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Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)
Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)
1986 | Horror
If you were to show someone who had never watched a Friday the 13th movie, one single film from the franchise, then Part VI would surely be the one. It does everything that this series aims to do so well - it's easy to see why it's such a fan favourite.

Part VI marks the turning point into supernatural territory. Jason is back properly this time, risen from the grave, essentially a zombie, and even more unkillable than he was before. In the entries preceding this one, Jason has always been an imposing figure sure, but this time around C.J. Graham makes him feel like a proper tank (something that would be carried on wholeheartedly by Kane Hodder).
Most of the cast are typical slasher types purely here to up the kill count, but Tommy Jarvis appear once again to round off his trilogy of films, this time played by Thom Mathews, easily the most recognisable and iconic portrayal of the character.
The kills come thick and fast, and although certainly not the bloodiest of the series, it still has some memorable moments (a dude gets folded in half like a deckchair, which is suitably ridiculous) and the general pacing of the movie is well realised.
The comedic tone is just right as well. It's not quite as goofy as Part V, and the humourous parts are genuinely funny. The dumb script just adds to this. The paintball scene is a little too much though, silly music and all.
Talking of music, Harry Manfredini returns to score, and his work continues to be one of the best parts about the franchise.

Jason Lives is a good time, through and through. It's a shining example of what can be great about 80s slashers - it's fun, it's violent, just the right amount of hammy, and is simply one of the best Friday the 13th films out there.
  
Buster's Mal Heart (2016)
Buster's Mal Heart (2016)
2016 | Mystery
Someone tell me what I just watched?!?
On the recommendation from a friend, I checked this film out on Netflix (I think it is available on Netflix UK also).

Before he recently won the Academy Award for Best Actor for Bohemian Rhapsody, Rami Malek starred in this very unusual film about a guy who is either stranded out at sea on a one-person raft, running from the law after breaking in and stealing wealthy mansions for his own use or a married man working at a hotel with a wife and daughter. Or maybe all 3?

The character meets a paranoid man talking all about the "inversion" and Y2K (remember that?) which sends the man down a weird slope of cerebral? encounters throughout his various levels of existence.

The screenplay is so interesting that I want to sit in a room with writer/director Sarah Adina Smith to pick her brain just to make sure I either understand what I watched or if I am meant to. I have no issue with cerebral films like Donnie Darko, The Fountain, Under the Skin or Mulholland Drive. Since some of the film takes place in a hotel, I could see comparisons to shades of The Shining also.

It may take another viewing to let everything soak in or maybe I will pick up new things the next time around.

The look of the film is breathtaking with both beautiful outdoor landscapes, gorgeous mansions, and stuffy hotel lobbies.

I am ashamed to say I have not seen Bohemian Rhapsody yet, but based on this film alone Malek appears to be not only up and coming, but here to stay for a while and he deserves it. He was emotional and moving in this film so I am eager to see more of his work.

Please someone else watch this so we can discuss. I would love to hear your opinion!

  
Victims for Sale
Victims for Sale
Nish Amarnath | 2018 | Mystery, Thriller
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A good, solid, “Creepy” thriller
This caught my eye when I saw MMB Tours host a “ bookstagram” tour some time ago and was intrigued. I need more thrillers in my repertoire and I do enjoy reading lesser known authors.

It has been quite some time since I was creeped out by a book!

This was purely down to the premise, which was superb, (maybe not the right choice of word considering) and something I have not read in a thriller before. Nish tackles human trafficking and exploitation on a whole new level. Focusing on girls who are intellectually disabled in the care system and their subsequent offspring.

Nish also provides an interesting insight into cultural and generational issues within the confines of an Indian family living in London.

It did take me a while to get into the story as I had trouble following the timeline and characters, it jumped ahead at times and on occasion I had to go back a couple of pages to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. This however did not detract from the plot itself.

The plot was full of twists and turns and had me guessing right through to the end, which is always a a win for me. Nish crammed a lot into 336 pages, so I did find the ending crept up on me a little too quickly. Perhaps had this been maybe a 500 pager this would not have been the case.

Nish’s prose is without a doubt first class and you can clearly see her journalistic skill set shining through. However she could have relaxed it a little as the narrative was very formal in parts, but again I must stress that this did not distract from the story and is merely an opinion.

All in all Victims for Sale by Nish Amarnath was a good, solid, “creepy” thriller that should not be passed up!

Please note that this does come with trigger warnings, so hit me up if you are inclined to be effected by certain material
  
Wicked (2024)
Wicked (2024)
2024 | Fantasy, Musical
8
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Movie Rating
A Magical, If Slightly Uneven Journey

The long-awaited Wicked movie finally graces the big screen in 2024, bringing the beloved Broadway musical to life with all the magic, heart, and soaring melodies that made it iconic. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this adaptation dives deep into the untold story of the witches of Oz, offering stunning visuals, powerhouse performances, and emotional depth that will captivate fans of the musical and newcomers alike.

The film explores the complex relationship between Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo), the misunderstood green-skinned girl who will become the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), the glamorous and ambitious witch-in-training. Both actresses deliver strong performances, with Erivo’s soulful voice shining in ballads like “Defying Gravity” and “I’m Not That Girl.” Grande brings charm and humor to Glinda, though her performance occasionally leans into caricature rather than character depth.

Visually, Wicked is breathtaking. The vibrant and intricate production design transports viewers to a fantastical Oz, from the emerald spires of the Emerald City to the mystical forests of Shiz University. Coupled with dazzling costume design and vivid CGI, the world feels alive and immersive.

However, the film does falter in pacing. At over two hours, certain scenes—particularly in the first act—feel overly drawn out, while others are rushed. Some of the musical numbers lose their emotional weight due to awkward transitions from dialogue to song, a challenge many stage-to-screen adaptations face.

Despite these shortcomings, Wicked soars where it matters most: its emotional core. The themes of friendship, identity, and the cost of doing what’s right resonate deeply. By the time the climactic “For Good” duet arrives, the film earns its tears and applause.

While not perfect, Wicked (2024) is a spellbinding adaptation that captures much of the magic of the original musical. Fans will walk away satisfied, and newcomers will find themselves enchanted. A solid 8/10.