slayer....and less Riverdale or any other HS show. The cast is acceptable but not extraordinary. I feel Shaggy is the best cast. Fred is acceptable but we miss the blond hair and the signature scarf. (Are there no blond actors in Hollywood?) Velma is as expected and worthwhile albeit the cartoon version of her is far more practical and scientific than this occult studying version of her. Remember Velma was never a believer in the supernatural. Daphne I'm not sure about. The hair doesn't seem right however they got her lavendar outfits right. Overall its a slow start because we've seen it all before. I'd like to see each episode look more like their movie poster and promotional material. Darker cinematography investigating haunted houses and such and always revealing the whodunit. They just need to drop the HS stuff. Not one cartoon ever showed them in HS. If they need a gathering place it needs to be the diner, library, bookstore, etc. Or possibly they hang out in the police station (where Shaggy's dad works) and thats where they hear about the villians and solve the mysteries they overhear. But its a noble effort with some tweaking.
The Ghost Town Terror (2022)
Updated review. Cant believe there is a Season 2
Sorry guys. This is a 100% scripted show. The entire location is a movie location that also serves as a bed & breakfast. They have yearly ghost festivals, music festivals. I even doubt this is a real town and its fabricated sets.
A movie from Syfy starring (get this) the Backstreet Boys called Dead 7 was filmed here in 2016. The Montana Film board is very active and all sorts of shows are filmed in the area because of movie tax credits. Enjoy their insta page: I cant link to it just search for Gunslinger Gulch on your social media and here on IMDB.
If you want to pretend this is real...great. Good for you. Enjoy it. But for those of you thinking this isn't a scripted show, well, its proof it is.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)
Who greenlit this pic?
The original film was made on a shoestring budget and evoked fear and compassion for the characters. 50 years later this film probably had an enormous budget, and was obviously not even filmed in Texas. The set looked like part of the Universal Studios backlot tour. I wont even mention how dumb the entire premise is like there is a perfectly in tact ghost town that really isn't a ghost town because two people are living there. But all the main street lights still work and the theatre marque, etc. That set aside...the casting was TERRIBLE. I didn't care about any of them except the Richter guy and the two cops. Everyone else was just terribly miscast.
Wasn't that original as it was a mash up of Halloween movies and The House of Wax premise.
Only props goes to the amount of gore. And since we were rooting for the entire cast to die anyways...and least that was done well.
Project Runway (2004)
Something has changed in Season 19
I'm not sure what happened but Season 19 is considerably different than 18. I feel like the entire budget for the show was cut in half. Karlie Kloss is gone. So now its just the 3 judges and Christian bouncing back and forth hosting duties. The group staying in what looks like a miserable townhome with kids beds piled up. (I would hate to live in a room with like 4 other adults in single beds). And this season is really political. Contestants winning for political reasons rather than design. I have a feeling this will be the last season unless things dramatically improve. The editing of the show is off and is designed more for drama than showcasing the talent. Get it together PR and Bravo! Or just end this show. Heidi & Tim were smart to leave a few seasons ago when they did.
Malignant (2021)
Not what you'd expect
Sometimes the advertising for a film really needs to be more in line with the product or you'll be disappointed. Definitely not a high quality scare film amd more along the lines of a funny 80s horror. I think this film could have been better if a "name" was attached to the film. But I see why there wasn't once you watch it. Dont expect much and you'll be ok. If you're expecting a high quality horror you'll be sorely disappointed.
The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch (2020)
Was this a comedy?
I kept waiting for the new corporate owner to start petting a hairless cat during his video chats.
Ratched (2020)
Nod to Hitchcock...minus the substance
Hands down the cinematography is amazing. In fact, it might be too amazing because I often find it distracting as I'm looking at the sets rather than paying any attention to the storyline or the actors. I think this series would have been far more interesting as a movie with different actors. The Ryan Murphy universe is destroying itself by the fluff stories and the same actors. I understand dedication to a number of his main players...but it hurts his artistic endeavor when we're comparing this series as a companion series to American Horror Story. That could have been avoided with different cast. The writing is fairly poor but the outstanding actors do the best they can with it. I think its time for Ryan Murphy to expand his vision and try something new.
Believers (2020)
We've seen this before...
Same exact concept as all the other paranormal reenactment shows. A Haunting, Paranormal Witness, etc. I think its kind of funny everyone's reviews actually think these are real or even based on reality. As a former actor here in LA...I can tell you these shows are all actors. I've seen the script breakdowns of actors for the reenactments and the actors playing the real life character. All these shows do the same thing. The problem with BELIEVERS is they aren't even trying to make it real or do any research. The episode where the police guy is in Flagstaff, AZ. Clearly the writer or even the editors B-roll shots have no clue that Flagstaff is in the mountains surrounded by forest. But they say its a small desert city and show pics of the desert. Plus one of the actors from a previous segment is in it again. Just bad stuff. Most of these shows come out of Canada though.
Into the Unknown (2020)
Overhyped scenarios
This show is kind of rubbish. It's clearly an exaggerated actor's version of a docu-style show trying to make paranormal claims sound like a survival hunt. I often find myself laughing. Its so stereotypical and outlandish. In-shape older ex-military guy roughing the wild trying to find Bigfoot. Oh...and lets make him British to make it seem more exciting cause we already have Don Wildman doing the same show under a different title. And everything is like rushed like at any minute the creature is gonna attack. Just eliminates any kind of credibility to the investigations. There might be sightings of a bigfoot creature in the Mojave Desert. Thats fine. But investigate that instead of leaving oranges in a trap. Just absurd.
Buried Worlds with Don Wildman (2020)
Really disappointing....
I've always enjoyed shows with Don Wildman. I've always felt he was generally telling us the truth and showing us factual, interesting places from around the world. This is not that kind of show. The entire series is utter nonsense trying to capture (I guess) the supernatural craze that is overtaking TRVL channel. This show isn't even well done. It's surprisingly bad.
Prey (2019)
Expected WAY more...
Wow...I was surprised how bad this was coming from not only Blumhouse Productions (which generally puts decent horror films out) but mainly the director who has done such great work as P2 & Maniac. And Amityville: The Awakening was decent compared to this.
Something is completely off about this film. Poor story (and back story for main character). I thought at first it was going to be like a horror version of Blue Lagoon but it just went off in all different directions. The FX was pretty lame and something was off with the editing or music cause neither contributed to even jump scares. Illogical story that doesn't quite line up. Whole thing should be scrapped.
Penny Dreadful: City of Angels (2020)
Retooling of Penny Dreadful
First off this isn't what I was expecting. I think most of us were expecting the fabled horror stories of legend like the original Penny Dreadful series addressed. But honestly, that series ended and people need to accept that. I admire this new direction for the show. I think they are probably following in the footsteps of AMC's THE TERROR and will have different stories and cast for subsequent seasons. Not a bad idea. As for CITY OF ANGELS....there is a lot to like. It plays off the film noir of 1930s/40s Hollywood. Personally the "supernatural" part of the story feels weak after just one episode, but they are holding true to the original series concept. Overall once you get past that...its quite an enjoyable show.
Planet of the Humans (2019)
Informative but still incomplete
As someone who doesn't know a lot of the inner workings of green technology...I did find some points interesting but I felt the doc was a bit aimless. Heavy on pointing out corruption in the energy sector...the film is quick to point out who is the bad guy...but they never offer any kind of solution forward other than....less people? The title of the film is Planet of the Humans but they never dive into what or how a reduced population would benefit. How many less people? Is the goal to go back to the 1700s when people farmed their own land and only powered by candlelight?
Its a bit of a doomsday doc that doesn't accomplish much other than pointing fingers at environmental groups for "trying" to do something different. Sure money is behind most any industry...but they fail to even mention the cost of continuing with non-renewables or how do we move forward.
El hoyo (2019)
Story about society...
It's a perfect allegory of trickle-down economics and its failure in a capitalistic society...with a splash of religion and human nature.
The Witcher (2019)
Storyline lacking
For someone who doesn't know a thing about THE WITCHER game or books...I have to say this show was lacking. The production values are strong...but the story is very undeveloped for someone coming into this with no knowledge. Henry Cavill is good to watch..but his one-line, deep-voice, Batman-like delivery doesn't work for me. (Maybe this is how the game is). The swish sound of the swords are very animated and sounds like a video game. That was my first hint to google this and see if this was based on a game. So for followers of the game I'm sure they are thrilled with this adaptation. For someone who just tuned in to see a well developed show...it's quite lacking.
Ghost Bait (2019)
Pointless
This is really a lousy show. I don't understand the point of it and little is accomplished. I guess the point is to overcome your fear. But its done so sloppy. And the burlap bag head sack is such a stupid scary movie gimmick. It delegitimizes the entire show in my opinion. The show is only 30 minutes for a reason.
Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal (2008)
Great show that is largely ignored
This review is for the 2019 reboot.
What a great show. The bring back the former psychic kids from 10 years ago to help new kids. Its really one of the most realistic and spookiest shows out there. I was often on the edge of my seat. But for some reason it seems A&E just forgot about the show. Guessing the ratings were bad. It seemed after halfway through they changed nights and quietly just put all the shows up on demand at one time. Really bad rollout. But this was one of the best shows out there if you get a chance to watch it.
Ghost Hunters (2004)
Another reboot?!?!?
Man...how many times are they going to reboot this show? Clearly the people running Discovery thinks there is viewership attached to the name because its definitely not the quality of the show. 14 years ago this might have been interesting but the field has changed. At least the premiere episode had Amy and Adam from Kindred Spirits show up...and Dustin returned which offered some interest...because Jason, Steve and Tango are just boring. I dont see this lasting. Just like GhostHunters on A&E didn't last. Now that Discovery acquired the name...I dont see this lasting either.
Ghosts of Morgan City (2019)
Meh...just ok
Its hard to fix a show in its 3rd season by recasting everyone and moving locations. This is just an expansion of Ghosts of Sheperdstown, which certainly had it problems. Mainly with bad casting and a forced plot. Smartly they brought in Ben Hansen to lead this show and even the psychic lady is ok. But the other more local guy is kinda weird and his role isn't that defined. I see what they're doing here. Combing a list of paranormal investigations into an overall story arc. Bit hard to do successfully and It comes off as just "Meh". I have a feeling this show will just disappear. I think it suffers from just trying too hard. I'd like to see Ben Hansen paired with Katrina Weidman (from the abysmal Jack Osbourne driven show Portals to Hell) and pair these two.