This movie will not be for everyone. But for those who appreciate that sometimes what makes a story great is in the telling, not just the ending, this movie was a beautiful ode to mid-century Gothic literature. Enveloped in well-crafted atmospheric suspense, themes of tragedy, grief, madness, cruelty, fear of the other, and, of course, family secrets, are all handled masterfully by both cast and crew. I highly recommend this for fans of the Gothic romantic. But if you're expecting an intense action-thriller, this is probably not for you!
Reviews
9 Reviews
The Forest
(I) (2016)
Atmospheric romp through Aokigahara
23 April 2022
What do people expect from supernatural horror these days? This is far from a perfect movie, but it is still several steps above a lot of other horror out there. And I disagree with those who say there is nothing new here, afterall even Shakespeare re-used known plots and tropes. However contrived the basic premise may seem to be to some, there is, nevertheless, a real attempt at story and character development in addition to jump scares and a suitably spooky feel . The back story is actually pretty interesting and lends poignance and credibility to the basic set-up. Also plenty of Americans and Brits (and other westerners) are in Japan for various reasons, including teaching English, and many do visit Aokigahara, especially as it becomes more infamous globally, so perhaps the premise is not nearly as contrived as some say. As for something new, while not earth shattering, there were some genuine plot turns (not twists) that, combined with a solid performance from Natalie Dormer, some occasionally above average cinematography, make this more than "just" a formulaic genre film. Again, the film is hardly perfect, but if you enjoy atmospheric supernatural horror, then this film is worth your time. If you're not into atmospheric supernatural suspense, well, don't watch this expecting anything else and then trash talk it in the reviews.
Shadow in the Cloud
(2020)
Go Mama!
20 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
At the least, this is a very entertaining flick. The first half's concept is interesting and largely successfulI. Is Chloe Grace Moretz a strong enough performer to carry this movie? Personally, I'm not completely sold, but she certainly puts in a valiant effort. Fortunately the rest of the cast, though playing a bunch of (almost comically) sexist assholes, also pull their own weight. As for the second half, even in the context of suspension of disbelief, the beginning of the second half is a bit much. But as a proud, protective mama myself, who has been ready to throw down with more than one aggressive dog that charged my kids, I ABSOLUTELY buy the final showdown!
The Vault
(I) (2017)
Decent thriller, why the hate? There's worse out there...
14 May 2020
Not sure what people expect from movies these days... and I'm not even that old! Maybe somepeople wouldn't judge this so harshly if they thought of this as supernatural thriller and not horror? At the very least, this is watchable, with decent acting, good atmosphere without being cheesy, and the characters aren't a bunch of unrelatable, overly attractive, entitled, too cool, 20 somethings out "finding themselves" aka debauching like complete trust fund jerks. There's a lot of schlock out there, especially in horror, that does not even meet that minimal criteria, and,sadly, I've watched too much of it.
First, I'm not generally a fan of James Franco as I often find him arrogant, so for me it was actually refreshing to see him in a smaller, more humble role. I guess others didn't feel the same way?
The concept is also fairly original. And while some have said it was wasted and/or stretched too thin, still others said it was predictable, I found it acceptably and adequately executed. For me, this means, as stated before, the movie had good atmosphere sans cheese, and any plot holes were minimal and not too insulting to the average intelligence. Also, not every movie can be the Sixth Sense, and just because we have an idea of what's going on doesn't mean we can't enjoy the ride. Plus, personally, a twist ending that doesn't work or feels too contrived can be worse to me than a predictable ending that makes sense.
All in all, a very watchable, original concept supernatural thriller that was adequately executed without being overly ambitious or egotistical...especially unjustifiably egotistical, which is THE WORST! Sure, it is not the scariest or grossest movie out there, but that doesn't mean it is bad. Perhaps not a best picture contender, but still a step (or two) above the average B-Horror schlock!
First, I'm not generally a fan of James Franco as I often find him arrogant, so for me it was actually refreshing to see him in a smaller, more humble role. I guess others didn't feel the same way?
The concept is also fairly original. And while some have said it was wasted and/or stretched too thin, still others said it was predictable, I found it acceptably and adequately executed. For me, this means, as stated before, the movie had good atmosphere sans cheese, and any plot holes were minimal and not too insulting to the average intelligence. Also, not every movie can be the Sixth Sense, and just because we have an idea of what's going on doesn't mean we can't enjoy the ride. Plus, personally, a twist ending that doesn't work or feels too contrived can be worse to me than a predictable ending that makes sense.
All in all, a very watchable, original concept supernatural thriller that was adequately executed without being overly ambitious or egotistical...especially unjustifiably egotistical, which is THE WORST! Sure, it is not the scariest or grossest movie out there, but that doesn't mean it is bad. Perhaps not a best picture contender, but still a step (or two) above the average B-Horror schlock!
BuzzFeed Unsolved: Supernatural
(2016–2021)
Great Nerd Chemistry!
20 November 2018
After getting past the first episode, which I felt was pretty rough, I found myself thoroughly enjoying this show. The show is both informative as well as entertaining and intentionally funny. I appreciate that the hosts, Ryan and Shane, are actually intelligent and able to discuss the topics with a certain amount of insight and discernment, but without being stuffy. They also have great chemistry and are genuinely funny and witty. They are NOT just a couple of bros playing at being intellectuals and yelling at ghosts, which is also entertaining, albeit not in the way it is intended. But what can I say, I like nerds and witty, irreverent banter! Keep the episodes coming, Ryan and Shane!
The Losers
(I) (2010)
Makes up in laughs what it lacks in originality
7 January 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I don't understand the hate for this movie. Sure, it's not the most original, but few action flicks are these days. But at least from this one you get some pretty great laughs, solid acting with a couple of stand out performances, and an all around fun ride. For me, performances not to be missed include Idris Elba as the intense, skeptical, yet practical second-in-command, pre-Captain America Chris Evans as the utterly obnoxious, yet hilarious motor mouth tech guy (the scene where he goes in under cover as a Journey belting bike messenger is my favorite), and Jason Patric as the possibly insane, unnervingly cheery, bad guy. Columbus Short as Pooch definitely deserves honorable mention. And Zoë Saldana never disappoints.
With that said, yes, there are things that don't work for me, like the gratuitous and cliché romance between Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Zoë Saldana. And at times, sure, it is definitely a little too over the top ridiculous, but I think this is by design, and I challenge you to find a contemporary action flick, especially one based on a comic book, that is not. To me, the A-team movie was so much worse on that score.
Still, this movie deserves a watch, especially if you're a fan of action flicks. Provided you don't try to take the movie more seriously than it takes itself, you won't be disappointed!
With that said, yes, there are things that don't work for me, like the gratuitous and cliché romance between Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Zoë Saldana. And at times, sure, it is definitely a little too over the top ridiculous, but I think this is by design, and I challenge you to find a contemporary action flick, especially one based on a comic book, that is not. To me, the A-team movie was so much worse on that score.
Still, this movie deserves a watch, especially if you're a fan of action flicks. Provided you don't try to take the movie more seriously than it takes itself, you won't be disappointed!
Twixt
(2011)
Atmospheric and macabrely beautiful, but not for everyone.
3 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Based on other reviews, I really thought this movie would be more confusing than it was. Perhaps the version on Netflix was different than the theatrical release. To be sure, there was some confusion and vagueness. But at the end, I was able to construct an explanation in my mind that, even if it may not have been the director's intent, satisfied me enough to get over it and focus on what did work. And what worked, really worked!
First, the movie was beautifully shot,wonderfully atmospheric and deliciously Gothic and macabre. Val Kilmer gave a solid, nuanced performance, even if it wasn't his very best. The supporting cast also turned in excellent performances. And I found the Edgar Allen Poe plot device, which could have been cheesy and tiresome, really worked, and helped weave several story lines together, not literally, but in a touching and tragically poetic way.
Still, this movie is probably not for everyone. If you want a more straightforward crime thriller or horror/slasher flick ('cause there's never plot holes in slasher flicks), this is probably not the film for you. But if you can tolerate a little ambiguity in favor of great atmosphere and certain kind of macabre poetry and beautifully Gothic visuals, then you may just find this surprisingly enjoyable and worth your while.
First, the movie was beautifully shot,wonderfully atmospheric and deliciously Gothic and macabre. Val Kilmer gave a solid, nuanced performance, even if it wasn't his very best. The supporting cast also turned in excellent performances. And I found the Edgar Allen Poe plot device, which could have been cheesy and tiresome, really worked, and helped weave several story lines together, not literally, but in a touching and tragically poetic way.
Still, this movie is probably not for everyone. If you want a more straightforward crime thriller or horror/slasher flick ('cause there's never plot holes in slasher flicks), this is probably not the film for you. But if you can tolerate a little ambiguity in favor of great atmosphere and certain kind of macabre poetry and beautifully Gothic visuals, then you may just find this surprisingly enjoyable and worth your while.
1408
(2007)
Geniuenly Creepy Psychological Thriller
16 November 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Let me start out by saying that I love horror but in general do not like adaptations of Stephen King's work. I won't go into why since I know King is extremely popular, but for whatever reason, many adaptations of his writings simply don't work. There are, however, a few notable exceptions, and this is one of them.
Not having read the source material, I can say this, the script is tight, the directing and cinematography effective and inspired, and John Cusack's performance superb. Any one of these elements by itself would have made a good movie, but together they weave an extremely succinct, genuinely creepy, atmospheric, psychological thriller.
Don't worry about the plot; the reason for the room's existence is unimportant. Just sit back and enjoy the intense and frightening struggle of a man encountering his own demons with the help of one truly evil and sadistic hotel room.
Not having read the source material, I can say this, the script is tight, the directing and cinematography effective and inspired, and John Cusack's performance superb. Any one of these elements by itself would have made a good movie, but together they weave an extremely succinct, genuinely creepy, atmospheric, psychological thriller.
Don't worry about the plot; the reason for the room's existence is unimportant. Just sit back and enjoy the intense and frightening struggle of a man encountering his own demons with the help of one truly evil and sadistic hotel room.
Night of the Demons
(1988)
Classic 80's horror! Almost as fun as the Evil Dead
29 July 2010
Warning: Spoilers
It really depends on what you are looking for in a horror movie that will determine whether this movie is worth your while.
If you are looking for a sleek, genuinely terrifying, atmospheric film with sophisticated suspense elements rather than cheap thrills, and an interesting and original plot complete with three dimensional characters whom we actually care about, then this movie is not for you. And this is the scale I used to rate the movie. Even Friday the 13th had an interesting back-story and a rather sophisticated bad-guy.
But if you like campy, "a group of 80's teens spend the night in a haunted/deserted house", horror a la Evil Dead, then this movie is great! And on that scale, I would give it a 9/10.
There are some genuinely creepy/kinky moments, and the flick is suitably atmospheric. And I thought the ghouls make-up was pretty great. I think my favorite part was that the one black guy didn't die and turned out to be pretty heroic even though he was the nerdiest/seemingly least courageous one in the bunch. Take that Horror Movie Stereo-Types!
If you are looking for a sleek, genuinely terrifying, atmospheric film with sophisticated suspense elements rather than cheap thrills, and an interesting and original plot complete with three dimensional characters whom we actually care about, then this movie is not for you. And this is the scale I used to rate the movie. Even Friday the 13th had an interesting back-story and a rather sophisticated bad-guy.
But if you like campy, "a group of 80's teens spend the night in a haunted/deserted house", horror a la Evil Dead, then this movie is great! And on that scale, I would give it a 9/10.
There are some genuinely creepy/kinky moments, and the flick is suitably atmospheric. And I thought the ghouls make-up was pretty great. I think my favorite part was that the one black guy didn't die and turned out to be pretty heroic even though he was the nerdiest/seemingly least courageous one in the bunch. Take that Horror Movie Stereo-Types!
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