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Viy (Spirit of Evil) (1967)
Viy (Spirit of Evil) (1967)
1967 | Horror
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Soviet horror movie from the 1960s rather unexpectedly turns out to be a close spiritual cousin of the kind of films that Hammer et al were making in the west at the same time. A trainee priest finds himself compelled to spend three nights reading prayers over the body of (supposedly) a wealthy landowner's daughter - but the corpse bears a striking resemblance to that of a witch he earlier killed...

Not the longest of films, which is just as well as the pacing may require patience on the part of the viewer; after a very eerie sequence early on, there's a long wait until the stuff with the protagonist's vigil in the second half. Nevertheless, it's worth it, mainly because the special effects are remarkably good, well up to the standard of equivalent western films of the same period (and probably better). Not particularly scary or graphic by modern standards, but the climax has a creepy sort of power to it and the overall impression is of a classy and well-made film; if there's a political subtext to it, it's very well-hidden.
  
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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Ready Or Not in Books

Sep 26, 2021  
Ready Or Not
Ready Or Not
Alex Lake | 2021 | Crime, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a deliciously creepy and gripping read made all the better as it's partly set in my neck of the woods!

A serial killer is on the loose murdering people at random and the police have no leads whatsoever. Tom and Alice are happily married with a beautiful baby girl but the cracks begin to show; they are exhausted by a lack of sleep, bruising begins to appear on their baby and Alice starts writing about the serial killer. As Alice becomes more embroiled in her story, it appears the killer has her in his sights.

Written from different perspectives and with timelines from the past which smoothly lead into the present, this is a fast paced and thrilling read where the tension builds and builds right until the end. Each and every character is strong and adds something to the story.

I have read some of Alex Lake's previous books and have enjoyed each and every one of them and I will certainly be looking out for the next.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK / HarperFiction and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
  
Scream (2022)
Scream (2022)
2022 | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Melissa Barrera (1 more)
The gore
Hello Sidney
Watched today I liked it it alot as a long time fan of the scream movies going back to to 1997 when I first saw the first one and loving it even getting the twist after the first half an hour and seeing all the sequels as well at the cinema over the years the second film is still my favourite of all the five. When I heard the team behind ready or not was gonna make this movie I was excited cause I loved that movie so I knew what I was gonna get with one. Any way on to the film everything I would expect from a scream movie the gore the creepy voice on the phone played once again by Roger l jackson all the talk about sequels reboots and other stuff not forgetting the return of Sidney Gail and dewey it wouldn't be the without them . I also liked at the end when they put for wes a fitting tribute to wes craven. Also once again worked out the twist again but I won't give it away here spoilers
  
The Black Phone (2022)
The Black Phone (2022)
2022 | Horror, Thriller
7
7.8 (9 Ratings)
Movie Rating
After a swift MCU detour, Scott Derrickson is back in the horror business, and it's a welcome return. The Black Phone is unpleasant and tense, well crafted in its execution and pacing, and possesses quite a bit of heart, portrayed by a great cast, the stand-outs of course being Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw. The two child actors provide some outstanding performances and ensure that their character moments pack a punch. Opposite to them, Ethan Hawke gives us a genuinely creepy horror villain, a villain who is unhinged, and acts in a manner that is grounded in reality, reiterating what makes The Black Phone scary in the first place. This film plays on the very real fear that ones child could be taken. It's bleak, and hardly enjoyable, but it's effective. There are some moments of more supernatural horror, as well as a couple of well earned jump scares, and whilst this makes proceedings a little more unsettling, it doesn't take away from how utterly terrifying real life can be.
The Black Phone isn't perfect by any means, but it's a tight horror/thriller that looks great, and will worm its way under your skin.
  
TW
The Watchers
A.M. Shine | 2023
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
165 of 235
Kindle
The watchers
A.M. Shine
⭐️⭐️⭐️

You can't see them. But they can see you.

This forest isn't charted on any map. Every car breaks down at its treeline. Mina's is no different. Left stranded, she is forced into the dark woodland only to find a woman shouting, urging Mina to run to a concrete bunker. As the door slams behind her, the building is besieged by screams.

Mina finds herself in a room with a wall of glass, and an electric light that activates at nightfall, when the Watchers come above ground. These creatures emerge to observe their captive humans and terrible things happen to anyone who doesn't reach the bunker in time.

Afraid and trapped among strangers, Mina is desperate for answers. Who are the Watchers, and why are they keeping the humans imprisoned, keen to watch their every move?

It was a decent read. A really creepy creature feature. It is quite similar to a lot of these sorts of books that I’ve read and nothing really stood out as different really but still an enjoyable read.
  
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Hazel (2934 KP) rated You Can stay in Books

Sep 11, 2022  
You Can stay
You Can stay
Elle Connel | 2022 | Thriller
6
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is one of those books that you will either enjoy or not ... I thought it was quite good, not fantastic but not bad either.

There is a nod to Stephen King's Misery to this story, which is acknowledged by the author, as it's got some similar themes and has that creepy and growing sense of tension feel to it.

I didn't find any of the characters particularly likeable but they are well developed and although I don't think it mattered too much whether Eilidh was 'nice' or not, I did feel it was important for Connor to have some redeemable qualities alas I didn't think he did and therefore wasn't bothered what befell him which resulted in me not investing as much into the story as I could have.

The pace started off a little slow but grew as things moved on; the ending was quite satisfying if a little quick and although you have to suspend belief as to how Connor came to be in his position in the first place, it's a pretty good read.

Many thanks to Headline, Wildfire and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of You Can Stay.