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LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated The House That Jack Built (2018) in Movies
Sep 19, 2020
One of the singular most disgusting, depraved, downright inhuman pieces of genre filth I've ever laid eyes on - try to think the ๐๐ข๐ธ movies' gore porn meets ๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฃ๐ช๐ข๐ฏ ๐๐ช๐ญ๐ฎ levels of twisted and shockingly grotesque subject matter. Not perfect: at times this feels more like a defense than an apology (not that he doesn't answer for a lot nor are the defenses always unwarranted), but it's rigorously complex and as a piece of provocation this is simply exquisite - almost unparalleled. Over two and a half hours of unforgettable novelistic madman monologues and some of the most cruel, savage violence you will ever see in a motion picture. I'm seldom ever less than fully impressed by Lars but the fact that this is so twisted and animalistic yet the humor is still so on point is only another testament to why he's one of the greatest living directors. Bats for the fences and rubs your noses right in all its slime, plus it has some of the most haunting effects work you're likely to ever see. Matt Dillion gives not only the ultimate performance of his career, but one of the defining of the decade in what can only be described as blood-curdling, remorseless but totally eccentric work. Screamed and shrunk into my own body numerous times. I've seen a metric ton of vile, uncomfortable cinema and I'm not unsettled easily but this was truly terrifying - as well as 110% unique. My jaw was dropped the entire epilogue well through the credits. RIP - Bruno Ganz.
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Brawl In Cell Block 99 (2017) in Movies
Sep 20, 2020
Cold, hard filmmaking at some of its most insatiably cruel. My coveted "I told you so" moment for anyone who said Vince Vaughn couldn't act and one hell of a provocation in the process (Zahler might be the closest thing we have right now to a grindhouse Neil LaBute). The film equivalent of a rusted pair of brass knuckles of dubious origin with dried blood on them. Realistically could have skimmed 10 or so minutes off of itself but I think the gruelingly elongated scenes aid in the merciless hellscape this paints, and the fights don't waste a single second - Vaughn (who is God-tier in this, plays the role like one giant piece of battered meat) eats barbell swings, nightsticks, debilitating electric zaps, and brute punches like a champ. And that gore? I verbally screamed out loud multiple times, here I'd thought I'd seen it all but to quote Mark Wahlberg's dad from ๐๐ฆ๐ฅ (which I routinely do) "Jesus H Fuck!" A trillion times better than ๐๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ฆ ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฉ๐ข๐ธ๐ฌ and even that was wildly good in its own right. One thing I love about the guy is how successfully he subverts the "feel-horrible filmmaking for the sake of feel-horrible filmmaking" junk that has seen a bit of a resurgence lately. When he's bleak, he fucking means it. Guaranteed this will scare you away from even the most petty crime, you'll flinch in fear if you even think about littering. Plus it's funny as fuck. Unique and unflinchingly nasty - almost exactly what you'd want out of a movie with this title.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Planet Terror (2007) in Movies
Jan 22, 2021
If you seek a movie so absurdly over the top in almost every regard, then look no further.
Planet Terror is a glorious throwback to practical driven and blood soaked video nasties of the 70s and 80s, is super stylized to the point of self aware stupidity, and boasts a fantastic cast - a roll call of who's who in the cinema of Rodriguez/Tarantino.
Of course, Planet Terror is one half of the duos Grindhouse project, and for me, slightly takes the edge over Death Proof. Both films are great and gleefully brimming with tributes to the exploitative sub genre of its namesake, but Planet Terror is just balls to the wall fun, a blast from start to finish.
Its has badass female leads - Cherry Darling, a former go-go dancer with a gun-leg, and Dakota Block, a nurse who shoots trigger functioning syringes full of sedatives at anyone who pisses her off - Rose McGowan and Marley Shelton and both brilliant.
It has Bruce Willis mutating into God knows what. It has Tom Savini and Michael Biehn as zombie fighting sherrifs. It has Sayid from Lost collecting people's testicles in a pickle jar.
And Jesus Christ it has so. much. gore. It must have been a hell of a sticky set to work on to say the least.
To top it all off, it even opens with the now infamous Machete "trailer", with Danny Trejo and motherfucking Cheech Marin.
Planet Terror is a ride as soon as the opening credits start. An absolute must for any horror or grindhouse fan.
Planet Terror is a glorious throwback to practical driven and blood soaked video nasties of the 70s and 80s, is super stylized to the point of self aware stupidity, and boasts a fantastic cast - a roll call of who's who in the cinema of Rodriguez/Tarantino.
Of course, Planet Terror is one half of the duos Grindhouse project, and for me, slightly takes the edge over Death Proof. Both films are great and gleefully brimming with tributes to the exploitative sub genre of its namesake, but Planet Terror is just balls to the wall fun, a blast from start to finish.
Its has badass female leads - Cherry Darling, a former go-go dancer with a gun-leg, and Dakota Block, a nurse who shoots trigger functioning syringes full of sedatives at anyone who pisses her off - Rose McGowan and Marley Shelton and both brilliant.
It has Bruce Willis mutating into God knows what. It has Tom Savini and Michael Biehn as zombie fighting sherrifs. It has Sayid from Lost collecting people's testicles in a pickle jar.
And Jesus Christ it has so. much. gore. It must have been a hell of a sticky set to work on to say the least.
To top it all off, it even opens with the now infamous Machete "trailer", with Danny Trejo and motherfucking Cheech Marin.
Planet Terror is a ride as soon as the opening credits start. An absolute must for any horror or grindhouse fan.
Midnight Hunt (Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles #3)
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Germany - 1636 Driven by the desire to have the true love she's experienced in her dreams, MONIKA...
Historical Paranormal Romance
Connor Sheffield (293 KP) rated Vikings - Season 1 in TV
May 15, 2017
Historically Accurate in terms of culture (2 more)
Doesn't hold back on the gore and grim nature of Vikings
Great Character development
A Historically accurate fantasy series
Vikings was a show that I didn't begin watching until it was already 3 seasons in. However it is a show that I instantly fell in love with because it was very different from any show like it.
Many shows these days such as Game Of Thrones and Vikings, etc. are becoming more daring with reaching a specific audience rather than the wider audience gained through less graphically violent shows. These shows are not afraid to show us a blade slicing through someones flesh or the blood pouring out of the wounds.
Vikings, as known throughout history, have been recorded as violent and brutish warriors who slaughtered hundreds of men and women during their travels to England and other European lands. The show does not hold back when it comes to portraying their brutality in battle. It is not all brutality and war though, as the drama aspect of this show, is shown through the main cast in their homeland of Scandinavia.
Ragnar is definitely a great character to follow as we watch him rise to become Jarl of his home town. Portrayed by Travis Fimmel (Warcraft: The Beginning / The Baytown Outlaws), the character of Ragnar Lothbrok is one we see develop in many different ways. Based upon the legend of a man of the same name, who, though recorded throughout history, is a character that some historians are unsure existed, thought his sons are definitely recorded to have existed. The only way I can explain this is that his legend is so incredible that there are some who chose to believe it and others who chose to believe it is simply stories made up by travelers and poets.
Either way, this show is a brilliant fantasy drama that combines fiction with historical accuracy. This first season follows Ragnar as he begins his journey to defy the Jarl of Kattegat and sail towards England to raid, pillage and bring back treasure unlike anything the north had ever seen.
The soundtrack to the series is also brilliant and really brings the scenes of the films to life, and give them a beautiful atmosphere that sucks you into the moment, and leaves you on the edge of your seat.
With a great cast, excellent writers and great directing and cinematography, Vikings is beautiful, thrilling and horrifying and certainly, in my opinion, one of the greatest shows I have ever watched.
Many shows these days such as Game Of Thrones and Vikings, etc. are becoming more daring with reaching a specific audience rather than the wider audience gained through less graphically violent shows. These shows are not afraid to show us a blade slicing through someones flesh or the blood pouring out of the wounds.
Vikings, as known throughout history, have been recorded as violent and brutish warriors who slaughtered hundreds of men and women during their travels to England and other European lands. The show does not hold back when it comes to portraying their brutality in battle. It is not all brutality and war though, as the drama aspect of this show, is shown through the main cast in their homeland of Scandinavia.
Ragnar is definitely a great character to follow as we watch him rise to become Jarl of his home town. Portrayed by Travis Fimmel (Warcraft: The Beginning / The Baytown Outlaws), the character of Ragnar Lothbrok is one we see develop in many different ways. Based upon the legend of a man of the same name, who, though recorded throughout history, is a character that some historians are unsure existed, thought his sons are definitely recorded to have existed. The only way I can explain this is that his legend is so incredible that there are some who chose to believe it and others who chose to believe it is simply stories made up by travelers and poets.
Either way, this show is a brilliant fantasy drama that combines fiction with historical accuracy. This first season follows Ragnar as he begins his journey to defy the Jarl of Kattegat and sail towards England to raid, pillage and bring back treasure unlike anything the north had ever seen.
The soundtrack to the series is also brilliant and really brings the scenes of the films to life, and give them a beautiful atmosphere that sucks you into the moment, and leaves you on the edge of your seat.
With a great cast, excellent writers and great directing and cinematography, Vikings is beautiful, thrilling and horrifying and certainly, in my opinion, one of the greatest shows I have ever watched.
Charlie Cobra Reviews (1840 KP) rated Mortal Kombat (2021) in Movies
Apr 24, 2021
The action, the blood, guts, and gore, special effects and CGI were awesome (2 more)
Some characters were done really well, like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, even Sonya Blade and Jax
Kano
The Story or plot (3 more)
The many changes to the Mortal Kombat lore and universe
The way they underutilized certain characters or didn't do them justice
Hollywood/director or whoever choosing to make-up a new character to be the main character for this movie who isn't even in the games or original movie.
https://youtu.be/8K-0TD-BO2s
I thought this movie was good. I kind of had high expectations going into it and I can say that in some ways it lived up to the hype and in other ways it didn't. This movie certainly isn't your "daddy's" Mortal Kombat and delivered the goods when it came to blood and gore but I have to say that it was a little more than disappointing when it came to the plot of the movie and how they re-arranged or changed up the storyline. I for one love the opening of the movie that you can see the first 7 minutes of right now everywhere on the internet. How it opens up with the history of the characters Sub-Zero and Scorpion was just awesome. I have to admit that I'm a big Mortal Kombat fan and especially of Scorpion, he's probably my favorite character. So to see the back story to his character done right was just great. I'm still mixed on how I feel about the new kid to the group Cole Young. I mean Lewis Tan did a pretty good job on playing the character in the movie and his action scenes were pretty great too, I guess I'm just not that big a fan of the director throwing in a character into the story that wasn't in any of the games. I also didn't like how they took "poetic license" so to speak with the whole storyline of the franchise and make some rather big changes to the whole Mortal Kombat universe. Like the origin of their powers or even the significance of the whole dragon markings that they have. I will go over in detail all the things that I liked and didn't like in the spoiler section. Although I have my qualms to pick with this film, it was quite enjoyable and I really liked watching it in theaters. That being said though, I think it's worth waiting to see this movie or watch it at home on HBOMax instead of paying more to see it in theaters. I'm at odds on whether to give it my "Must See Seal of Approval" and therefore I don't think that I can but if you are a fan of the old movies or video games then you definitely have to see this movie. I give Mortal Kombat 2021 a 6/10.
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I had a lot more to say about this movie I. The spoiler section review but it was way too long for Smashbomb so please check out my YouTube video review or check out my full review on my website at
https://cobracharliecr.wixsite.com/charliecobrareviews/post/mortal-kombat-review
I thought this movie was good. I kind of had high expectations going into it and I can say that in some ways it lived up to the hype and in other ways it didn't. This movie certainly isn't your "daddy's" Mortal Kombat and delivered the goods when it came to blood and gore but I have to say that it was a little more than disappointing when it came to the plot of the movie and how they re-arranged or changed up the storyline. I for one love the opening of the movie that you can see the first 7 minutes of right now everywhere on the internet. How it opens up with the history of the characters Sub-Zero and Scorpion was just awesome. I have to admit that I'm a big Mortal Kombat fan and especially of Scorpion, he's probably my favorite character. So to see the back story to his character done right was just great. I'm still mixed on how I feel about the new kid to the group Cole Young. I mean Lewis Tan did a pretty good job on playing the character in the movie and his action scenes were pretty great too, I guess I'm just not that big a fan of the director throwing in a character into the story that wasn't in any of the games. I also didn't like how they took "poetic license" so to speak with the whole storyline of the franchise and make some rather big changes to the whole Mortal Kombat universe. Like the origin of their powers or even the significance of the whole dragon markings that they have. I will go over in detail all the things that I liked and didn't like in the spoiler section. Although I have my qualms to pick with this film, it was quite enjoyable and I really liked watching it in theaters. That being said though, I think it's worth waiting to see this movie or watch it at home on HBOMax instead of paying more to see it in theaters. I'm at odds on whether to give it my "Must See Seal of Approval" and therefore I don't think that I can but if you are a fan of the old movies or video games then you definitely have to see this movie. I give Mortal Kombat 2021 a 6/10.
-------------------------------------------------------
I had a lot more to say about this movie I. The spoiler section review but it was way too long for Smashbomb so please check out my YouTube video review or check out my full review on my website at
https://cobracharliecr.wixsite.com/charliecobrareviews/post/mortal-kombat-review
Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated Strangers: Prey at Night (2018) in Movies
Mar 11, 2018 (Updated Jan 10, 2019)
Bailee Madison is a bad ass (2 more)
Great storyline
A sequel that doesn't ruin the original
Some jumps and gasps and WTF's... fun for the whole family
Going into a sequel that is ten years after an origin film is dangerous water to tread into for any horror film fan. Raised expectations can drown out what you are hoping happens and it takes the fun out of the movie for you.
The second installment of The Strangers was not a fun movie... for poor Bailee Madison. She is stabbed sliced and beaten up like she has never been before. Everyone remembers her as the little girl in Guillermo del Toro's Don't be Afraid of the Dark. But in this film she really establishes herself as a young Scream Queen in the making. Defining the Final Girl role in spades.
The Strangers themselves are all terrifying giving the viewer jump scare after jump scare by just popping up at random throughout the movie, causing scream after scream in the filled theatre I was in.
Though I am positive that there will not be another installment in this mini franchise. It would not surprise me in the least to see Pinup Girl, Dollface and The eerie monster, Man in the Mask once more.
If not... the writers have done a great job keeping my interested in what happens in this movie to satisfy my taste buds for gore blood and story... and I hope in all honesty that they don't go to the well again expecting clean drinking water.
8 out of 10 knives to the back with a special twist for good measure.
The second installment of The Strangers was not a fun movie... for poor Bailee Madison. She is stabbed sliced and beaten up like she has never been before. Everyone remembers her as the little girl in Guillermo del Toro's Don't be Afraid of the Dark. But in this film she really establishes herself as a young Scream Queen in the making. Defining the Final Girl role in spades.
The Strangers themselves are all terrifying giving the viewer jump scare after jump scare by just popping up at random throughout the movie, causing scream after scream in the filled theatre I was in.
Though I am positive that there will not be another installment in this mini franchise. It would not surprise me in the least to see Pinup Girl, Dollface and The eerie monster, Man in the Mask once more.
If not... the writers have done a great job keeping my interested in what happens in this movie to satisfy my taste buds for gore blood and story... and I hope in all honesty that they don't go to the well again expecting clean drinking water.
8 out of 10 knives to the back with a special twist for good measure.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Deadpool 2 (2018) in Movies
May 31, 2018
More Marvel films should be like this
Deadpool really makes me want to see more Marvel films like this. It's refreshing to watch a more "adult" Marvel film, with the violence and rude humour and aside from Logan, Deadpool is the only film to have ventured into this adult territory.
That's not to say it always works, as sometimes the jokes are a little too crude or offensive. But for the most part Deadpool 2 is pretty funny and even verging on hilarious at times, and the blood and gore is actually great to see. The plot itself is maybe a tad predictable, but it more than makes up for it with everything else. The title credits, post credits scene and a lot of the tongue in cheek references are particularly hilarious. The soundtrack is eclectic and a bit bonkers, but Deadpool a manages to pull it off.
The cast and characters are fantastic, both the returning favourites (I love Dopinder) and some of the new cast too. Josh Brolin has always been a favourite and he does very well in this, Deadpool even managed to throw in a genius reference to Thanos. Zazie Beetz too is a great new addition. There are also some brilliant cameos in this, which I won't spoil for anyone who hasn't seen it.
My main problem with this film is that parts of it are way too serious and sombre and these scenes really bring down the tone of the film. They do need something serious, but I think with this they've gone a little too heavy handed which is a shame.
That's not to say it always works, as sometimes the jokes are a little too crude or offensive. But for the most part Deadpool 2 is pretty funny and even verging on hilarious at times, and the blood and gore is actually great to see. The plot itself is maybe a tad predictable, but it more than makes up for it with everything else. The title credits, post credits scene and a lot of the tongue in cheek references are particularly hilarious. The soundtrack is eclectic and a bit bonkers, but Deadpool a manages to pull it off.
The cast and characters are fantastic, both the returning favourites (I love Dopinder) and some of the new cast too. Josh Brolin has always been a favourite and he does very well in this, Deadpool even managed to throw in a genius reference to Thanos. Zazie Beetz too is a great new addition. There are also some brilliant cameos in this, which I won't spoil for anyone who hasn't seen it.
My main problem with this film is that parts of it are way too serious and sombre and these scenes really bring down the tone of the film. They do need something serious, but I think with this they've gone a little too heavy handed which is a shame.
The horror genre canโt wait to splash the screen with as much blood and gore as possible, letting you know what the intentions of the film are going to be. In this Blumhouse produced thriller that isnโt the case, as Oscar winner Octavia Spencer plays quiet but dissociated veterinary assistant Sue-Ann, who befriends a group of adolescent teens.
On the outside sheโs warm and friendly, only wanting to be accepted (this becomes apparent as to why later on). She secretly buys them alcohol and lets them have use of her basement to party โ until she โbecomesโ the party and local speakeasy. For the vast majority of the film there is little to class this as anything but a horror. It is relatively uneventful and offers no traditional jumpscares or shock moments.
The narrative unravels slowly allowing us to delve into Sue-Annโs past and discover her motives, and it is these flashbacks that are most shocking of all, to the point of sympathy. The finale is frenetic, as Sue-Ann goes from likeable charmer to absolute psycho in a matter of moments โ not that it hasnโt been building up to it.
Unfortunately itโs all delivered in such a short space of time that it feels rushed. Spencerโs performance is very good and there are distinct similarities to Kathy Bates and her equally psychotic character in Misery โ there is even a subtle nod to the Stephen King classic.
Ma is not a total flop, but more could have been done to grip the viewer early on, instead of leaving it all to the final act.
On the outside sheโs warm and friendly, only wanting to be accepted (this becomes apparent as to why later on). She secretly buys them alcohol and lets them have use of her basement to party โ until she โbecomesโ the party and local speakeasy. For the vast majority of the film there is little to class this as anything but a horror. It is relatively uneventful and offers no traditional jumpscares or shock moments.
The narrative unravels slowly allowing us to delve into Sue-Annโs past and discover her motives, and it is these flashbacks that are most shocking of all, to the point of sympathy. The finale is frenetic, as Sue-Ann goes from likeable charmer to absolute psycho in a matter of moments โ not that it hasnโt been building up to it.
Unfortunately itโs all delivered in such a short space of time that it feels rushed. Spencerโs performance is very good and there are distinct similarities to Kathy Bates and her equally psychotic character in Misery โ there is even a subtle nod to the Stephen King classic.
Ma is not a total flop, but more could have been done to grip the viewer early on, instead of leaving it all to the final act.
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