Brooklyn 45 (2023) User Reviews

This had some unique concepts and worthwhile elements, but falls short of what it could have been

[kevin_robbins · 5/10 · 13 June 2023]

Brooklyn 45 (2023) is a recent addition to Shudder that I watched yesterday. The storyline follows a group of friends who were in the military and partook in various sins during their time in the World War. Now that they are together and initiate a seance, the sins from their past will be brought to the light for either judgement or their demise. Will any of the friends survive?

This movie is written and directed by Ted Geoghegan (We are Still Here) and stars Anne Ramsay (A League of their Own), Ron E. Rains (Teachers), Jeremy Holm (The Ranger), Larry Fessenden (The House of the Devil) and Kristina Klebe (Halloween).

This had a unique storyline and premise and somehow felt like the movie "Clue" in some ways to me. The characters were interesting as was the depiction of the era. The horror elements were hit or miss and relied more on CGI than I would have liked. The seance scene was just okay but the dead guy on the floor was fantastic. The last 13-15 minutes were great due to that character alone. Some of the monologue and conversations dragged and were boring. This film needed more scenes like the last 15 minutes and less back and forth/finger pointing between friends.

Overall, this had some unique concepts and worthwhile elements, but falls short of what it could have been. I would score this a 5-5.5/10 and recommend seeing it once.

Good for what it is.

[Patient444 · 6/10 · 12 June 2023]

This movie works, but the experience can be lifted: first of all, the weather can help a great deal, a rainy night, or like in the set, snow outside, and a few glasses of whiskey.

Now, Brooklyn 45 is a slow paced production, that lures you in and keeps your interest, but you have to be used to such movies, because if this is your first, there is a good chance you'll wonder what are you watching and why are you continuing to do so.

Thus, I can only recommend it to people who know what to expect, who can see horror in different shapes and sizes, and are able to find it in this very small indie film and appreciate it for what it is and what it has to offer. As I said, it works late at night, with a glass full of hard liquor, and if you're lucky, a cigar.

All in all, I liked it, thus I will recommend it and hope you'll enjoy it.

Cheers! (J&B like in The Thing)

"The war's over"... says who ?

[aashirjaved-99594 · 7/10 · 10 June 2023]

So, if you're thinking of watching this movie for jumpscares, or intense action, imma stop you right there. This movie is just a simple and linear thriller movie, as in a ghost story, set in the 1945 Brooklyn, NY. It's a reunion of 5 friends, who served in war in their own respective professions, where they sit down to grieve the aftermath of war, after the war is over and Hitler is dead. And to keep this review spoiler free, they meet up for a struggling friend out of them as well. The movie is set in a room where it starts, and ends and you won't have any moments where you are scared whatsoever (maybe 1 or 2 little bloody scenes for sensitive viewers). Even though it is just a linear, one directional blunt movie, it's definitely a good one time watch movie for when you're bored and have nothing to watch lol. Also, it'd leave you wondering with a few questions that are unanswered, even a very root questions of the plot, as a little open kind of ending. Take it as a mystery "who dun it" or "did they do it" thriller more than a horror movie, because labeling it under horror more, won't be right. But, I guess, isnt war horror in itself after all ?

One room play

[jmbovan-47-160173 · 6/10 · 14 June 2023]

One room play created for film, and an ode to WWI through supernatural ethics. A group of people who were friends in WWII gather to support one whose wife has died. But these friends were on the higher echelon in the war, and they often took extreme measures in sake of the war regardless of the costs.

As any good play does, characters have secrets, whether of action or character, that are uncovered and discovered through the fright and terror imposed by the supernatural element. A morality play so to speak and questioning the ethics of war and personal action.

Acting is of good quality, and the plotting is simple as expected of this type of drama. The supernatural element adds to the tension and breaks some of the characters. Slightly trite and a bit characteristic, overall this was a worthy film to watch, just small in actual scope.

Drama and Horror Character Driven Plot.

[icocleric · 6/10 · 11 June 2023]

It's a B-Movie, but to be honest for a Shudder Original B-Movie it's actually pretty good. It gets off to a slow start, but when things warm up. They get pretty heated, and a lot of secrets come out. I had fun watching it.

The acting is good, the special effects are decent. Although for the most part it takes place in one room, and it is very character driven. Them finding out things they didn't know about each other is what pushes the plot forward. It's a little different to what you'd normally expect from a film that uses a Oujda board as a plot device.

Although some of the secrets come from their dead friends. So I'd say it both drama and horror.

Too slow paced and repetitive...

[paul_haakonsen · 4/10 · 10 June 2023]

I had not heard about this 2023 movie titled "Brooklyn 45" prior to sitting down to watch it. I was initially intrigued by the movie's synopsis and also by its cover/poster. And with it being a horror movie that I hadn't already seen, of course I had to give the movie a chance.

Writer and director Ted Geoghegan delivered a script and storyline that proved somewhat slow paced and rather uneventful actually. Throughout the 92 minutes that the movie ran for, I was expecting a tad more than what he delivered, so I have to say that I was somewhat disappointed with this movie in general.

It should be noted that the acting performances in "Brooklyn 45" were good, and there was some very talented actors and actresses on the cast list. I actually think I was only familiar with Larry Fessenden here, but I have to say that the entire cast put on good performances, despite of a subpar script.

I was expecting more in terms of horror, whereas writer and director Ted Geoghegan delivered somewhat more in the likes of a drama thriller laced with supernatural elements. I am sure that there is an audience out there for a movie such as "Brooklyn 45", I just wasn't particularly impressed or overly entertained.

While I managed to sit through all 92 minutes, I can honestly say that this is not a movie that I will ever sit down to watch a second time.

My rating of "Brooklyn 45" lands on a four out of ten stars.

Mystery & Spooky Stuff with Spooked Veterans

[Domino2k · 7/10 · 21 June 2023]

Its not going to be everyones cup of tea. Its going to annoy a lot of people. Some things might not make sense. But I was gripped.

Veterans of WW2 and best buddies get together for some drinks and reminiscing. Sadly they all have there ghosts which all come out over the course of film.

I think it could be summed up with in War there ar eno heroes, just survivors. I just checked thats a line from a movie I havent seen called 'March or Die'.

Anyways. Spooky stuff going on for the friends, and then the arrival of a special someone makes tensions rise, added onto the fact they might be trapped. Either in the room or somewhere else entirely. I dont want to give you too many spoilers.

You might avoid this from the other bad reviews, but I liked the imagination, plot threads, characters, mystery, spooky goings on and gore. I was captivated as what was going on and what was going to happen.

The ending might leave you annoyed, but like war, its always horrible when its over and peopel are faced with there own actions.

Disappointing.

[RandomFlux · 2/10 · 11 June 2023]

If you want to create a movie that deals with the horrors of war, maybe you shouldn't bait and switch the audience into thinking they're about to watch a paranormal horror movie.

Not what I wanted to see. At all.

I went through this mess waiting for the payoff in the final act and was completely disappointed. I don't think the creators had any idea where they were going either.

I realize there are a lot of heavy themes in the film and that's fine but they pulled at a dozen threads and then left them hanging. They brought up a lot of questions and then told the audience to figure it out themselves.

The acting is good. The characters are interesting. But then the story...

The story begins with a lot of potential but it quickly derails. Is it a paranormal movie? Kind of. Is it a preachy one act play about morality and war? Kind of. Is it an unfinished ball of contradictions that ends with a whimper, definitely.

If the goal was to irritate the audience and leave them wishing they'd chosen a different movie, mission accomplished.

Surprisingly better than okay.

[dartgabriel · 7/10 · 1 July 2023]

I didn't have high hopes for this going in, save for some positive reviews. I must say that I am legit surprised at how much I enjoyed this flawed but engaging film.

Okay... friends are trying to move on from World War 2. Is the war really over? This was a little heavy handed, but ultimately done well. Colonel Hock is grieving the recent suicide of his wife, Susie. He gathers his friends together for an impromptu seance to try and contact her from beyond the grave. Hijinks ensue.

This film does a surprisingly good job at taking the characters and portraying them as being damaged from the horrors of war. I like that this was a very character-driven story. So much so that it came off as a film version of a stage production.

The dialogue was a bit too on the nose. I get it... it's the 40s. But it definitely came across as trying way too hard to capture that vernacular. The supernatural elements of the film weren't coherent enough as well. It just felt disjointed.

Overall, though, this was surprisingly enjoyable. Not amazing, but certainly not awful at all. If you're a fan of movies like Clue, that are dialogue-heavy, then you'll probably enjoy this film.

Supernatural Agatha Christie Play Without the Agatha Christie

[coontus · 5/10 · 14 June 2023]

How much better would the ending have been if at the end there had been a bloodbath with only Marla and Hilde left alive - Bob, Archie and Paul all dying fighting over the gun, maybe one picking up the knife and using it. Then.....Hilde says something in German that Marla recognises only a Nazi would say. Drum roll.... Hilde really was a Nazi and she did murder Clive's wife Susan.

But that's not what happened. Seems like Hilde had to die for some reason only spineless Bob knew.

Great acting, presented as a proper play but let down by the writing. All very one dimensional, no surprises in the writing, no ulterior motives, no red herrings, no misdirection ....all very flat and straight forward. My ending would've been superb.....if I say so myself.

Just one word: WOW!

[frank-liesenborgs · 8/10 · 9 June 2023]

This is a movie that will grab you from the 1st minute to the very last one. And what a grand finale! WOW. What looks like just another ghost story on the outside, reveals itself to be a deep, personal, and shocking reflection on grief and trauma, all enclosed within a single room in Brooklyn. The intro song is already revealing: Tiny Hill and his Orchestra - Ida "Ida, Sweet as Apple Cider.. Of love we´ll whisper, so soft and low! Seems I can´t live without you." Without revealing the plot, as the movie is over, you realize the meaning of this song. It takes a lot of effort to film all in one room. Not only do you need excellent actors for the audience to keep their attention, but you also need a truly phenomenal script, something that can force your interest to stay. This movie has both. It has it all. Even the score, the opening song as mentioned and "Daddy's Got Woo Woo in His Eyes" from Tony Di Pardo. Excellent performances by Anne Ramsay (Marla), Ron E. Rains (Bob), Jeremy Holm (Archi), Larry Fessenden (Clive aka Hock) and Ezra Buzzington (DiFranco). "Brooklyn 45" unfolds in real-time, mirroring the 92 minutes that elapse within the narrative. A seance gone wrong is not a spoiler, in fact is the only thing that you will expect. It is the unexpected twists in the second half, particularly the ending, that will leave you astonished. This film defies expectations and evolves explosively. I would rate it a solid 8/10 and highly recommend it as a must-watch.

For

[tchitouniaram · 7/10 · 27 December 2023]

A low budget this film is very impressive . To be able to interest the audience and keep it interested in production , where there are no action , just character driven dramatic dialog and mysticism and to keep it all in one room is quiet an achievement ! Interesting to know , how many of the veterans of the more modern American wars are feeling the same guilt of killing innocent children of Vietnam , Japan , Iraq , Afghanistan etc. Etc. . etc. ??? Or , the blind belief of their country omnipotence and righteousness prevents them of being able to feel any guilt at all ? Add to that the situation in Gaza and you have you answer , which this film about war long time ago tried to answer ... definitely a decent one time watch !

Just give them the key already

[Howling_at_the_Moon_Reviews · 6/10 · 24 July 2023]

I appreciated this for its originality most of all. This felt creative and fresh which is few and far between these days. This was primarily character driven and had almost a stage play adaption vibe to it. The acting was a bit spotty and stilted at times but the woman who played the interrogator did an excellent job. I wish there was more to the spooky elements but what was there was enjoyable.

As a whole I think it squandered some of its potential by not spicing it up a bit. The action became a bit belabored and repetitive along with the slow pacing effected my engagement at times. Despite this it was still entertaining and felt like a unique experience. Would recommend.

The cast was too old.

[androidarmy · 6/10 · 15 June 2023]

This wasn't a bad film. Good acting, but I just thought the cast was too old to have just been in the second world war. The characters all seem to be in their mid to late 50s, but most people serving in the military during the second world war were in their 20s to 30s, or at the very oldest in their 40s. I could see perhaps that these high ranking military personnel were older, but they have them in their 50s is a stretch. I think this film might've been a lot better with a younger cast in their late 20s or early 30s. For the folks who complained that the movie was all filmed in one room, it's probably because it was based on a stage play. I don't like movies that are based on stage plays for that reason, but this one kept my attention. I usually enjoy movies during this particular time period . And I believe they got the music and the zeitgeist of that time fairly correct, but once again, that cast was just too old. And I'm not an ageist. I'm in my 60s.

Great acting and atmosphere, but the story doesnt go anywhere

[jbar19 · 5/10 · 7 November 2023]

This movie has a lot of positive points; great acting, lush cinematography, a great vintage feel, and a very original premise.

But the story was a little murky and leaves too many unanswered questions.

Without giving too much away... At the end of the movie, one can't help but say, "So what?"

There isnt any explanation of the events and no one takes responsibility for their actions. The movie just ends with the characters going "oh well, stuff happened. The end."

It was unsatisfying.

If someone asked me the premise of the movie I'd only be able to say, "Some WWII vets have a seance and weirdness ensures."

No questions were answered. The movie ended with a thud. Too bad. It had real potential.

Brooklyn 45 evokes contradictory feelings

[eva3si0n · 6/10 · 25 June 2023]

Brooklyn 45 evokes contradictory feelings. Well, it's impossible to take this movie seriously. The movie is a download, then they try to give you a chamber thriller, then they go to a teenage pseudo-horror with mysticism. Everything looks so bad and is filmed that it's even good. And when the level of absurdity reaches the highest degree, mysticism appears. But it looks so bad that it only causes cringe. Brooklyn 45 is a rare example when you wanted to shoot everything at once, but there is no money, and the cast is not surprising. Of course, this is a passing film, but it's not as bad as critics talk about it. This film is worth watching for those who are tired of films shot strictly within their genre, from Brooklyn 45 you do not know what to expect in 5-10 minutes of timing.

Ghosts from the present... that whine about the past!

[Coventry · 5/10 · 3 November 2023]

Ever since the pleasant surprise (to me, at least) that was "We Are Still Here", I've been keeping an eye on the work of writer/director Ted Geoghegan. Hence, "Brooklyn 45" came on my radar when it was still in production phase, and I didn't hesitate to purchase a ticket when it played at a modest genre-festival in my country. Especially on paper, "Brooklyn 45" has an original concept, mixing supernatural elements with post-WWII drama.

The idea is new and unconventional, for sure, and it also has a good cast and a few excellent gruesome effects, but the overload of dialogues versus the shortage of action footage inevitably puts the film to a mortal sleep. "Brooklyn 45" is almost entirely set in one single and interior location, namely a living room where a séance is performed and where the participants are subsequently trapped. You need a downright brilliant screenplay to make that work, and the film simply hasn't got that. "Brooklyn 45" starts out strong, but rapidly becomes repetitive and tedious, notably when the characters get stuck in their stubborn tunnel vision ("She's a Nazi", "She's not a Nazi", "Give me the keys", "No I won't give you the keys", etc) and endlessly whine about the War not really being over.

I kept hoping for a similarly abrupt transition as in "We Are Still Here", when the textbook ghost story/haunted house horror flick suddenly turned into a hardcore and gore-soaked slasher with an enormous body count. Alas, not this time...

Something Different

[jollyjumpup · 7/10 · 6 September 2023]

"Brooklyn 45" is not exactly a horror film although there are some scary moments. It's best described as a filmed supernatural stage play. It's also a promising step forward for writer-director Ted Geoghegan, who previously delivered the tepid horror film "We Are Still Here" and the dreadful "Mohawk."

There are only two sets in this movie, the exterior of a Brooklyn street at Christmastime, and the interior of an apartment off the street. Excellent set design and dressing spare us from claustrophobia. An intriguing storyline and good special efx keep us watching.

The cast is excellent all around. Their acting is believable enough to sell the wild supernatural events. The period costumes and hair styles are well done.

The only quibble I have is with the high key lighting. The imagery is crisp and the camera work on point, but the flat, ultra bright lighting robs the film of much needed atmosphere, particularly in the seance scene. Whether the director wanted to showcase the period set dressing or was afraid a dark setting might be too claustrophobic, it's a weird directorial choice.

Considering the other paranormal events going on in the room, it would have made perfect sense for the lights to go off and on for variable periods, which would have added much needed spookiness to the proceedings.

A lot of boring conversation in one room

[jolene-faye78 · 1/10 · 19 June 2023]

The film fell short of my expectations, offering a lackluster experience with mediocre ideas and a predictable storyline that failed to impress. It led me on a journey devoid of excitement, ultimately leaving me with a profound sense of disappointment.

From the beginning, it was evident that it lacked the innovative spark and depth needed to captivate its audience. The plot unfolded in a formulaic manner, devoid of surprises or moments of suspense. There were no twists or turns to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It felt as if the filmmakers chose the path of least resistance, delivering a narrative that lacked effort or imagination.

There was a glimmer of potential at one point, hinting at a deeper exploration of the story. However, that potential quickly dissipated, leaving behind missed opportunities for a more profound narrative. The introduction of supernatural elements lacked context or explanation, leaving viewers perplexed and detached. The sudden descent into madness by two seemingly rational individuals, who inexplicably kidnapped a neighbor due to her accent, felt implausible and lacking in logical foundation.

One of the film's drawbacks was its slow and meandering pace. Scenes lingered without purpose, causing moments of disinterest. As a viewer, I found myself glancing at the time, hoping for a spark to ignite the narrative. Unfortunately, that spark never arrived, and the story continued without direction or a cohesive structure.

In the end, "Brooklyn '45" proved to be a disappointing endeavor. It possessed the potential to delve into intriguing themes and deliver a captivating story, but it fell short in execution. The lack of originality, coupled with a plot that left little room for surprises, left me unsatisfied. As an experienced reviewer, I had hoped for more from this film, only to be let down by its lackluster delivery.

If you're seeking a movie that challenges your intellect, provokes thought, or leaves a lasting impression, "Brooklyn 45" may not be the best choice. It fails to meet expectations, offering a mundane and uneventful experience that may leave you questioning the value of your time. Consider exploring other films that truly offer something meaningful, as this one unfortunately falls short of delivering a memorable cinematic experience.

Quite Impressive

[mickdansforth · 10/10 · 10 June 2023]

This Shudder Original from director Ted Geoghegan takes place in one room.

4 WWII veterans and a spouse gather for a séance. Things go off the rails.

Most of this movie is talking/yelling, with truths revealed over the night. But there is some well done spookiness.

This year's The Sixth Secret is also a movie that takes place in one room. And while in the Sixth Secret you can feel the filmmakers stretching to fill the "feature length" run time, not a moment is wasted in Brooklyn 45.

The whole movie is deliciously tense, and it all very much works.

My one errant thought during the early part of the movie is that these are 4 WWII war veterans who got home from the war in the same year the movie happens. But they're all in their 50s and 60s. But it turns out that they're all Major and above in rank, so not youngsters. Like Colonel Potter and his best friends, age-wise.

This movie really worked for me.

What is with the casting?

[somf · 7/10 · 8 July 2023]

The cast is really solid, but way too old for the characters that they play. Other than the neighbor Hildegard, they should all be about 15 to 20 years younger of the film should be titled Brooklyn 60 and set about 15 years later. I kind of feel like the screenwriter even wrote his first draft to be 15 years after the war and perhaps decided to have it more fresh in the character's psyches.

Although the film is certainly bloody, and has many supernatural elements, it works best as a statement on the effects of war and the nature of racism. As others have said it feels a lot like watching a stage play, but for me that is not necessarily a bad thing.

Worth watching, far from great, but certainly original.

Not for me I'm afraid

[tonyandsilvia1994 · 4/10 · 10 June 2023]

In the last week, I have had the misfortune to watch two of Geoghegan's films. First, it was the amateurish "We Are Still Here with Larry Fessenden doing his usual quirky weirdo thing.

This week it was Brooklyn 45. Fessenden does less of his schtick in Brooklyn 45, in fact he is almost unrecognisable, but his acting is still poor. Anne Ramsey on the other hand is the best thing in this. I genuinely feel sorry for her that she got herself into this.

The story is interesting. The war veterans just can't let go of what they've been through. Unfortunately, the delivery is poor and stagey. I didn't believe in any of the characters, and as good as Ramsey is, I didn't have her as an interrogator. And I didn't think for a minute Buzzington was or had every been a Major. Fessenden as a Colonel? No chance.

The good thing is the movie doesn't out stay its welcome and has a nice short run time. Average movie, that I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to watch..

5.8/10. Watchable but not recommended

[athanasiosze · 6/10 · 22 October 2023]

I like a lot this genre, i mean, one location movies. Something like a stage play. You can call these movies "psychological drama/thriller movies". BROOKLYN 45 starts well and seemed interesting, not intriguing though. I didn't love this specific plot but the supernatural element made me think this could be a good movie. As it progressed, it became kinda better but the ending half ruined it. Some events didn't make much sense. Some questions were never answered. And there was something that annoyed me: I couldn't understand if this is a dark comedy or it was unintentionally funny. I think that director lost his focus. It became too absurd and ridiculous to take it serious and, simultaneously, it was not funny neither witty to call it a "dark comedy". No laughs, no thrills.

Still, it's not a bad movie and if you like this genre, you might enjoy it more than me. In any case, i cannot recommend it.

A film that has no idea what it is

[Boristhemoggy · 3/10 · 18 June 2023]

So some best friends and brothers from the war gather together for drinks. Torture, murder and supernatural goings on suddenly come out of the woodwork. But don't worry, none of it is horrifying.

The story could have been good except there were no answers. There was no reason for the story to exist. Even by the last frame we had no clue what had really happened or why. So don't expect a story you can get your teeth into.

The acting is wooden at times, very poor other times and with the odd flash of inspiration, not bad. But overall it's obvious these actors are either woefully inexperienced, or abysmally directed.

Given the one-location filming and the static cast, this would probably make a fabulous play. In fact had it been a play and I'd watched it on stage I think I might have enjoyed it. But as a film it fails miserably.

Just another male bashing movie

[kaushikb-9888 · 2/10 · 11 July 2023]

This is NOT a horror movie. Instead, it just tried to show that the female protagonist in this movie who's a former Merican interrogator during the world war 2, is the only empathetic person in the whole sorry excuse of a movie. The main plot of the movie never seemed to arrive and at the end of it, felt like I wasted 90 min of my precious life. It tries to depict that only females are capable of empathy and love while males who do anything to protect the females from the clutches of evil, eventually end up on the wrong side of their desired outcome. This movie just goes on to show why MGTOW movement is pacing up and why every female oriented reboot is a huge flop.