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Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
Doesn't suffer from the exclusion of Michael Myers, it suffers from a lack of vision
'Halloween III: Season of the Witch' stands out from its predecessors for a daring move: it omits the series' iconic antagonist, Michael Myers. However, this absence isn't the root of the film's shortcomings. Director Tommy Lee Wallace presents an uninspired plot that meanders through its runtime with painful pacing. Far from the intense, claustrophobic horror that fans of the first two films expected, Season of the Witch feels childish, its narrative and aesthetic more akin to an episode of 'Goosebumps' than a worthy entry in the Halloween canon.
The film's attempt to deviate from the slasher genre into the realm of science fiction and pagan horror falls flat due to a lack of genuine scares. It seems content to coast on eerie atmospheres rather than deliver the chilling suspense and visceral terror associated with its name. Moreover, where Halloween and Halloween II carved their names into the annals of horror with strong, memorable characters, this third installment stumbles with lackluster character development. The protagonists wander through the film's boring narrative, their personality as absent as Myers himself.
Adding to the film's list of cinematic sins is an uncreative approach to cinematography. Where one might hope for innovative shots to breathe life into the stagnant storyline, Wallace delivers a visual experience as forgettable as the film's characters. The mundanity of the camera work fails to elevate the already tepid script, ensuring the film's scares are as absent as its thrills.
Lastly, the irritating and repetitive use of the 'Halloween' jingle - a twisted version of 'London Bridge is Falling Down' used in the film's commercials - borders on torturous.
'Halloween III: Season of the Witch' doesn't suffer from the exclusion of Michael Myers; it suffers from a lack of vision, unable to capitalize on the rich potential of its Halloween-centered mythology. In the end, it feels less like a nightmare you can't wake up from and more like a bad dream you can't wait to forget.
Halloween (1978)
Classic Slasher
John Carpenter's original Halloween (1978) is a testament to the director's mastery of filmmaking. With a modest budget and the creative constraints of the era, Carpenter forges a horror experience that's as chillingly real as it is groundbreaking. Utilizing a simple concept and restrained use of gore, he constructs a narrative that stands as a pillar of the slasher genre.
In Halloween, Carpenter's minimalist approach means any flaw should be starkly visible, yet each scene is so meticulously composed that the film exudes a seamless, eerie perfection. This isn't a story bloated with unnecessary complexity; its simplicity is its strength, allowing the suspense to build in a raw and unnerving manner.
As one of the tentpole films for slashers, Halloween set the standard for the genre. Its influence is indelible, paving the way for countless imitators and sequels. In this gritty, suspenseful world, Jamie Lee Curtis makes her screen debut and delivers a performance that not only defines her career but also establishes her character, Laurie Strode, as an iconic "final girl" of horror. Donald Pleasance's portrayal of Dr. Sam Loomis is equally compelling, bringing a mix of obsession and gravitas that cements his place in the lore of the franchise.
Carpenter's score, with its hauntingly simple theme, becomes a character of its own. The music is not merely complementary but essential, amplifying the tension to a near-unbearable degree. Carpenter shows that with the right notes, even the most mundane scenes can be transformed into nail-biting suspense.
Halloween is more than just a slasher film; it's a masterclass in how to do more with less. For me, it remains the quintessential John Carpenter film - an enduring favorite that epitomizes the height of his cinematic achievements. This film isn't just a staple viewing during the spooky season; it's a pivotal piece of horror cinema that continues to influence and terrify audiences to this day.
Saw X (2023)
The return of jigsaw
'Saw X' returns with fervor to the franchise's unsettling realms, aligning its haunting narrative to explore the exploitation inherent in the current anti-big pharma rhetoric. Despite its stance, the anti-big pharma movement is just as profit-driven as big pharma; but as depicted here, its unregulated nature can lead to highly destructive actions severely impacting individuals' lives.
At 81, Tobin Bell reprises his iconic role as John Kramer with remarkable vitality, maintaining the character's haunting grip on the audience with his enduring portrayal. It was also a nostalgic and incredibly rewarding experience to see the return of Shawnee Smith as Amanda Young.
The narrative is seamless and compelling, guiding the audience through its labyrinth of moral quandaries with an impactful flow.
The victims in this installment are framed as some of the most deserving in the series, heightening the film's moral ambiguity and intensifying the notions of retribution among viewers.
Despite the climactic twist being predictable, it retains its satisfying essence.
'Saw X' is a compelling blend of socially pertinent themes, stellar performances, and satisfying narrative, providing a lingering experience. All in all, it's my second favourite film in the saw franchise.
Batman: The Movie (1966)
A campy and eccentric take on the iconic superhero
"Batman" from 1966 is a campy and eccentric take on the iconic superhero, but it falls short in various aspects. The plot revolves around Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward) as they battle the villainous Joker, Penguin, Riddler, and Catwoman; who are plotting to take over the world with a dehydrating machine.
While the film leans into its absurdity, it often crosses the line into unintentional hilarity. The scenes between Batman and Robin, with their over-the-top dialogue and exaggerated reactions, are so unintentionally funny that they become a glaring weakness.
The special effects, a product of their time, come across as outdated and fail to hold up, contributing to a sense of cheesy incompetence. The intentional "Bam!" and "Pow!" comic book-style action captions that appear during fight scenes may have been charming in the past but now feel like relics of a less sophisticated era.
The costume design, while faithful to the comic book aesthetics of the era, does little to redeem the film's shortcomings. Batman's iconic suit, like the rest of the movie, lacks the gravitas that modern audiences expect from superhero cinema.
In summary, I'm glad I got to experience a trip back to a bygone era of superhero cinema, but it struggles to stand up to contemporary standards. Although I can understand nostalgic enthusiasts appreciation for its humour and retro charm, it ultimately falls short in terms of storytelling, effects, and overall execution.
Oblivion (2013)
A visually stunning sci-fi film
'Oblivion' (2013), starring Tom Cruise, is a visually stunning sci-fi film that blends breathtaking cinematography, immersive sound, exceptional acting, and a thought-provoking plot.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the film follows Jack Harper (Tom Cruise), a drone technician tasked with repairing Earth's defenses after a war with extraterrestrial invaders. Humanity has relocated to Saturn's moon, Titan, leaving Jack and Victoria (Andrea Riseborough) as the last people on Earth.
Director Joseph Kosinski and cinematographer Claudio Miranda create a visually striking world, especially on 4K physical media. The film's landscapes, sets, and practical effects are breathtaking.
M83's score and immersive sound design add depth to the movie, enhancing the viewer's experience, especially during action sequences. It feels like an extra dimension, pulling viewers deeper into the film's world.
Tom Cruise delivers a standout performance as Jack Harper, while Morgan Freeman's presence adds gravitas. The entire cast contributes to the film's emotional depth.
'Oblivion' explores themes of identity, memory, and other themes (which can't be discussed without spoilers), making it a thought-provoking concept.
The film's production design is remarkable, from futuristic technology to eerie ruins. Seamless special effects create a visually immersive world.
In conclusion, 'Oblivion' seamlessly blends exceptional visuals, immersive sound, stellar performances, and a compelling storyline. It's a must-watch for sci-fi enthusiasts, transcending its genre boundaries and leaving a lasting impression. This film showcases the power of cinema to transport audiences to otherworldly realms while exploring the essence of humanity.