Free Guy 7/10

Not as good as The Truman Show but much better than Pixels.

Best watched with your brain left at the door.

So this film was no problem for you? = p

Jason Rising, once again proof that fan fiction is what keeps this franchise alive throughout crappy remakes, crossovers and the bickering between the creators.

The idea of the headless mother is a bit wonky at first, but if you keep the other silliness in the franchise in mind, you get over that pretty quickly.

The film has many qualities. It ventures into the relationship between Jason and his mother, building on the shrine from part 2. It sets up the characters and their motivations and the way they evolve throughout this relatively well and the kills are pretty damn good. They have the creativeness of the original series and get to be more graphic. The upside to the MPAA not breathing down your neck.

And the kicker of course the cameo by Adrienne King. Knowing her history, especially between parts one and two, it makes you wonder how this came about and how she agreed to return to the series. Guess bygones are bygones?

Anyway, a good watch and well worth your time.

THE LODGE (2020)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

A Widowed Father takes his still grieving Children and his Fiancee to his Lodge (Think it's supposed to be the Berkshires in Western Mass), is called back into work, leaving the three - who have a somewhat dicey relationship- alone with a big winter storm moving in. Things begin to get odd.......

Potential is evident, a good sense of unease and an almost SHINING-esque atmosphere in parts. In hindsight, some parts of the story don't work. Although the Dad is an asshole, don't think He would be enough of one to plan nuptials so soon after the Children's mother dies, especially with Fiancee history. And it seems pat and unlikely that the two kids could make such an elaborate plan, seemingly off the cuff, much less have it work so well.

Not bad, but could have been much better. **1/2

Megan Is Missing

Being lazy here, I just copy paste my review from Letterboxd. ::big grin::

Turns out that I am clearly in the minority there for liking this flick. Lol.

Wether or not you should take this as a life lesson (or a PSA), is irrelevant to me. Storytellingwise, I thought it was well done.

Amy as the girl with the heart of gold, whose rebellious side comes in hanging on to Billy Bear. Which finally becomes her undoing.

Megan as the girl with the traumatic past, rough around the edges, but a layer of kindness underneath all that.

"Josh" first sweettalking Megan and then revealing his character to Amy.

The film follows the three act mode. The first part (including the party scene) sets up the characters and the mischief they can get themselves into. Which, again, is not too badly done. You may hate some of the stuff that you see and that's fine, but the idea of an abused girl ending up with an abusive boyfriend is not that far fetched. If you think about it, up until then, Megan Is Missing could easily go in the same category as Kids.

The second part (until Megan's disappearance), sets up the girls and their friendship. How, behind all the tough talk and high jinks, they are still children, naive enough to be lured in by this "Josh" character.

Then, after Megan disappears, the movie gets scary and that's what stuck with me. The tone shift in Josh during his conversation with Amy is not surprising. But then it goes south fast. The shot of Josh behind Amy as she is holding on to her teddy is scary as hell, as well as the shot of Amy getting captured. And the 22 last minutes are very disturbing, culminating in a shocking rape scene where everything is done to make sure it's as hurtful and traumatizing as you can imagine.

I am piggybacking a bit on the burial scene. One moment, it drags on and you want things to move along (ok, ok, we get it), the other you tend to think that it's supposed to drag in order to emphasize how Amy pleads for her life and how Josh remains callous to her pleas. Which reminds me of Creep and the shot of all the tapes at the end. Megan Is Missing does not need that. His methodicalness and his callousness to Amy is enough proof of how this is not the first time for him and probably not the last.

Did it live up to the expectations? Yes, because it was scary. Was it good? Interesting and intriguing are better words. Would I recommend this to anyone and if so, who? Not many people, that's for sure. It's budget, themes and ending relegate it to cult status. Only for experienced horror fans and general weirdoes.

Is this a free film like those other recent ones? Post it here if so.

Done and done.



And for dessert. ::wink::

Saved. Thanks I'll watch it for the October month. I thought it would be short but it's like a hour. Hopefully it's better than those other two. Third time should be the charm.

Every time these shorts come out I get happy about my Ultimate version though.

The Girl Who Got Away, 2021. 7/10

Director: Michael Morrissey



Demonic, 2021. 6/10

Director: Neill Blomkamp

Mosquito State, 2021. 7.5/10

Director: Filip Jan Rymsza

Gonjiam Asylum

Really enjoyed it. There was one silly scene that made me laugh more than scared me. But, overall, liked it. Sorry it's taken me so long to watch it.

somewhere in the east (1991)

romanian movie about some of the horrors of communism made after the fall of the dictator ceausescu, moments here that could be placed in a horror movie for sure, shooting the baby than the woman tries to shoot herself, but no bullet so they capture her and she screams like she is being murdered

My date with the president’s daughter

Accepting that The Grudge inflicts pain
 

Hi there,
I watched House of 1000 Corpses last week, and The Human Centipede 2 two days ago. ::cool:: They left me highly joyful, surprised and interested. Tonight I gave The Grudge (2020) a chance, because it is available on Netflix and a friend recommended it or the original.
It was very worrying and horrifying to notice the emptiness of the movie... so standardised, so impersonal and in a way predictable. I need to accept that I have to indefinitely stop watching "Hollywood horror movies", because the stylistic mistakes in them are too much to bear.

I just read that the BBFC initially called The Human Centipede "undoubtedly tasteless and disgusting". ::devil:: From this we may conclude that the BBFC at the time featured one or more employees who don't understand a thing about movies. ::mad:: The aforementioned predicate applies to The Grudge (2020) if you ask me, and not to The Human Centipede ::love:: . (Cheers to Tom Six for a remarkable cinematographic performance. ::big grin:: )

Oh man...

Please do reply to my post, as I feel lonely in my opinions.

Wired Shut, 2021. 6/10

Director: Alexander Sharp



Eye Without a Face, 2021. 7/10

Director: Ramin Niami

Grudge 2020 or the original. Got to go with the original first. ::big grin::

I didn't see Grudge 2020 and won't waste my time unless someone I trust recommends it. I watched the trailer and it just looks like a series of "something is behind you" or "something jumps at you" scenes. Some horror is style, but the trailer looked like hack visuals and hack story. I really don't know who bothers to watch this when there are some many better things to do.

I did see Ju-On (2000), and speaking of "It was very worrying and horrifying to notice the emptiness of the movie", I kind of felt that way about Ju-on. It's fairly crafty, but found it hard to relate or care about the characters and was a bit bored and found the story a bit shallow. But a lot of folks here liked Ju-On. That was your better shot at a decent flick.

You gonna try Ju-on?

Me too, posted a while ago.
Really well made. One of the best I saw the past year or so.

Hm… gonna have to see that.

Ted bundy American boogeyman

Is that the one with Mark Harmon?

Candyman (1992): I wanted to return to this one in order to be ready for the sequel. An indirect effect that Jordan Peele has on you.

If anything the film has grown over the years. Storytellingwise, that is, because little things like the cameras and the idea that (nearly) everybody smokes make this film look dated.

Throughout the story, the film is also not afraid to inject social commentary. From Anne-Marie's line about "white folks only bringing trouble" (quite the bit of foreshadowing there) to the police response to Helen being beat up.

It was good seeing Xander Berkeley again, but I was a bit ashamed for not recognizing Vanessa Williams. That feeling where you think "this face looks a bit familiar, but you're not quite sure why". The good thing is that she made you focus on her character rather than her. This contrary to a time where they cast people, because famous.

And then of course, there is Tony Todd. It takes him a while to show up, but then he dominates the screen with his presence and his voice. Much more than with William Bludworth, it really gives you the chills. On par with James Earl Jones' performance as Darth Vader, it instills just as much fear.

If anything, it makes me more curious how the story will be set forward in the sequel. Different accents , people coming back (or not),...

North

Candyman, 2021. 7/10

Director: Nia DaCosta

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4d/53...0d22dcc89c.gif



We Need To Do Something, 2021. 7/10

Director: Sean King O'Grady

https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.XkPdwE...id=ImgDet&rs=1



Pulk, 2020. 7/10

Director: Julian Filigno

https://i.postimg.cc/L69CPGrx/4c2krot.png



Superhost, 2021. 6/10

Director: Brandon Christensen





Don't Breathe 2, 2021. 6/10

https://deadline.com/wp-content/uplo...1&h=383&crop=1

Lol candy man. Haven t seen that in 4 years

The Protege, 2021. 8/10

Director: Martin Campbell


https://64.media.tumblr.com/acfeb6ca...2e85d26c8.gifv


Rushed, 2021. 7/10

Director:Vibeke Muasya




Honeydew, 2021. 7/10

Director: Devereux Milburn

Funny how most people knew smoking was bad way before 1992. I always thought cigarettes were adult candy in the old movie days. But it would still be years before that and that inside movie about cigarette companies before laws against smoking would start. Also preventing ads towards children.

Anyways, I'm going to watch the original before the new one as well.

THE INVITATION (2015). This tale of a Dinner invitation/Reunion starts out pretty well; nothing really happens, but suspense begins to build. Sadly, towards the end, it's almost an Homage to BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS when things begin to get nasty. Add up to what I thought was a ridiculous ending, although my Wife figured it made sense. **1/2

We live in postmodern times. Going with the original movie first, is not a rule I like to consistently follow. I watched the Evil Dead remake first, and the original later; and this experience worked very well for me.
Anyways, it's interesting to hear your views. Yes, I am curious towards Ju-on!

The first Ju-on (2000) is the best.

Always a good idea to watch the original first. You know... when circumstances are the same. ::big grin:: Like, I wouldn't turn down an invitation to watch a remake with folks. Goes without typing. ::wink::

You know I haven't seen Candyman yet either. It's on my list. I'll have to watch it sooner than later. It's pretty unique.


Funny about smoking...

When I was in grammar school we were taught about oral cancer and lung cancer with all the disgusting pictures. That had an impact on me not to smoke.

But probably bigger impact was my folks didn't smoke. My grandpa pretty much chained smoked. That ashtray odor didn't smell good, but the house also always smelled like sautéed onions.

Also, as a young adult on, I bummed cigarettes all the time from my friends who smoked, especially when drinking. They wanted me to smoke with them. I never really got anything out of it besides the physical routine which satisfied my fidgeting habit. I never had the desire to go out and buy a pack. I guess I'm somehow immune to nicotine addiction, or whatever desired effect it's supposed to have. I don't know how rare that is.

Gunpowder Milkshake (2021) (netflix)
6/10

Sorta of a tongue-in-check hitwoman noir comedy action film, where in a bad world of bad people a hitwoman saves a kidnapped girl, with a boorishly ton of uninspiring fighting and gunplay.

I was happy enough with the opening, even though it was very Tarantino' familiar, without the good dialogue. But when the hand combat and gunplay scenes dragged on way too long, and repeated and repeated... I was seriously bored. You've already seen this.

Boo!

I remember seeing pictures from the Red Cross when they visited my Second Grade class...quite an impact! EVERYONE smoked when I was little...it just seemed to be what "Older People" did.
At 13, was going to impress my Friend by smoking the Benson and Hedges Menthol I had hocked from her purse...after coughing and gagging for 20 minutes later, wondered why ANYONE would want to start.

You're quite lucky, Sculpt, that You have that immunity...from what I have heard, Tobacco is extremely difficult to cease and desist.

We Need To Do Something (2021)

Nice idea with some possibilities, but it needed to actually do something.

5/10

Ah, right 2000 is the first The Curse. Ju-on the Grudge is 2nd.

Oh, that's right, The Insider (1999). Yes, that film blew my mind. Good film too.

You mean you saw Evil Dead 2 (1987) first, or Evil Dead (2013) first? Yeah, I saw ED2 first and the original later. Liked them both.

I liked The Invitation, the whole sitting in a group, new folks awkwardly trying to join with the old group, the weirdness of some stranger being controlling of a longtime friend, and some peeps presenting their beliefs and experiences, and video of the dying woman was like 'whoh!', and then them trying to sell you on joining their cult... all that was really entertaining to me! ::big grin::


You been a smoker, Frye?

LOL

The girl who got away

Not to butt in (pun intended) or side track the thread, but I'll chime in that to me it's really a matter of will power and not any harder than deciding to cut out sugar or red meat or whatever out of your diet or cut loose a friend or an ex who isn't good for you to be around. Although, admittedly that is also something difficult for some people as well, but if you really want to quit and are ready to, you will. In the end it's a choice you make and you either choose to stick by it or you don't, kind of like being married and being faithful even though you can choose not to be at anytime.

Oh I've seen Candyman before. It was just so long ago that I can't remember it. So it will be like it's a new movie.

I find it funny that people said Trump's doctor was the real Candyman with the way he was passing out pills.

On smoking, I had many chances to try just about every brand of US cigarette but never did. I was around second hand smoke and it makes me upset. But I was a kid and adults still weren't serious about second hand smoke back then. Also people smoked in clubs and restaurants like it was no big deal back then.

But like alcohol people have different tolerances. I wouldn't bet on trying cigarettes and not being addicted. Companies bet on getting teens to try and keep them as customers for life. So there is something extra that effects kids. Also there is or was the cool factor or opening up a pack and asking for a light. Or having something else in your hand besides a drink at a bar. Who knows why. Here is what wiki says on Nicotine.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicoti...ment_disorders

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicoti...s_and_symptoms

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smokin...n#Side_effects

I can detect my mood change depending on lack of sleep or healthy food. I would hate dealing with nicotine. But I'm ok with dealing with alcohol and I've met people who can't stop drinking.

Right now is probably a terrible time to smoke with the virus. That's a pre-existing condition right there.

Oh yes ED2 is still to be discovered by me. ::sad:: I saw the 2013 movie first!

Well spoken, I completely agree w.r.t. The Invitation. ::big grin::

You're in for a real treat with ED2! The first time I saw it blew my mind. Actually this year on HDC (horror.com) it was one vote away from being in the Final for Best Horror Film All-time. One of my all-time favs.