JT (287 KP) rated The Ward (2010) in Movies
Mar 16, 2020
I’m a big fan of his work, but that is his early work with the likes of Halloween and The Thing as my personal favourites, but here Carpenter’s trademark suspense is all but lost in a story that is as predictable as it is stupid.
After setting fire to a barn Kristen (Amber Heard) is sent to a mental hospital, where she is terrorised by a ghost, a hidden past his reflected upon but never fully delved into. There is of course more to it than that, and Heard spends a vast majority of the time either locked in her room or trying to escape while at the same time piecing the puzzle together with the help of some of her fellow inmates.
Carpenter’s use of the wide camera angle is effective in places, and the long cold corridors of the ward are enough to give anyone the chills. However, it is not built on in any way and all the suspense is somewhat lost by the poor acting and monotonous build-up to the next potential terrifying scene. When the ghost is revealed it is, to be honest laughable and not in the least bit frightening which is probably one of the main downfalls of the film.
The twist ending is anything but predictable and you could have spotted it a mile off, it’s a poor effort this perhaps not helped in the writing department, but Carpenter is one of the masters of horror but here he hasn’t even bothered to turn up.
HIS Fantasy (HIS #8)
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Blood Sisters: The Next Addictive Thriller from the Bestselling Author of My Husband's Wife
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THREE LITTLE GIRLS SET OFF TO SCHOOL ONE SUNNY MORNING. WITHIN AN HOUR, ONE OF THEM IS DEAD. 'So...
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Gareth von Kallenbach (974 KP) rated Happy Death Day (2017) in Movies
Jul 11, 2019
We know from the trailer that this is a horror/suspense loop and there are expectations set in this type of film. The young, attractive, woman, stalked by an unknown, masked assailant with a penchant for cutlery. As we know, Tree (Jessica Rothe) gets killed repeatedly on her birthday. We know it’s a slasher flick, expecting to see lots of blood and gore. Putting the main character in a time loop is definitely a twist in the storytelling.
Using repetition in film can be a tricky, stalling the momentum of the film. There was a moment during where I wondered when the loop would end, creating the feeling of hopelessness. It is at that time where Tree’s through process shifts and we travel with her in this never ending day. It takes a few times in the loop for Tree’s character to become enlightened She does figure out that each return is a do-over, an opportunity to make different choices.
The film also tips it’s hat to the college/high school, mean girl movies and definitely a nod to John Hughes Sixteen Candles. It had humor, wit and clever character development, I certainly did not expect to enjoy the film as much as I did. I would definitely watch it again to catch all of the references.
A Hamiton Christmas (HIS #9)
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Signs and Wonders (Witchbane #7)
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When a coven of dark warlocks killed Seth Tanner’s brother, Seth became a man driven by vengeance,...
Paranormal MM Romantic Suspense
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Girl on the Train (2016) in Movies
Dec 20, 2017
I felt like there was no suspense whatsoever and that it was quite boring and lacked excitement. I just can’t put my finger on whether this is due to the film or because I know what’s going to happen. The characters too I felt were not the same as in the books and they seemed underdeveloped. And I have no idea why they decided to move the story to the US when it was set in London. Why change something unnecessarily?
Such a disappointment despite being based on a great book.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Never Let You Go in Books
Jan 12, 2018
This is a fast paced, chilling read with twists that are well-thought out, well developed and believable. Domestic abuse is a difficult subject to write about sensitively and without sensationalism and Chevy does this very well whilst not losing any of the suspense, darkness and fear that comes with living in a very poisonous and controlling relationship.
With great characters and a great story-line, I found this a highly addictive read from start to finish and I will definitely be checking out her other books.
I want to thank the publisher (Little, Brown Book Group UK) and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
Pete (121 KP) rated The Circle (2017) in Movies
Jul 19, 2017
As per normal, Hanks was brilliant in his role and what made it even better was you get to see his darker side.
Overall, as a thriller, theres a crushing lack of suspense.
The idea was brilliant, the film was not. I had high hopes when watching but ended somewhat disappointed.