horror_connoisseur Reviews

All the Light We Cannot See (2023)

Disappointed in this tv adaptation of a phenomenal book

[6/10 · 6 November 2023]

I think the biggest issue is that this series really needed to be more than 4 episodes to do the storyline justice (even putting aside the book-the series itself needed more detail and background). But the storyline of the series is extra lackluster IMO if you haven't read the book because you're missing all the other background and side stories and character development.... All the characters are really beautifully developed in the book and this series didn't have adequate screen time to do that. I think the script and acting were good but again, the lack of story and character development really holds the actors back. It was fun to see Mark Ruffalo and Hugh Laurie in this though. Just disappointed that a phenomenal book wasn't given adequate episodes to actually tell the good story.

The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)

Absolutely phenomenal. Equivalent quality to haunting of hill house

[10/10 · 14 October 2023]

I have watched all the installments from mike flanagan each year they've released. Haunting of hill house (the first) was the best by far, but I wield say this one matches it. Hill house is "spookier" with more jump-scares the first time you watch it. But the storylines, acting, monologues, intertwining of the storyline, everything, is done incredibly incredibly well. This is definitely the goriest of the franchise but all of it is very purposeful to the storyline.

One of my favorite aspects of this franchise (if we can call it that?) is how they use the same actors every series (even though they each vary greatly in screen time from one series to another), but then each series is completely unique story. I think Carla Gugino shines again as she did in hill house, her ethereal persona is perfect.

Absolutely blown away by this film. I hope Flanagan continues to come out with masterpieces each year.

Halloween Kills (2021)

John carpenter just mocked every halloween movie he didn't make (and did) with this dumpster fire of complete shiz

[1/10 · 21 October 2021]

Is it just me or did John carpenter just mock every halloween movie he didn't make (and those he did make) by every scene being a piss poor outrageous cheesefest recreation? I am a massive Carpenter Halloween fan...Like since I was 5 yrs old Halloween has been my favorite film....but... Like...what was this absolute garbage? How did they convince the actors to star in this-were they contractually bound before they read the script? There are no words in all of human language which could adequately describe how bad this movie was... Like.... I just........ So. Bad. So. So so so soooooo bad.

Blood Red Sky (2021)

For a vampire movie it deserves 10/10

[10/10 · 8 August 2021]

Is any vamp film ever going to be a blockbuster 10/10 , winning movie of the year? No. But for a vampire genre this is an absolute 10/10. I recommend watching the german original version w/English subtitles because english dubbed movies are just never that good, enjoy the original, especially because most of the film has the actors speaking English anyway with some german and Arabic. Original solid plot, great makeup-costuming for vampires, exciting, typical gore for a vampire movie, great acting.

Zoo (2015–2017)

Cancelled after S3--no resolution

[7/10 · 11 August 2019]

Reminder: this is science fiction, and their science is mostly bogus, again, fiction, so let's not dwell on that and just appreciate the fun of the show and idea. Just finished season 3 on Netflix.... Didn't realize the show was cancelled and had NO resolution!! So mad! Haha. Can't believe I don't get to see what happens. Anyway season 3 did feel like a cheesy soap opera especially the first half, and then it got a little less dramatic but still not as good as the first two seasons. It's a fun and unique story from anything else I've watched before, sure the acting is cheesy and the character's decisions keep you saying "FFS why are you such an idiot?" But still, worth a watch.

The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

Unbelievably Phenomenal

[10/10 · 18 October 2018]

I've been a horror fan since the age of 5 (22 years later...) Here I am finally having seen probably the best horror TV series ever made. As others have said, the story is absolutely captivating, the acting of both the adults and children is top notch, and the cinematography is truly a work of art. I absolutely loved that they didn't go for the cheap shot jump scares (that although can be good...can also be cheesy) they truly made you feel in your bones a sense of dread and utter fear as you experienced all this alongside the characters. I had no idea how they were going to do the final episode to tie it all together, but I was blown away at how well done it was, all tied up neatly with a silly red bow (covered in blood of course). Although it is "supernatural" it isn't cheesy at all (as many feel insidious or Anabelle/Nun are--horror naysayers IMO), they truly did a great job making the supernatural scenes feel real and not over the top. My husband and I binged this over a few days because we literally couldn't handle the anticipation they make you feel at every scene. One of my favorite aspects was the story telling, all the actors partake in scenes where they're recounting memories, feelings, etc, and they are just these captivating and beautiful story tellers that suck you in.

Annabelle (I) (2014)

Deserves higher ratings

[10/10 · 19 October 2014]

I'm shocked this movie has received such low ratings. I've seen a LOT of horror films (as one can assume from my user name), so I'm more critical than most of horror films but this one was honestly very well done. The actors did a fantastic job, the baby was adorable, and that elevator scene and the stair scene following it were absolutely phenomenal! I don't jump, scare, or become startled easily at movies whether in a theater or at home but this one managed to freak me out and make me jump a few times. The elevator scene just kept me on edge waiting for the demon to reappear and grab her or drag her or something! Then when she was running up the stairs and stopped to look back and all you can see is this vague dark outline and your thought process goes "Wait is that the demon...? I think it is. Oh god, it is!". Truly classic horror movie techniques. I get so tired of slasher films that only want sex, rape, nudity and blood. I'm sorry, but a man running around just cutting off naked girls limbs isn't really terrifying. Also the part with the priest running into the church with the doll, I expected the girl to be standing in the church all like "Haha holy ground my ass!" and then slaughter him, but instead he went flying back towards the street where she stood which caught me off guard and made me jump a little.

The only part I'm still a little unsure of whether it was beneficial or negative is when Mia (the mother) is in their dining room and the doll is sitting on the ground then floats up and you see the demon/creature thing standing behind holding it and it shows its face... It's definitely a decently creepy demon, I just sometimes prefer only a somewhat reveal of it like when it was on the stairs. I feel like showing its face completely can take away the horror of the unknown.

Really, people should give this film a chance. I thought it was even better than conjuring and I thought conjuring was great as well.