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Longlegs (2024)
Cage continues his legendary versatile renaissance in what is easily the most decrepit serial killer study in maybe decades .
Cage side quests of dedicating himself to any role thrown at him with sheer brilliance and utter passion is something to behold . This role even for him is quite uncanny and depraved unlike anything he's ever done . It's something he can truly say he's never come close to in a long list of projects and that makes this even more of an event to be witnessed . Sure he's been in some bizarre and intense films but this one takes the bar and raises it to new heights.
When I saw the trailer for this I will admit I thought it was another artsy attempt at serial killer horror . Stylish shots with tumultuous sfx and vibrant colors were intriguing enough. Then I saw a lunatic figure with a ridiculously wacky yet terrifying voice. I realized who it was and immediately verified Cage being part of it . I was completely on board .
After seeing this film and being well aware of the hype along with it, I must say it's one of the best of the genre in quite some time .The level of detail and thought put into crafting a more retro style serial killer study /horror is phenomenal here. The director seems to really nail the anachronistic niche. There's an overall feel akin to Silence of the Lambs and Prisoners with foreboding imagery and depressingly strange settings: it's everything visually you'd want for a film like this.
But what makes this whole thing fun is Cage giving it his absolute all to this provocative and twisted character full of nastiness and almost comedic idiosyncrasies. It's one of his most unique roles and that says something. The other supporting actors are solid in their own right as well.
This is easily the best horror film of the year so far so believe the hype this time . Brings me back to a time where psycho/thriller type films were top tier. Cage is masterful.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
While Krasinski is involved within the story and production, the prequel sorely misses the star power of him or Blunt.
This franchise caught people completely off guard when it came out. Krasinski hatched a massive plan for an entire saga after the mega hit. While he was mostly absent from the story in the last film Blunt was still a strong force in keeping the audience captivated. We know that this is a prequel obviously so they wouldn't be here either way. However this overall story could've probably been consolidated into more flashbacks in the second film when they were delving into that aspect.
The aliens are still gruesome and as rapidly visceral as they always have been, so that is the main constant of their film. The visuals are incredible albeit cgi is much heavier in the city scape with more broad daylight scenes. The origin is substantially crafted and answer a few questions. The issues I have are with the main characters being extremely dull and interesting. Whether it be slightly poorly written or just plain uninspired performance, they don't capture the attention at all. If they thought those 2 will be a good fit they were wrong. Overall this is a serviceable prequel with problems and lack of quality comparable to the other films.
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 (2024)
Costner once again proves he is one of the most important visionaries in American cinema with yet another epic showcasing old style western action in modern presentation.
Costner has been a legendary actor for nearly 40 years now as well as an amazingly talented director/writer on certain projects he spearheads. The man has a brilliant vision with no holds barred and runs with it every time. With his recent renaissance of the hit series Yellowstone , he is once again riding that high with this massive original project venturing in the historic western direction once again.
I don't remember the last time I've seen something in the genre this well done and thought out since maybe Bone Tomahawk or Hostilles. It's visceral and packed with bombastic action. The acting is phenomenal with a star studded cast. The level of dedication to make it look so authentic for the time portrayed is absolutely breathtaking.
Costner may very well be the most important western story teller/actor in decades and as genre focus shifts from that over the past decade, the fact that he is making this mammoth Epic makes it all the more galvanizing. He truly is resurrecting the American western.
The Exorcism (2024)
Just when you thought 15 possession/exorcism films a year weren't enough, now you get Russel Crowe being typecast as the go to Exorcist in different IP's...
I know that this film was technically being worked on before the serviceable pope's exorcist last year, but I find it funny that Crowe took both nearly exact roles as an exorcist in a 4 year span. This is a guy that won an Oscar that was once held as a top five actor in the 2000s. That's not to say he still can't act well because in both of these films, he carries it with his tenacious intensity and dedication to the character. It just seems peculiar that he's not in really any other films.
While, this film doesn't do anything particularly different and the cliches run amok . It's still a passable exorcism movie with captivating enough visuals and ok story to keep you intertwined. The supporting cast is actually rather great as well. Sam Worthington proves once again he's quite underrated and never truly got the respect he deserved. Crowe of course pours every bit he has into these films and while I'd like to see him get other roles if that's even possible, he has found a particular niche As the go to aging exorcist.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
Quite possibly the most underrated franchise once again offers a powerful and triumphant tale of morality.
The classic planet of the apes films are revered as sci/fi staples and while they do get substantial recognition, they aren't looked at in the same vein as other franchises. I say this even more so with the last Caesar Trilogy which for my taste is THE most underrated trilogy. It still doesn't seem to garner much universal attention and acclaim imo. When those films were over I wondered when they'd pick up again because how powerful and striking they were.
Finally we have a new beginning far into the future where apes have overtaken completely with brand new characters and new stakes. The presentation is just as effective and monumental. The visuals are incredible and will leave you nearly breathless in excitement. I can't stress how impressive it is to see them nail the portrayals of ape action through the continued motion capture work and state of the art cgi. What really leaves an imprint is the true heart and emotion of this new story to fight for morality against overpowering forces. The villain in this might be even more sinister than Koba which was a feat in itself . The varying characters keep the intrigue going throughout.
Overall I'm thrilled to have a new trilogy for the franchise and hopefully more people will take notice of this terrific franchise.
Arcadian (2024)
Essentially a discount Quiet Place yet nearly as effective, and exceptionally more brutal.
Most people I'm sure saw the trailer and thought; Oh look a ripoff of A quiet place. Well they wouldn't be completely wrong but it does survive on its own accord even having similarities especially in plotting and visuals . The settings are also like minded. What this particular film does differently is with the bloodshed and gruesome factor. The intensity and threat is much more on display with creatures that might even be even more grotesque than even its influence . As far as the main draw, Cage is always entertaining. The other cast is solid as well. What really shines in this will be the fantastic bleak settings and disgusting creatures . Sometimes movies that borrow can do certain things better than the originals.
Files of the Unexplained (2024)
Another meager attempt at the "unexplained" genre with regurgitation of past failed attempts like haunted and unsolved mysteries reboot. Netflix has to do better.
The unexplained subject is not hard to delve into in show form . Unsolved mysteries with Robert Stack and more recently the unexplained series with William Shatner prove that. Those shows are on a level of their own with intriguing hosts that hold the whole thing together and amazing lot detailed accounts and research. The interviews feel real and not staged by paid actors. This show feels like it's a bunch of paid average joes recounting their dull recounts of unexplained phenomena with even more uninteresting lack of research and attention holding content . This show is like watching paint dry.
Indigenous (2014)
What could've been a passable chupacabra themed film turns into a wasted opportunity with terrible representation of the legendary cryptid.
We still wait around for a competently made chupacabra film. This film had decent potential and an all around fantastic setting but the glaring problem was the actual portrayal of the creature itself . They seemed to have used the most basic makeup that could be a bad Halloween costume or a weak cosplay. I can't imagine it could've costed them much more to invest in some better effects and costume design. Maybe it was just a budget issue but either way it kills the film's goal entirely. The acting is somewhat decent here too which was shocking. Overall I'm not sure when we will get a competently made chupacabra film but hopefully we do.
True Detective: Night Country: Part 2 (2024)
After trying to see the positives of episode 1 and hoping some of the aspects I didn't like were more refined, episode 2 shows me this season will be a slog to get through.
After episode 1 there were many things that I enjoyed as well as some I didn't. The second episode seemingly solely focused on the ones I didn't like even more. Instead of actual detective work and tracking down what's causing certain crimes, it focuses on relationships and sexuality and attempts at some deeper social commentary to fit agendas. Jodie is solid as usual but the rest of the cast is starting to monotonously drone on and become uninteresting. I don't quite get how last season and this season are hijacked by these similar downfalls but now it just seems the true detective name is slapped on to keep people hoping for what the series was but just likely isn't be again.
True Detective: Night Country: Part 1 (2024)
True detective returns after hiatus with the legendary Jodie Foster, darker subject material, and more suspenseful mystery.
The last 2 seasons of TD have not lived up to the classic first season in any iota though both had solid aspects. After hearing Jodie Foster was starring this season and the Alaskan setting I knew the season could be a darker and more unsettling entry. One episode in and I can say it's the closest to the first season already in atmospheric brooding suspense and overall foreboding feel. Something of which I didn't feel in the last 2 seasons. Foster is of course fantastic with her intensity and dedication. The cast overall has plenty of great supporting roles as well. What really separates this is the visual appeal with all of the frozen and bleakness throughout. It's the type of environment needed for mystery and crime subjects. Overall off to a great start . Can't wait to watch the rest.
Night Swim (2024)
A shallow concept at first, with an actual deep backstory and solid scares.
Another January Blumhouse dart at the box office wall. Last year m3gan hit a bullseye or at least close. While this may not be as overall effective or memorable, it certainly has its moments of the horror visuals people crave. It doesn't do anything innovative for the most part but does have an interesting backstory that saves it from being too cliche. The setting is limited but is executed rather well with creativity in angles and presentation. The film has remnants of other movies but still owns its identity. Overall a solid entry in Blumhouse Rolodex that never feels too dry and is slick enough to keep stride.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
If this is it for what we know as the DCEU, let's make sure Gunn will continue Wan/Momoa era Aquaman in some way.
Aquaman blew me away in 2018 and my expectations were extremely low. I was huge fan of James Wan but I wondered how it would translate to the comic to adaptation movie world . To this day I still think it's the strongest effort of the DCEU of course not counting The Batman. This continuation of the story highlights the visual ocean of vibrant colors and outstanding performances from Momoa, Wilson, and Abdul-Mateen. The story is nearly as strong as the first and expands into more territory with much more variety and world building. Wan's keen eye for detail is unmatched. To me overall there's no way Gunn can honestly throw this portion of the DCEU away . I believe it's the fan favorite character and he will have to grow the universe for it to live on.
Napoleon (2023)
The Napoleon Complex in full effect through another Oscar level performance from powerhouse Phoenix, and visual/anachronistic master director Scott.
Ridley Scott seems to be able to transport the audience into historic past times and events as if we existed during those revolutionary times. His keen eye for distinct detail and historical set pieces is imo the best of any director of all time. His films are epic in every sense of the word. Then you add the brilliance of once in generation eccentric and enigmatic talent like Joaquin Phoenix and you have a powerful combination full of sheer visual power.
If you're like me, the usual history biopics aren't exactly exciting and edge of the seat. Ridley Scott's however are always bombastic, brutal, and brazen. The aspects that are sometimes glossed over in books or documentaries . Scott isn't afraid to show what bloodshed and true stakes were and that is so commendable in a world where thats getting less and less. Ridley's honest portrayals are just cinematic rides.
With a Napoleon bio, you also need a juggernaut actor that can capture the truly outrageous yet fascinating personality of such an infamous person in history. Joaquin was a perfect selection and honestly delivers another Oscar worthy performance full of ambition and versatility. The entire cast is as focused and well put together as they could be. On top of that the visuals are nothing short of insane and massive. Fully immersed into the environment of napoleon's conquering.
Overall Napoleon is a fantastic holiday biopic, maybe the best of the decade so far. Scott still has it and Joaquin continues his dominance.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023)
Monarch shows Monster potential with astounding set pieces, obliterating visuals, and possibly more intrigue in story/cast than some of the actual films.
It's mind blowing to see how far streaming service material has come, and shows like this put it on full display. The effects are cinematic caliber on a huge scale. The cast is strong and doesn't feel filler like most streamed shows. Most importantly the story actually builds and develops well and gives us more background on Monarch than we have ever seen which to me is captivating. Overall, first two episodes and it's giving a lot of hope for the rest of the series and franchise outside of just the movies. Also the actual CGI for the monsters is something grand and fantastic that I didn't think would have the same level of quality for a streaming show..
Thanksgiving (2023)
Without question, the Gore Master Eli Roth's best and most well executed film in years maybe of his career. A throwback film poised to be a new holiday horror classic.
Roth has always been an enigma to me. He's clearly got the eye for sheer brutality and putrid gore. He knows what buttons to push and create throwback style horror . But then on the other side of the ticket, his overall stories suffer from dull plots and fizzled potential. None of his films aside from the Death Wish Remake awhile back have been fully effective IMO until Thanksgiving.
He takes a concept that was conjured up for a bonus trailer styled element within a different movie from 16 years ago with Grindhouse. You wouldn't think the concept could translate to a full feature length but it really does . He does his best 80s slasher impression that actually feels legitimate and not forced. A new age potential iconic slasher is introduced and will absolutely be a new staple of horror genre.
The setting is ambient and perfect for the theme and provides a great visual feast. Roth has upped his game in making sure all attention to detail in presentation is covered and even implements a more complete film. The brutality is unleashed and doesn't hold back along with disgustingly fun gore. The cast is also shockingly well put together which is rare in most horror now.
Overall a new age holiday themed classic that shows what Roth can offer with the right amount of focus and time. And remember ....be thankful.
Goosebumps: Night of the Living Dummy: Part 2 (2023)
I really tried to give this series a chance and continue on, but this was the last straw. An utter embarrassment to the property.
After the first five episodes, I really was mixed on just about everything with the show so many cons yet a couple shreds of ambitious elements kept my attention then when Slappy finally came around, even though he should've been included from the get-go, my interest peaked and I thought the show is getting on track. The last three episodes have been nothing short of dreadful, and the Biddle story has gone off the rails completely as well as the writing. I don't even think I can watch the finale. The show belongs on the CW and the writers should be ashamed of themselves for butchering a classic property.
Goosebumps: Night of the Living Dummy (2023)
More than halfway through and while it's picked up momentum with the Slappy/Harold backstory, still can't help but feel bored at times with the cast and overall story arc .
This episode was clearly the bait after the cliffhanger from first 5 mediocre to decent at best episodes . Using Slappy finally and keeping the interest of the viewer pays off with a relatively serviceable origin tale and extension on the overall Harold arc. What I still can't get over is the cast being so mediocre aside from Long and maybe a couple characters. The 90s themed desperation comes off a bit forced at times as well. I'm still slightly annoyed they are going to use the most interesting parts of the series so little. Slappy and Justin Long should be THE main focal points at the core while other classic tales are told around them intertwined for a story arc style and it feels like they take a backseat to the uninteresting Teeny cast and their uninteresting romances . While the remaining 4 episodes could build off the momentum I'm still very skeptical. Either way solid episode and best so far .
Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Killers of time and more Scorsese dragged on brilliance/boredom in dialogue and drawn out imagery.
We all can agree Master Scorsese can do what he wants at this point and he definitely does with his new yet again near four hour attempt at an Epic Tale. Unfortunately that doesn't mean it yields groundbreaking results or withstanding impressions like his past films of his prime. This film much like his last The Irishman is chalk full of brilliant actors and dialogue something that's usual for his films. Leo is always delivering an Oscar worthy performance. Where this movie can drag lies within its slow as molasses story. I'm not expecting shootouts and incredible heists from a based on true events tale but for the length of near four hours there's only so much talking and staring that can be withstood. While it most likely depicts what it needs to it could be cut in half and be more effective that way. The scenery is magnificent and the overall visuals are immense and worth the watch alone. The bottom line is that it's clear Scorsese wants to film talking more than anything which is fine for 2 hours but a bit winded at 4.
Goosebumps: Go Eat Worms (2023)
Easily the best and most interesting of the first 5 episodes. The one that seems truest to the classic goosebumps feel.
I wasn't to enthralled with the first half of new series but this episode is actually executed rather well and brings a new take on the classic go eat worms tale. The main character of this is a much better actor than the rest of the cast and is actually convincing. The effects in this are also the best and very stranger things like in presentation. It makes me wonder why they couldn't have utilized similar thematics and visuals for the other episodes. Maybe they had a different Director for this one and that could explain the possible difference in quality .If only the new series could've brought this type of overall feel.
Goosebumps (2023)
Another classic horror property getting the modernized gen z treatment with slight ambition, but mostly cliche mtv/cw caliber material.
Everything has to be redone, reimagined and recycled these days. Unfortunately goosebumps is not off-limits even though we just had two movies within the last 10 years as well as Fear Street spin offs on Netflix. No, but here we get a series that tries some new things, but just can't escape the absolutely unnecessary and forced tropes amongst the casting, the plotting, and the overall product. Justin Long being the bright spot, of course and some of the Visual horror aspects. Otherwise, I can already tell it might be difficult to make it through more than a few episodes. I'll stick with the classic books and the classic TV series.
Pet Sematary: Bloodlines (2023)
Sometimes dead really is better and that could also be said for this franchise after this egregious attempt at an origin tale for Pet sematary.
Never trust a director with the last name "Beer". I'm not even going to go into much detail on this but this is some absolute less than passable on demand level horror that I'm actually shocked got picked up by paramount plus honestly. Also the fact that David Duchovny agreed on this is rather odd especially with the amateur hour caliber on all fronts. This is basically a student horror film that threw together a pet semetary origin using the same cliche visuals with some even more cliche dialogue . While the 2019 reboot had its moments this has none and is truly nearly unwatchable. The Halloween month is not off to a good start for new horror.
Saw X (2023)
What was expected to be another run of the mill addition to the marathon franchise, turns out to be the deepest and most brutal yet.
If you're like me, because of the sheer number of movies in this particular franchise, you go sort of in and out in casual fashion toward it. After the first couple great movies, I was ready for a break. Checked in once in a while to see some of the others and was left extremely dissatisfied. Somewhat enjoyed the recent two films for their slightly different takes. But finally we get a saw film that is nearly the same caliber of intensity and perplexing as the original classic.
What surprises me the most is that this Director who has worked on past saw films was able to finally refine the best aspects of the franchise and create somewhat of a ultimate finale of sorts. While I am sure, there will be more spin offs. If this is it, for the particular story arc I can accept that due to how impactful and just absolutely decimating this film is. It brings back a couple familiar faces and focuses much more on Kramer, which is undoubtedly the most intriguing part of the Saw Saga. Tobin Bell gives a performance that is up there with his best work and is featured much more. The writing for this film is a step up as well and the dialogue and plotting never seems cheaply cobbled together like some of the other films. The set pieces are obliterating and , comical, all the while being incredibly clever. Brutality is once again on full display, which has become a natural element of the franchise.
Overall, what really separates this sequel from the many others is that it goes back to the source and delves into morality, decisions, and the human character. The elements that made the first saw film so brilliantly executed.
The Creator (2023)
As much as a visionary Director Gareth Edwards is, this is basically a Terminator Skynet rehash made for gen Z with endless cgi and recycled concepts, albeit solid.
We've seen a ton of movies with man vs machine AI) plots and technology overtaking the earth. They always have some form or terminator influence within the plotting, visuals, and overall themes. This one is nearly a blatant rebooting of sorts with so much similarity it's almost comical. While the overall film still works in its presentation and is carried by fantastic rich worlds and scenery, it's hard to appreciate it as much with so much borrowing from a classic. It feels like a money grab to appeal to the newly ramped up AI fears plastered all over the news and current events. Sometimes it really does feel like originality is gone.
The Continental (2023)
Without Keanu and Stahleski this feels like more of a discount Wick entry that you'd find on the CW.
Don't get me wrong anything related to the greatest action franchise of our time catches my interest. Unfortunately, my fears after the trailer was released came true when I watched the first episode of the series. From everything involved with the storylines, the actors, the actual action just seems way more watered down and forced just to stretch out the franchise. What I really didn't understand is the lack of Mel Gibson, even though he is billed as one of the top actors, he's not in the first episode very much . A lot of the other actors feel very amateur, and there for the sake of variety. As for the action itself, it's the one thing that holds the series together because there are some pretty great visuals for a streaming series. Overall, maybe the rest of the series will prove me wrong, but I wasn't too struck by the first episode..
The Nun II (2023)
The NUN 2 improves upon the first in aspects even being Another cash grab sequel in the conjuringverse
The NUN wasn't something I expected to be groundbreaking. While it definitely wasn't it was still much better than it had any business being. A solid origin story spin off for Valak with a nice more religion focused story. Also with some surprisingly well done settings and visuals. This sequel does basically everything the same but adds more visceral imagery and slightly more depth to the characters. There's also plenty more depravity and evil lurking around presented in more intense manner. While it won't do anything truly innovative it serves as another solid entry in the conjuringverse. Some may be sick of it at this point but it's a nice kick off to the Halloween horror season.