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Sarah (7798 KP) rated Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019) in Movies
Apr 9, 2020
Not bad, but confused
I'd heard a lot of good things about this and never got round to seeing it at the cinema so was glad to see it had finally made it onto Prime. However whilst it wasnt bad, it was a little disappointing.
My main problem with this film is that it seemed to be very confused about it's audience. Is it a scary kids film like Goosebumps? Or is it a more adult horror? And sadly it never really answers these questions and seems to swing between the childish to adult. As the main characters are children, this leans a lot towards a younger audience especially with their conversation and humour and the basis for the entire story does feel a little younger. However some of the actual scares and horror aspects feel a lot more adult. Some of the monsters are actually rather creepy and there is a bit of violence, which I'm guessing is why this has been given a 15 rating.
I enjoyed the actual stories themselves, especially the monsters as they were very well done and the CGI was quite impressive. The cast were okay and overall the film held my attention and was enjoyable to a point, I just found the mixed audience level rather frustrating.
My main problem with this film is that it seemed to be very confused about it's audience. Is it a scary kids film like Goosebumps? Or is it a more adult horror? And sadly it never really answers these questions and seems to swing between the childish to adult. As the main characters are children, this leans a lot towards a younger audience especially with their conversation and humour and the basis for the entire story does feel a little younger. However some of the actual scares and horror aspects feel a lot more adult. Some of the monsters are actually rather creepy and there is a bit of violence, which I'm guessing is why this has been given a 15 rating.
I enjoyed the actual stories themselves, especially the monsters as they were very well done and the CGI was quite impressive. The cast were okay and overall the film held my attention and was enjoyable to a point, I just found the mixed audience level rather frustrating.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Reign of Fire (2002) in Movies
Apr 13, 2020 (Updated Apr 13, 2020)
Better than you'd think
I remember watching this when it first came out and being fairly impressed. I havent seen it since so decided to give it a go and it's really not as bad as you'd expect.
Story wise it's a great idea for an apocalypse style scenario, definitely beats a zombie film any day. I'm surprised something like this hasn't made a resurgence after the popularity of the dragons in Game of Thrones. Christian Bale is always enjoyable as a lead character, although his London cockney accent does make me laugh. Matthew McConaughey has potentially been given a rather cliched character but he does have a lot of fun with it at least.
The effects and CGI are potentially a little dated at times, but that's to be expected with something that is now 18 years old. There are some cliched and cheesy lines and a few predictable and cheesy moments, but overall it's just a rather enjoyable bit of entertainment. The ending is a bit cheesy as well but I wouldnt have expected it to end any other way. It won't win any Oscars, but I feel like it's a film that's been fairly forgotten and underrated over time.
Story wise it's a great idea for an apocalypse style scenario, definitely beats a zombie film any day. I'm surprised something like this hasn't made a resurgence after the popularity of the dragons in Game of Thrones. Christian Bale is always enjoyable as a lead character, although his London cockney accent does make me laugh. Matthew McConaughey has potentially been given a rather cliched character but he does have a lot of fun with it at least.
The effects and CGI are potentially a little dated at times, but that's to be expected with something that is now 18 years old. There are some cliched and cheesy lines and a few predictable and cheesy moments, but overall it's just a rather enjoyable bit of entertainment. The ending is a bit cheesy as well but I wouldnt have expected it to end any other way. It won't win any Oscars, but I feel like it's a film that's been fairly forgotten and underrated over time.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Stranger Things - Season 2 in TV
Aug 4, 2019
Another great series
I binge watched this entire series in one day, and it really was rather entertaining. The first episodes start off rather slowly, but this at least gives a chance to catch up with the returning characters and introduce some new faces. It soon picks up though, and is packed full on intrigue, humour, some rather dark moments and of course a pretty awesome soundtrack. The CGI has improved a fair bit since the last series and it was such an enjoyable series to watch. My favourite parts so far were anything involving Hopper. David Harbour is just fantastic and Hopper’s character has developed well this series, especially his relationship with Eleven. Her story and development too was good to see.
Of course it isn’t perfect. I found parts of the storyline ridiculously predictable, even if they were alright to watch (like Eleven’s storyline). I liked most of the new characters but I found Bob a little too much and sickly sweet (sorry!). And the whole childhood romance thing was a little too over the top and cringey and a bit much.
But still overall one of the best series Netflix has to offer and I’m just looking forward to catching up on series 3 now!
Of course it isn’t perfect. I found parts of the storyline ridiculously predictable, even if they were alright to watch (like Eleven’s storyline). I liked most of the new characters but I found Bob a little too much and sickly sweet (sorry!). And the whole childhood romance thing was a little too over the top and cringey and a bit much.
But still overall one of the best series Netflix has to offer and I’m just looking forward to catching up on series 3 now!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Mars Attacks! (1996) in Movies
Jun 14, 2020
Lavishly camp black-comedy sci-fi extravaganza. Motivated largely by their innate gittishness, Martians attack the Earth (the clue is in the title), and various people naturally respond in their own personal ways. Much property damage and rather dated mid-90s CGI result.
One of those bizarre mutants that should never really have got past the script stage, let alone received a $70m budget: the release schedule inevitably resulted in it being hailed as a spoof of Independence Day (hard to spoof something that wasn't meant to be taken seriously in the first place), but this is much more a send-up of classic 50s sci-fi B-movies (various spot-on parodies), as well as being a startlingly subversive black comedy. You can also sense Burton trying to do his version of Dr Strangelove, with Nicholson in a multiple role, but it doesn't have anything like the same sharpness or impact. A bit patchy overall - some laugh-out-loud moments and game performances, but also a lot of dead wood and characters and jokes that just don't work. On the whole, though, the fact that films like this still get made suggests hope is not yet lost for the world.
One of those bizarre mutants that should never really have got past the script stage, let alone received a $70m budget: the release schedule inevitably resulted in it being hailed as a spoof of Independence Day (hard to spoof something that wasn't meant to be taken seriously in the first place), but this is much more a send-up of classic 50s sci-fi B-movies (various spot-on parodies), as well as being a startlingly subversive black comedy. You can also sense Burton trying to do his version of Dr Strangelove, with Nicholson in a multiple role, but it doesn't have anything like the same sharpness or impact. A bit patchy overall - some laugh-out-loud moments and game performances, but also a lot of dead wood and characters and jokes that just don't work. On the whole, though, the fact that films like this still get made suggests hope is not yet lost for the world.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Friday the 13th (1980) in Movies
Jul 14, 2020
Friday the 13th is great to look back on. It's full to the brim of cheesy over-the-top acting, weirdly boring sections and dodgy dialogue, but knowing how the horror and in particular slasher genre developed in the decades following, it's an easy film to love.
Following hot on the heels of Halloween, Friday the 13th is the slasher genre stripped down to it's bare bones - a group of horny teenagers isolated from the rest of the world, a relentless killer hunting them down one by one, until we're left with a lone final girl.
Tropes that have since become iconic, much like the setting of Camp Crystal Lake.
The summer camp setting has been aped and parodied for years following the films release back in 1980.
The practical effects used by the now legendary Tom Savini are still great. They may be showing their age, but I would take it over sub standard CGI any day. Throw in a frantic and memorable musical score courtesy of Harry Manfredini, a gleefully sinister performance from Betsy Palmer as Pamela Voorhees, and one of the greatest "Gotcha!" endings in horror cinema, and you have a title that's deserving of the love it gets.
Following hot on the heels of Halloween, Friday the 13th is the slasher genre stripped down to it's bare bones - a group of horny teenagers isolated from the rest of the world, a relentless killer hunting them down one by one, until we're left with a lone final girl.
Tropes that have since become iconic, much like the setting of Camp Crystal Lake.
The summer camp setting has been aped and parodied for years following the films release back in 1980.
The practical effects used by the now legendary Tom Savini are still great. They may be showing their age, but I would take it over sub standard CGI any day. Throw in a frantic and memorable musical score courtesy of Harry Manfredini, a gleefully sinister performance from Betsy Palmer as Pamela Voorhees, and one of the greatest "Gotcha!" endings in horror cinema, and you have a title that's deserving of the love it gets.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Haunt (2019) in Movies
Jul 24, 2020
Better than expected
I love watching horror films, however the majority of them end up rather poor and lacklustre. Yet I cant say this for Haunt, which was actually a rather pleasant surprise.
This starts off very slowly, almost too slowly and this means it doesn't get off to a good start. However once this actually moves into the haunted house it really starts to come into it's own and actually becomes a rather enthralling film. Storywise it isn't anything particularly new, however it's the execution that makes it stand out. It's creepy and full of blood and gore, without relying on too much CGI or jump scares. Whilst a few of the characters are rather irritating and deserve their comeuppance, it's refreshing to see some of the main protagonists actually act sensibly and don't run around like brainless idiots like most horror film victims do - although they do still make the odd silly decision or action, they are human after all. Even the acting was pretty decent. And the ending was a refreshing change and not what I was expecting at all.
Overall this was such a pleasant surprise and one of the better recent horror films I've seen in quite some time.
This starts off very slowly, almost too slowly and this means it doesn't get off to a good start. However once this actually moves into the haunted house it really starts to come into it's own and actually becomes a rather enthralling film. Storywise it isn't anything particularly new, however it's the execution that makes it stand out. It's creepy and full of blood and gore, without relying on too much CGI or jump scares. Whilst a few of the characters are rather irritating and deserve their comeuppance, it's refreshing to see some of the main protagonists actually act sensibly and don't run around like brainless idiots like most horror film victims do - although they do still make the odd silly decision or action, they are human after all. Even the acting was pretty decent. And the ending was a refreshing change and not what I was expecting at all.
Overall this was such a pleasant surprise and one of the better recent horror films I've seen in quite some time.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated The Haunting (1999) in Movies
Mar 5, 2021
Hill House
The Haunting- doesnt live up to the oringal, now thats with most horror remakes, and this is one of them. Liam Neeson and Lili Taylor did a good job. Why cast owen wilson, he does nothing in the film but just say "wow". Catherine Zeta-Jones was just there.
The plot: This horror tale focuses on visitors to the secluded mansion of Hill House who have been called to the isolated location by Dr. David Marrow (Liam Neeson) as part of a study on insomnia. However, Marrow is really investigating fear, and he plans to scare the subjects, including the introverted Nell (Lili Taylor) and the seductive Theo (Catherine Zeta-Jones). Unfortunately for Marrow and everyone staying at Hill House, the manor is actually haunted by an evil spirit out to torment its guests.
Steven Spielberg talked to Stephen King about doing a haunted house movie, and the two agreed that Robert Wise's 1963 film "The Haunting" was a benchmark of cinematic house horror, but after they started writing, the two had creative differences. Spielberg agreed with King's idea to use the real-life Winchester Mystery House, in San Jose, California, as a source of inspiration.
Just watch the oringal.
The plot: This horror tale focuses on visitors to the secluded mansion of Hill House who have been called to the isolated location by Dr. David Marrow (Liam Neeson) as part of a study on insomnia. However, Marrow is really investigating fear, and he plans to scare the subjects, including the introverted Nell (Lili Taylor) and the seductive Theo (Catherine Zeta-Jones). Unfortunately for Marrow and everyone staying at Hill House, the manor is actually haunted by an evil spirit out to torment its guests.
Steven Spielberg talked to Stephen King about doing a haunted house movie, and the two agreed that Robert Wise's 1963 film "The Haunting" was a benchmark of cinematic house horror, but after they started writing, the two had creative differences. Spielberg agreed with King's idea to use the real-life Winchester Mystery House, in San Jose, California, as a source of inspiration.
Just watch the oringal.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Yummy (2019) in Movies
Nov 10, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
First of all, this is marketed as a horror comedy, which is arguably misleading. Bar a couple of throw away gags near the start (and an obligatory dismembered penis), Yummy plays things pretty straight, as it violently hurtles towards it's bleak (as fuck) conclusion.
The lack of laughs isn't a bad thing by any means. There are plenty of zombie comedies already out there (granted, there are plenty of zombie movies in general to choose from) but as this particular sub genre refuses to die, the serious entries may as well be half decent, which Yummy certainly is.
It's has some great set pieces, some nice camera work, and a good cast.
Maaike Neuville and Bart Hollanders are a likable lead duo, and give us a pair of sympathetic characters to root for, and are a huge asset to this movie.
For zombie fans, have no fear, it doesn't take long for the shit to hit the fan, and the gore comes thick and fast when things start tumbling downhill. The practical effects are fantastic, the CGI effects are painfully average, but overall it gets the job done.
Yummy is a genuinely solid entry into the vast Zombie Horror catalogue. It's bloody, it's morbid, and it's hectic, which is good enough for me.
The lack of laughs isn't a bad thing by any means. There are plenty of zombie comedies already out there (granted, there are plenty of zombie movies in general to choose from) but as this particular sub genre refuses to die, the serious entries may as well be half decent, which Yummy certainly is.
It's has some great set pieces, some nice camera work, and a good cast.
Maaike Neuville and Bart Hollanders are a likable lead duo, and give us a pair of sympathetic characters to root for, and are a huge asset to this movie.
For zombie fans, have no fear, it doesn't take long for the shit to hit the fan, and the gore comes thick and fast when things start tumbling downhill. The practical effects are fantastic, the CGI effects are painfully average, but overall it gets the job done.
Yummy is a genuinely solid entry into the vast Zombie Horror catalogue. It's bloody, it's morbid, and it's hectic, which is good enough for me.
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Hocus Pocus (1993) in Movies
Mar 16, 2021
A full-tilt ball, I tend to be averse to anything ruminating with *this* much untamed theater kid energy - but Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, and of-fucking-course Bette Midler are 110% off the chain. I admit that the odious 90s stereotypes in this are hard to stomach, but I miss when Disney's live action allowed for such sublime scenery-chewing like this trio of perfect performances instead of Will Smith and some dude tepidly talking about jelly for what feels like an hour. I hate to be that guy, but something this lively just couldn't be recreated from the company today; Kenny Ortega's knack for brilliant practical effects and super impressive CGI for the time today is replaced by plastic visuals and flat soundstages where any sense of fun all but evaporates. Make no mistake, this is still not much more than pure fluff at the end of the day - but Lord it's such a blast. One of the few millennial-worship films I can fully understand the hype for, a delightful cross between 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘬 and "The Three Stooges". It's also consistently funny. "I Put A Spell On You" is a bop, and maybe I'm just getting old but the stuff at the end had me genuinely choked up.
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated In the Heart of the Sea (2015) in Movies
Apr 9, 2021 (Updated Jul 4, 2021)
If this story was handled with a bit more bite, a little less austere loyalty to formula than Ron Howard's PG-13 cleanliness then honestly this could have been the solid adventure movie it so clearly wants to be. It's already got the right look for it - with these pretty much perfect sea-faring nautical visuals: rich blues, greens, and yellows smoothly coat dutch angles of people looking wide-eyed into the sky with the wind flowing through their hair and whatnot... it's beautiful until it directly clashes with this indefensible CGI. The whales look like shit and the horrendous green screen work makes everyone constantly look like that last scene from 𝘎𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪 𝘔𝘢𝘯. The framing device with Whishaw and Gleeson - both of whom are award-worthy in this (particularly Gleeson, giving some of the best work of his career painting a deeply effective complex portrait of this clearly haunted man) - is more exciting and emotive than the actual story, which shambles at such a laborious pace that one can even stop laughing at Hemsworth's piss-poor accent. Just feels manufactured, cuts a bit too much to simulate fun rather than actually having it. Has its moments but you're better off just re-reading "Moby Dick".