Doc of Chucky

 

Doc of Chucky is a long yet fast paced horror doc. It dives into the 7 films in the original cannon and is quite informative as it doesn't sugar coat a whole lot. I wish it had been even longer and tackled the remake and TV series but alas I will not complain.  At 5 hours I watched it in parts, which I only do for docs but as entertaining as it is you can easily watch in one sitting. 

Wicked

 

I've always loved Oz. Whether it be the originals of the early 1900s, the more campy versions of the 70s and 80s or even Sam Raimis. I always wanted to see Wicked but never have, the idea is intriguing even though I dislike the idea of sympathizing the villain. Upon seeing the film it is presented in such a way where it makes sense. The Wizard always being a fraud, Glinda always being pompous(just watch the 39 version). This one was great from the moment the Universal logo hit all the way until we get our witch. I still am intrigued as to where the story goes and that made Wicked 2 shoot to one of my most anticipated of 2025. This truly feels like a Thanksgiving/Christmas season event film. 

Your Monster

 Your Monster could have been a bleak yet sweet little horror film but instead it feels choppy and the characters are developed worse than exposed film. I love Melisa Barrera but this role just was nothing for her to sink her teeth into.  The plot itself should have been an easy plot but it never takes off. I appreciate the commentary in the film but that is about it, well that and the great ending. Just wish the rest of the film went for the jugular too.

The J Horror Virus

 In the early to mid 00s J Horror was at an all time high. Even in the US it hit huge cause of all the remakes, most were pretty piss poor but it opened windows for discovery. Now we get a doc tackling the rise of J Horror. It is quite informative and truly shows the love these films have. 

The Front Room

 The Front Room is a film that on paper was intriguing. Could have great suspense, some fucked up moments and tackle social issues. And it did have that, only the suspense was cut due to odd tones being placed all over, fucked up moments came too late.....and even if you truly even want to call them fucked up, looking at you water, and the social issues....well that was done fine. The film isn't a bore, it just doesn't know how it wants to present itself. Was too hokey for the subject matter but too serious to be camp. 

Speak No Evil

 I wasn't huge on the original Speak No Evil, and i thought the new one looked rather bland. Upon seeing it not only is it bland, but it doesn't even pack the punch of the original. While i found the original to be bland i atleast appreciated the downbeat ending. This plays it safe. 

Woman of the Hour

 

Anna Kendrick's debut feature is one that is very topical. Not so much the source material obviously but true crime in general. Getting a woman's touch was needed for this film and she nails it perfectly, both in directing and acting. 

VHS Beyond

 

VHS is a mixed bag of a franchise with a mixed bag of short stories. Most are forgettable, but i still tend to give em a watch. The latest, VHS Beyond is possibly my favorite since the original. The alien twist is unique but the shorts still don't really stick. 

My Old Ass

 

I never saw Megan Park's debut film The Fallout, but I shall seek it out soon after seeing My Old Ass. This is a coming of age film with a Sci fi twist that balances humor and heart and knows how to pull the heartstrings.

Oddity

 Oddity is an oddity is that it is a rare Shudder film with style and substance. It is atmospheric as fuck and oozed in style but it is a bit long in tooth at times. It feels very Mike Flanagan, in a good way, but like many modern horror films it falls victim to overhype which is no fault of its own. The nightmare imagery alone makes this film worth while. 

The Exorcism

 

I received a screener of The Exorcism a few months ago but never watched it. I saw it pop up on Shudder so gave it a spin. It has a unique twist on the exorcist subgenre but ultimately it feels just as bland as most. Throw on most demonic Shudder films and it will feel like this...only this has a bit more subtext thankfully. 

Match of October

Punk vs Drew McIntyre Hell In A Cell Bad Blood 

 Roxanne vs Giulia : NXT Womens Title

Wes Lee vs Zachary Wentz 

Trick Williams vs Ethan Page: NXT TItle 

Time Cut

I wish Christopher Landon had directed Time Cut, he perhaps could have made it work. Instead2 0l it is a slasher with no slashing and a time travel film that feels modern. Travel to 2003 and act like that much has changed? Okay, maybe in progression but clothes from about 2001 to now are pretty damn similar. It took itself too seriously at times when it should have been a bit campy. 

Heretic

 The trailer for Hertic intrigued the fuck out of me. I was worried the film itself would be bland though,  it is anything but. Hugh Grant gives an over the top yet creepy performance and our two leads nail their parts with waves of emotion. There is depths to all these characters and we watch the first act as a ticking time bomb. As the film unfolds the more bonkers it gets. There is alot to say about religion here aswell as control but that is best saved for discussion of said film.

If

Damn.....damn you John Krasinski. I was intrigued by the idea of If but the trailer didn't seem like anything other than a studio film. I figured it would either be a 90s throwback to dumb kids films or overly sappy...  and while it does feel like a 90s kids film and it does add sap.....there is so much more. So much thought, imagination and heart is in this. It knows how to make you smile and how to make you cry, sometimes at the same time. This film if magic and for those of us that have lost someone makes us ask what If....

Rebel Ridge

 Jeremy Sauliner is a great filmmaker, only thing is I only love two of his films. Murder Party and Green Room I adore, the rest of his work is damn fine yet not my cup of tea. You know, the real agree to disagree. Anyhow, I usually find them riveting yet dull, overly long with pacing issues, and Rebel Ridge.....while possibly his best behind Green Room, suffers from this aswell. 

Strange Darling

 Well it may not be the worst film of the year but Strange Darling is down there. I was kind of excited for this after Fantastic Fest but upon seeing it, it is nothing more than modern exploitation that thinks it is artsy only unlike the Substance, this has no substance, it is just mean spirited and dull. 

I Like Movies

 

I Like Movies is a charming yet awkward coming of age film. It has charm in the acting, the vidio store environment and character interactions yet it is awkward in those interactions. It is a coming of age for sure as our lead is a total neckbeardy douche that becomes somewhat likable. Tis the point though, also i found it funny they showed films that came out after this took place as i feel the lead would rip into that....am i the? Oh fuck.....

Wolfs

Wolfs might be Jon Watt's best film. Clown was decent as was Cop Car, his Spider Man films....are well....Spider Man films, except No Way Home, that is next level. Wolfs however feels like a lost 90s crime film. Both Brad Pitt & George Clooney are great in this with tense moments and dark comedic timing. It has some great twists and at times feels like a Shane Black project. I truly wish this had been given a longer theatrical window. 

Mr. Crocket

 

Mr. Crocket is a fantastic concept with a human story that carries the film. The horror elements are creepy and the more humane portions has alot of heart. Not everything works and is drags alot in the middle but it has a atmospheric vibe. Simply a one time view through & through but i can see this gaining an audience, too bad it is lost on Hulu......and on that end it feels very Hulu....for better or worse. 

Mads

 

I used to love films about fucked up nights out, i still do. I used to have fucked up nights out.....i still sometimes do. Mads is a film about a fucked up night out, it is a trip of a horror film, literally and shines a light....or darkness on the impending doom. It's not quite enjoyable but it quite admirable. 

Never Let Go

 

Never Let Go might be Alex Aja's most atmospheric yet also weakest film. It is bleak as fuck, has great acting and an amazing concept full of twists and some super creepy imagery but it feels as if something is missing. It's not dull per se it just feels a bit wooden. 

Azrael

 I LOVE Samara Weaving, she is one of if not my favorite actress going. She is a total babe that plays strong characters in kick ass films. Here in Azrael, she is still a total babe, and she is a strong character but the film itself is a bit dull. It has a unique premise it just never gains steam. It is far from a bad film just on the bottom of Samara's body.....of work. 

Daddy's Head

 

Daddy's Head is a bleak & atmospheric film on Shudder. It has some haunting imagery and is quite unnerving at times but it did not do too much for me. I could appreciate it but it will not stick with me. Style over substance but even then it loses you. 

Frankie Freako

 

I love Astron 6, whether it be well crafted films like the void or pure pulp & camp like Psycho Goreman, but Frankie Freako just did nothing for me. I love the idea and the concept in it and it has some charm to it but it felt like a chore made by a Ghoulies fan wanting a job at Troma. 

The Bikeriders

 

Jeff Nichols is a great filmmaker and The Bikeriders had momentum going in but ultimately this bike crashed. What could have been an artistic version of a bikesploitation film becomes a dull & poorly paced chore. It does have some great cinematography and acting but that is about it. His weakest film in my opinion. 

Venom The Last Dance

 Venom: The Last Dance is a flawed yet fun film.I thought the first was awesome yet the second one was a let down. The third one has some sweet kaiju imagery, a subplot that actually works and the entire cast seems to be having a good time. While I want the Sony Spidey films to end, this here is a worthy send off.