mbeckford

Synchronic is the most conventional, "mainstream" movie Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson have made to-date and unfortunately that's a bit of a step back. They're previous outings, especially their slow burn low-budget Resolution and the fantastic The Endless, are mind benders that slowly unwind the respective film's underlying mystery. The astute viewer can figure out what's happening in this film's surreal prologue. And just in case you still can't figure it out, there's a bit too much exposition later on to hammer it home. Anthony Mackie is excellent. It's hard to not subconsciously see Marvel's Falcon, but overall he is an effective dramatic lead. The chemistry with fellow EMT Jamie Dorn is believable and authentic and adds poignancy to the films more dramatic moments. They visit some well crafted scenes where they are called in as EMT's, and their weary "been here, done that " banter is effective. While the last act is WAY too formulaic, overall it's an entertaining flick, and if I hadn't seen their previous outings, I probably would have enjoyed it more. P.S. Anybody catch the Andrew Garland Annihilation synths in both the beginning and end?

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

Two things that made this a fun watch: Vince Vaughn and the R rating. Vince Vaughn chews up each scene he's in as both the Jason-esque serial killer and body-swapped teenager. Every time he flails his arms as he runs brings a belly-laugh. And Freaky is a perfect example why they should stop making PG-13 horror movies. Christopher Landon's previous Happy Death Day movies were fun but they felt like they were missing something. I think that something was the ability to let loose. It does lose steam in the middle act with less action and unneeded character development, but you can't go wrong with this flick if you are looking for a bit of escapism.

A gritty, anxiety-inducing heist-gone-wrong film capturing the kinetic energy and depressing vibe of those eeking out a living (legal and illegal) in the big city. The acting is phenomenal with a powerhouse performance by Robert Pattinson and a surprisingly poignant performance by co-director Benny Safdie who plays Pattinson's brother. A wild ride.

"Parasite" is fantastic. It's clever. It's funny. It's disturbing. And yes, there is a powerful underlying theme of the divide between rich and poor. But the latter is so deftly weaved into the fabric of the story, you really don't think about it much until a fateful scene before the last act. It fully deserved the Oscar for Best Picture and Director. If only for the peach fuzz fight scene.

As a genre fan, there's a certain amount of satisfaction when a film is recognized by mainstream audiences. That's what it was like for me in 1992 when Silence of the Lambs swept the Oscar's (Best Picture, Director, Actor and Actress). And boy did the movie deserve it. Jonathan Demme's fantastic retelling of the classic book by Thomas Harris. Anthony Hopkins' scene-chewing Hannibal Lecter turned him into a pop culture icon (and unfortunately a slew of middling sequels). And Jodie Foster's grim and naive portrayal of Clarice. The final touch is that haunting score. Some of the best movies out there are elevated by a musical score that puts it another league. A phenomenal classic.

"Darling, I'm not gonna hurt you. I'm just gonna bash your brains in." "The Shining" is a great example of how musical score and cinematography can elevate a movie to the best-of-the-best. I tend to agree with Stephen King that Jack Nicholson looked like a crazy loon from the beginning, making his decent into madness less dramatic. But that can be forgiven by all the iconic scenes masterfully weaved into a horror classic.

"What if death was contagious?" This is basically the premise. It's essentially "The Final Destination" if it was a more cerebral slow-burn art-house film with adults instead of teens. If that last sentence offends you, you'll love it. If it makes you take pause, then you probably won't.

While the movie is definitely derivative (i.e. "The Babadook" on a phone), the acting is above average, the creature effects are not bad, and there are a few cleverly done creepy scenes using the device's camera. I'm not sure why they made Oliver an autistic pre-teen, but actor Azhy Robertson makes it believable. And is it just me, or is anybody else sick and tired of "school yard bullies harassing the child lead" trope?!? In the film's climax, there is a scene that took my by surprise in a good way (I've seen it all so I give any film kudos if it can pull that off). That actually had me take another look at the movie and I liked it more.

As both a horror and X-men fan, I was looking forward to this mashup since the first trailer dropped. Even recently with mostly bad reviews and press, I wanted to see it for myself. And ... it pretty much ****. That doesn't bode well for future work from Josh "The Fault in my Stars" Boone (e.g. "The Stand" mini-series. We pretty much know the gist from the trailers. Young mutants are haunted/harassed by something in a mental hospital. The best parts are pulled from the X-men series in which mutants first find out their powers, typically represented effectively on screen. Most times these scenes are fun, but the special effects are a mixed bag, jumping back and forth from decent to cheesy. Most of the ensemble cast are relatively new up-and-coming stars such as Maise Williams ("Game of Thrones"), Anya Taylor-Joy ("The Witch/Queen's Gambit"), and Charlie Heaton ("Stranger Things") but the acting is mediocre, and worst of all, they butcher whatever accent they are supposed to have (Irish, Russian[?], and U.S. southern respectively). And the story -- disappointing to say the least. If you drop your expectations to a bad 90 minute "Buffy the Vampire" episode, then maybe you'll find something to like.

This is one for true horror fans. You've got to love: horror anthologies, homages to horror classics, B-movies, horror-comedies, buckets of gore, and for extra credit ... -----MILD SPOILER-------Joe Bob Briggs. If you pass that check-list and are intrigued, you may enjoy "Scare Package." Unfortunately, that formula, even with an iconic horror classic trope/theme to focus on each segment, gets tedious over seven segments. There is a lot to love, and if you've imbibed a bit, then your enjoyment will likely be greater. And that Joe Bob Briggs Cameo! (I was given the original Joe Bob's Drive In book as a gift back in 1985). The guy rocks and was my favorite part of the movie. My quibbles: Having the first short before the wrap-around story intro was innovative but confusing; the over-the-top gore get's repetitive; it's too long. Drive-in Academy Award for the special effects team who must have been very very busy!

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

"Nocturne" is another "Welcome to the Blumhouse" horror movie dropped together with three others on Amazon Prime. More of a B-movie version of "Black Swan" (or the slightly better "Perfection" on Netflix), the high school teen drama really weighs it down. And nothing very original either: someone kills themselves in the opening minutes, the protagonist finds her weird evil book, and life starts going her way (or so she thinks). I must have nodded off because for the life of me I don't recall why its even called "Nocturne." The evil book I guess? Pass on this one and watch the much better "Suspiria" remake instead.

I was excited to see Bryan Bertino's latest offering. "The Strangers" was an interesting classic introducing masked home invaders in the most unsettling of ways. "The Monster" was a better-than-expected as an estranged mother and daughter are stranded in their car in the woods while being stalked by a monster. "Wicked's" Rotten Tomatoes/Metacritic score was a solid (90%/72) and user reviews were ok (3.2 on IMDB). But for me, it fell completely flat as I kept waiting for something to connect the disparate disturbing scenes and story-line together. Many movies try to tease the viewer with unreliable narrators, leaving them to ponder whether what is happening is supernatural or all in the characters head. "The Babadook," "Black Swan," and "The Lighthouse" are examples of movies that do this right. Unfortunately, this doesn't. It's clearly something supernatural that is haunting everybody but beyond some gory and violent scenes (all of which are well done), the movie is just too ambiguous in a very frustrating way.

I just wrote a review about how mainstream critics don't "get" horror, elevating attempts at filmmaking "art" over the basics that horror fans love. "Possessor" is an exception where critics (72 Metacritic Score) and users (7.6 Metacritic Score) agree that it's a pretty damn good flick. The acting is excellent. Andrea Riseborough from "Mandy" is creepy odd (again) as a mind-possessing assassin, and Christopher Abbott from "It Comes at Night" is a depressed AND possessed soul for the next assassination. There are too many adjectives to list to give the film justice, so here's just a few: disturbing, violent, bloody, mind-bending, visual, provocative, While Brandon Cronenberg may have a similar interest in melding technology and horror as his father David Cronenberg, he is introducing his own style and originality. Very much like like Joe Hill has done with father Stephen King. All of which is nothing but a bonus for horror fans.

I originally watched "Resident Evil" at a movie theater when it was first released in 2002. I hadn't played the games. There was no Rotten Tomatoes and I didn't read reviews back then so I went in blind. And I utterly enjoyed the movie: the story, the action sequences, the underground "Hive," Mila Jovovich and Michelle Rodriguez kicking serious ass, and more. Panned by critics (36% RT) but liked by users (67% RT), Resident Evil was one of the first examples of how mainstream critics just don't "get" horror. Movies that try to be artsy get great reviews even as key elements fall flat for the rest of us. The recent "Beach House" is a perfect example of this -- it was loved by critics (81% RT) and panned by users (28%). Unfortunately, the rest of the "Resident Evil" sequels except for a few moments, rarely captured that first movie's originality and allure. Instead, check out the writer/director's excellent previous outing "Event Horizon."

"Love and Monsters" starts off as a teen romance interrupted by the apocalypse, but thankfully becomes much more than that and ultimately very entertaining. There is a welcome trend recently in apocalyptic movies (possibly due to the ongoing pandemic) of finding originality vs. defaulting to a zombie plague. Former "Teen Wolf" and "The Maze Runner" star Dylan O'Brien is an affably geeky guy that stumbles into the hero role. The monster scenes balance decent special effects with fun action. I would have liked to see more of the beginning's "life in the bunker" setup as it would likely have given the movie more emotional depth. But overall this is a very enjoyable family-friendly adventure.

"Prospect" is a a low-budget science fiction space western that starts simply as a "father-daughter" drama in space, quickly evolving into something way more intense. The movie really picks up steam when Pedro Pascal appears around the 20 minute+ mark as a scene-stealing charismatic rascal. The movie screams low budget but you come to respect the fine touches the filmmakers add to make the sci-fi believable. I'm going to geek out a bit here so bear with me: * I swear Pascal is channeling Nathan Fillon's "Mal" from "Serenity" / "Firefly" with his accent. * Released in 2018, it plays like an audition tape for Pedro Pascal for his role in "The Mandalorian." * Is it just me or does the female protagonist Sophie Thatcher look like Emma Watson's sister? Is there a "hidden gem" movie list out there? If not I may have to start one.

If you have an affinity for mind-bending riffs on quantum physics, you'll enjoy "Coherence." Most of these types of stories take the concepts of quantum mechanics (entanglement, superposition, etc.) which exist at the most microscopic--level (electrons, particles) and posit that similar effects could happen at the macro-level (real-world people and physical objects). "Coherence" takes a nightmare dinner party scenario (ala "The Invitation") and applies the quantum concept of coherence and "many-worlds interpretation" (or multiple universes) that is triggered by a passing comet. It's better to come into this with as little info as possible to enjoy the unwinding of the mystery. While its a bit of a slow burn at first, the filmmakers really nail the ending.

A power-house debut from Remi Weekes, deftly balancing social commentary with old school horror (and for once, without zombies). The movie pulls you inside the life of a Sudanese refugee couple assigned to an apartment in London after a harrowing escape via boat from their home country. In addition to the nightmare of their experience, they’ve got a potential poltergeist. Movies often face-plant while struggle to convey what is real, a dream, a backstory, or something else? "His House" weaves these shifts expertly. And you will not see the twist coming in the last act. Here's hoping Remi Weekes joins Ari Aster and Robbert Eggers, bringing horror to a new level of intellectual freakiness.

The Coen brothers introduced their brilliant style of filmmaking with their debut "Blood Simple." Their movies are typically violent and gritty, and often comedic (not much comedy here though), "Blood Simple" starts as a simple tale (pun intended) of revenge that spirals in all the wrong ways. And it introduces us to Frances "freaking" McDormand!

Russell Crowe dials up his inner Rutger Hauer ("The Hitcher) and Michael Douglas ("Falling Down") to reap terror on a boy and his mom who don't give him a courtesy honk. Skip this "meh" road rage thriller and check out the aforementioned titles instead.

The trailblazer of found footage, viral marketing, and shoe-string budget horror, Blair Witch deserves a place in the "Horror House of Fame." That doesn't make it a great movie. While there are some very spooky scenes, it meanders a lot, both literally (nausea inducing shaky cameras) and figuratively.

"Tremors" joins "Gremlins" as one of a handful of family friendly creature features. Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward have great chemistry as two bickering handymen in Perfection Nevada, population 14 when an invasion of subterranean "graboids' (I know, I know ... that sounds ridiculous, but in the context of the movie it clicks). Spawning an abundance of bad sequels, "Tremors" solid cast, story and excellent practical effects stands the test of time.

The excellent Samara Weaving is the antithesis of a scream queen. With kick-ass roles in "The Babysitter," "Mayhem," and "Guns Akimbo," she is vying with Harley Quinn as the "vixen" of modern cinema. An outrageous story with just the right balance of camp and horror, "Ready or Not" is a fun romp through the worst-ever wedding night.

One of the best zombie movies ever made with many of the genre's "firsts:" 1. The first that begins with an actual explanation of what created the zombie plague. 2. The first to introduce a fast-moving "infected" horde, ratching up the tension significantly. 3. The first to infect people instantly (within seconds). It also has one of the best movie scores, one that rivals those from John Carpenter classics "Halloween" and "The Thing." It is striking how the music can elevate a movie or a scene. The biggest issue, which to be fair, is not something Danny Boyle and his crew could have foreseen, is that it was shot in low quality SD, making it nearly unwatchable on large screen modern HD or 4K TV's.

Se7en put David Fincher on the map with this uber-creepy mystery thriller. The crime scenes are so grisly Seven is often ranked with top horror movies. And the ending -- hoo boy. One of the best twists in modern movie history.

A comedy-horror riff on an alien-parasite invasion of a small rural town is fun, gross and completely engaging. James Gunn demonstrates his pre-GOG chops, getting the most of the great acting ensemble including Elizabeth Banks, Michael Rooker, and Nathan Fillon.

An alien invasion hits the "hood" in London reeking havoc with the local gangs. Excellent performances by all invoived including a breakout role for John Boyega (or Star Wars fame).

A fantastic "horror in space" thriller led by an excellent assemble cast (Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neil, Kathy Quinlann). Do we really want to know what can be found at the edge (event horizon) of a black hole?

It helps to have an open mind and just let yourself go with the flow of the story ... most plot elements align about half-way through the film. Meanwhile just lean back and enjoy the outstanding visual effects, cinematography and sound design. And it has a few very disturbing/creepy scenes that may be tough for some.

The third Pitch Black film "Riddick" is much more focused than its predecessor and a welcome return to the formula that worked so well for the original movie. Riddick is a bad-ass survivalist fighting an extinction level event that threatens everybody, with an assembly cast that is colorful and fun to watch.

How do you do a followup to a classic like Alien? GIve it to James Cameron to amp it up to 10 with a bazillion aliens and a fantastic performance by Sigourney Reaver.

It's best to see Life with zero expectations and knowing very little about the premise (e.g. don't watch the trailer). A tense thrill-ride with an excellent acting assemble.

The movie that put Vin Diesel on the map as Riddick, the crooked anti-hero wanted by bounty hunters. This is another movie that benefits from knowing very little before watching the film.

The standard bearer of horror in space, Ridley Scott's masterpiece still thrills new generations of fans. The Giger-inspired alien induces a claustrophobic nightmare that still carries on in sequels and prequels.

10+ Halloween tales provide a welcome variety but a connecting theme is solely missed.

A Halloween movie with no Michael Meyers? Given most of the sequels were dreck, the third outing is an entertaining watch as a Halloween-themed thriller.

Based off a kids book of very short stories, the movie picks a handful of them and gives them the full horror movie upgrade. Another great movie from André Øvredal of "Troll Hunter" and the "Autopsy of Jane Doe."

A complete mind-bender of a movie that put Jake Gyllenhall on the map, introduced the creepiest rabbit custom of all time, and may make you surprisingly tear up to a remake of Tears for Fears "Mad World."

A complete mind-bender of a movie that put Jake Gyllenhall on the map, introduced the creepiest rabbit custom of all time, and may make you surprisingly tear up to a remake of Tears for Fears "Mad World."

I'm generally not a comedy guy. I did see the first Borat and found it to be a hodge-podge of prank sketches with some very funny gags. Sacha Baron Cohan's follow-up improves over the original with a more story-based approach that still upends the '-isms" in America (racism, sexism, etc.) in the midst of a freaking pandemic. It couldn't be more well-timed in this brutal election season. The standout is Borat's 15 year old daughter played by Maria Bakalova (she's actually 24) who steals the show with her cluelessness and likeability. How well you enjoy this movie will depend on your own level of political ideology and tolerance to very crude and crass behavior. Personally, I found it hilarious. But it is definitely not for everybody.

"Mandy" is a surreal mind trip of a movie. Shot in reddish-neon colors with a haunting bizarre soundtrack, it starts with logger Nicolas Cage as the most grounded and mellow he's been in years as he cuddles with his girl Mandy in a bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows in the forest somewhere. When a skeevy cult leader lusts after and kidnaps Mandy after a random drive by, the inner "Cage" beast is released. To say this movie is bizarre is an understatement. The mood lighting, odd musical score, and half-crazed characters create an unsettling mix that provides the backdrop for Cage when he goes completely off the rails. If you are a fan of Cage when he gets in these fits, you'll love it. If not, then skip it, although you'll miss an epic chainsaw battle for the ages.

Given "Scare Me" takes place mostly in a small winter cabin, the movie rests squarely on the shoulders of a very small cast. Aya Cash, a recent standout of Amazon's "The Boys" season 2, is excellent in this tight, compact thriller about two authors (one successful, one struggling) trying to scare each other with impromptu stories. The pizza delivery guy Chris Redd injects welcome humor and energy as he gets roped into the "rap battle" (with scary stories instead of rap). Decently entertaining but would make a better play on Broadway.

The best sequel/reboot of the Halloween series. John Carpenter returns as executive producer and sound director leaving the directing to David Gordon Green of "Pineapple Express" and "Joe." The movie does a great job of connecting to and playing homage to the original (there are many easter eggs to find) while injecting an original story around the distraught Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis). Unfortunately, an unbelievable plot twist late distracts from the stronger main plot line. If you can forgive that one sin, you'll enjoy the Halloween reboot tremendously.

The standard-bearer of the slasher genre, the original Halloween still stands the test of time as one of the best horror movies ever made. The shocking opener, the awesome score (which still delivers goosebumps), and "this is how you do slow-burn horror" setup to the finale bridges generations.

The unknown and under-appreciated "Near Dark" is one of the best vampire flicks of the last 40 years. Katherine Bigelow's sophomore effort demonstrated genre-bending excellence before she was known for The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty.

"Frighteners" bombed at the time, but this is the movie where Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings demonstrated his filmmaking genius in story-telling, acting and special effects.

If you watched the excellent "Life" sci-fi horror thriller, this is its spiritual sequel. A cosmonaut returns with an alien life form in this slow-burn Russian export.

I had no idea a swallowing fetish was a thing ("verophelia" per Google). If you can stomach watching an entire movie on the subject (no pun intended), Swallow is for you.