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Reviews
Into the Dark: A Nasty Piece of Work (2019)
Worth staying up past my bedtime!
I was pleased to see that the December 6th release date was exactly after midnight in my region so I went ahead and watched it and I was not disappointed! I have enjoyed this series quite a lot despite the numerous flaws in several of them. Only a couple of the episodes have particularly stood out to me as more than just a part of the whole, this being the absolute best. My biggest complaint with most of the episodes has been the endings and this one nailed it.
The episode is a genre blend, which is not necessarily unique to the series but it happens to get the tone down the best. The script is believable enough while still including some out there reveals. The acting is far above par from the rest and sets this episode up to be a very good standalone dark comedy thriller.
The setting is very simple and somewhat cliche, a rich couple toying with others less fortunate than them, but with so many refreshing twists and turns. Its reminiscent at times of films like Cheap Thrills or Would You Rather, but takes on some interesting tonal shifts throughout instead of holding steady or just flat out being wacky and certainly holds no bars with the ending.
This is not a particularly frightening episode, but it is the most compelling and interesting thus far, and leaves me excited to see what the next episode will hold. Even with the interspersed duds, episodes like this make the series worth watching. Overall, highly recommend viewing this one even if the rest of the series is left on the table.
7/10
Joker (2019)
Graphic novel vs comic book
This film is the difference between reading a comic book and reading a graphic novel. Both have their merits, their distinctions and their own arguments over what constitutes what just as a movie versus a film. From the very beginning, you get a very nostalgic look to this film including the title. This is an artists film and not a superhero movie; but that would be apparent from the posters and trailers alone, right? Most going into this will get exactly what they want. Some may be enticed, by the promise that it is not what they would expect from such a film, they will not be lied to. Any lover of film will at least like this movie as long as they do not mind seeing a little violence and being made to feel a certain way. This film invokes thought and emotion almost entirely throughout and will almost certainly leave with the viewer in conversation or contemplation. All of the cast is phenomenal and the script leaves very little if anything to be desired. The cinematography does wonders for making the viewer feel exactly as I believe the director intended, and the score will still be resonating within me even into the following weeks. I have not been to the cinema much lately as I prefer to view from the comforts of my own home, but anyone who feels as thought they should see even one movie in theaters a year, I would recommend this one to them. The conversations afterward alone will make it worthwhile, even if it would be to say how much you disagree with everyone else.
Cop Car (2015)
Don't call the police on this one!
This movie starts by showing who will build and I kind of liked that. It also takes turns that I expected slightly but did it in different ways. It gave me anxiety all the way through which is a great quality of a thriller and Shea Whigham once again through indie roles has proved me can be anything. The chameleon almost overshadows Kevin Bacon. And by almost, I mean had the script not called for what it did, he probably would have. This movie will keep you guessing as to who will die and how, and who is right or wrong. Anxiety meter I give 5 popcorns.
Detention (2011)
One of my favorites, but I know most won't like it.
My taste is SUPER wide ranged, and I find humor in, admittedly, more than I probably should. This film scratches every itch that I need in one. It has comedy (gold and quotable in my opinion and in my circle of friends), it has horror (might not scare or startle seasoned horror viewers but I think it has its merits for sure and actually could be a good compromise for someone in a group that doesnt like horror), it has romance and despite being based on teens, I feel the romance is still less obnoxious than most cliched romantic subplots, and it has sci-fi. However, for that scratching of all itches reason, it probably won't work for most people. It moves fast, the comedy is the kind that you have to pay attention to nearly every frame, or you will miss a great bit. The blend of genres could leave viewers confused, but it honestly works very well if you pay attention. Also, the entire thing is referential to 80s and 90s culture, so if you know nothing of those or if you don't appreciate them in any way, this will not land at all. This is on my personal top 10 without a doubt, but just keep an open mind and heed warnings before viewing. I dont think this movie is trash, and the lack of defined genres certainly makes it hard for people to appreciate what it truly is, but to those who give it a shot, good luck, and enjoy!
The Boys & Girls Guide to Getting Down (2006)
My favorite "Documentary"
This is a very unique film. It never takes itself too seriously yet it does divulge some honest and true information all the way through. It is filled with great humor and some mediocre acting, but overall, a very enjoyable movie. It starts rough, but once it gets to the first voice over after the first set of characters are introduced, it never stops being informafunny. You might learn a thing or two, or just laugh, either way, it should be enjoyable.
The Haunting of Hill House: The Bent-Neck Lady (2018)
My new favorite!
This is, by far, my new favorite horror story. The episode stands well on it's own, all the while adding depth and color to the rest of the whole series. It is one of the most deeply haunting and saddening scary stories I have ever experienced. I have already loved the show, but because of this episode, I will recommend it to everyone.
The Thirteenth Floor (1999)
Good, not great.
I would certainly compare this film to a a television movie on the Sci-fi channel. Sometimes they are good, but never great. The acting is mediocre, interesting idea but not entirely original, and the special effects are outdated even at the time it was released. Some people would call this a ri,p off of the Matrix, which there are certainly some parallels, but they are nowhere near the same. My only real problem with the film since I knew it would have Sci-fi channel symptoms going into it, was that every inch of the way I was able to predict what would happen. If you have seen any film with twists or thrills you will probably be able to figure out what they all are in this film before they even hint at it. Other than that complaint, the film itself is interesting and entertaining which is all that can be asked of a lower grade film...right?
Home Movie (2008)
Fantastic, a rare breed.
Horror films are one of my favorite genres, unfortunately it is a rare case to find a decent one. I enjoy realistic and disturbing horror films. Not the ones that try to ride out on big breasted women running from demons that jump out on the screen every 15 minutes. This film is short, and to the point. From the very beginning there is a sense of tension that continuously builds until the brutal ending. I rarely leave a film of this type with a disturbed mind, but this movie certainly did the trick. The acting is perfect from some moderately unknown names. Adrian Pasdar was enjoyable to watch as he played a key role in the tension and the relief occasionally. The hand-held film effect may seem to be overdone, but this film utilizes it differently and even mentions at times how stupid it is to be filming their own horrors. I strongly recommend this film.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
No
Whenever I see a prequel, sequel, or remake, I try to forget about the counterpart. I like to imagine that film as though it were on its own. After all, isn't that what movies should do? Not relying on other films is definitely a desirable quality. You don't have to watch EVERY Harry Potter film to enjoy one, nor the Back to the Futures, not even a Lethal Weapon. That being said, this movie was terrible, with or without a series to go with it. In regards to the originals, it makes them look like timeless classics....oh, wait...they are. So this film already had a mountain to climb. How do you remake a series and not have it overshadowed by the original? By not making a horrible cheap thrill. When I saw the previews, I could tell that it was going to have an interesting development, then suck. The Alzheimer treatment and references to the brain and development were interesting as could be gathered from the previews...but once the rise begins, there is nothing but laughs. I don't watch movies expecting them to be perfect, or even believable for that matter. After all, the beauty of film and storytelling is that anything can happen. But this movie was a horrible example. The whole thing was cliché, and boring. I could tell every single step of the way what was going to happen next, and on top of all of that, the end scenes were just...ridiculous. I felt no attachment to ANY of the characters not even John Lithgow's whom was very potentially emotional. Instead the film relied on fans. But fans of what? This seemed to be the mindless nonsense that would draw in fans of the Expendables. To each their own, but if you want an intelligent, artistic, and/or a fun film, I would never recommend Rise of the Planet of the Apes 2011, to ANYONE.