misanthr0pist Reviews

Stitches (I) (2012)

Fun for what it's worth

[6/10 · 1 August 2021]

I was looking for a stupid, gory movie with an undead clown; and I actually really enjoyed it.

Look, this film isn't perfect; far from it actually. But if you know what to expect going into it, you shouldn't be disappointed.

For a start, the kills are super entertaining, really gory, and stay creative throughout. Comedian Ross Noble plays the Character of Stitches really well. The one liners get a little tiresome by the end of the movie, but that's more of a writing issue. His delivery and performance is a delight to see.

Special effects used were pretty good in the way of gore/kills, though the little bit of CGI used is a little rough to sit through. Luckily, there isn't a lot of it.

Pacing is done well, with the exception of the first act (which probably could have been shorter). I appreciated the short run time, as nothing felt like it was dragging.

I really liked this. I'm sure a lot of that was the beer and cannabis, but if you're in the mood for a gory comedy-horror, you've found a treat.

Censor (2021)

My favourite film of 2021 so far.

[7/10 · 24 June 2021]

Really well directed, edited, and lit. A simple plot that introduces itself well in the first act, and morphs into a really gripping mystery by the second and third. Our lead actress Niamh Algar did an awesome job portraying Enid. She was a little flat at times, but it seemed to suit the characters personality. Also, a great little homage to the Video Nasty panic of the 80's. Watch it if you like horror/thrillers with slasher and mystery elements.

The Ones Below (2015)

Engaging, yet feels like it falls short.

[6/10 · 16 June 2021]

While it's not really a new premise and it's super predictable, it managed to a still feel unique and engaging.

For a directorial debut, this is great. It's such an easy job to screw up, but David Morrissey did a great job. The most striking choice is the subtle use of a simple score. The majority of this movie is silent in the way of backup music, which helps create tension and an overall unnerving feeling. Super effective, and very welcome.

Also, Clemence Poesy does a brilliant job in her lead as Kate; a super convincing and engaging performance.

The only thing this really suffers from over-predictability. It's frustrating, but it doesn't totally ruin the experience.

I'm summary, I'd recommend it if you enjoy thriller/dramas. It's unique but doesn't try too hard, and I had a good time with it.

Slender Man (I) (2018)

Disappointing.

[2/10 · 15 March 2021]

This isn't as awful as I expected, but it's not great by any means.

Visually, it was pretty appealing. The colour palette works well and the camera work was fun at first, but got tiring by the middle of the 2nd act. The character design of slender man was also well done, and Javier Botet did a great job portraying him. Speaking of, acting also wasn't half bad. It was a little stale at times, but for teenage actors, I think the three main actresses did their parts pretty well. Kevin Chapman also had a really solid role as Mr. Jensen, though it was rather short.

The plot had potential but got real lot washy, and the third act felt all over the place and a little silly. There's little to no suspense and anything really effective in the scare department, which is a shame. This is also a film that falls victim to an over-written script, which is always frustrating. I also felt the score was really over-worked, ineffective and a little obnoxious at times.

All in all, a pretty run-of-the-mill modern day creature feature. Sadly, a bit of a let down.

True Fiction (2019)

A great directorial debut.

[6/10 · 15 March 2021]

This was a pretty interesting little thriller

The plot was really fun, while a little deluded and occasionally predictable, the idea of perception-of-reality was interesting and well done. The pacing was also pretty decent, it never felt as though it was dragging, but it didn't feel rushed.

Both John Cassini and Sara Garcia played their characters well, and I feel they bounced off each other surprisingly effectively. The writing felt a little haphazard in some places but it was passable as well.

Third act was also a good way to tie thing up, though the last five minutes or so felt unnecessary. Not awful by any means though.

All in all, a fairly impressive film, even more so because it's a directorial debut. You won't be disappointed if you know what you're getting into.

Sightless (2020)

Far surpassed my expectations.

[7/10 · 13 March 2021]

Maybe it's because I've seen a lot of terrible movies recently, but I thought this one was really good!

A super effective slow burn, and a really unique plot that unfolds perfectly. Madeline Petsch did a phenomenal job playing Ellen, with a really believable performance as a blind woman. The use of close up shots throughout the film was really well done and there were moments when the score paired incredibly with the cinematography.

The last ten or so minutes are a little underwhelming, but it doesn't take away from the movie as a whole. A super suspenseful and effective Psychological Thriller, and an excellent directorial debut from Cooper Karl.

Random Acts of Violence (2019)

Unique little horror flick

[7/10 · 9 March 2021]

I thought this was a really unique little horror flick.

Sure, it has a few of the standard horror movie tropes, and I feel like the script was a little over-written, but that's kind of where the criticisms end.

It was a fun little plot that was engaging throughout the (fairly short) run time. The ideas about art imitating life and vice versa was a fun take, and it didn't feel too on-the-nose. I appreciated the fact that it was pretty to the point and didn't feel the need to drag things on. The kills were fun, which is always important in a film like this, and I want to particularly point out cinematography and lighting; they did an excellent job with both. The third act was also a really great way to end it, which I was surprised by.

I didn't have high hopes going into this one but I really enjoyed it!

Tales of Halloween (2015)

Entertaining, but nothing outstanding.

[6/10 · 8 March 2021]

Like many horror anthologies, this is a mixed bag. Thankfully the majority of these are pretty good, with only a couple being underwhelming.

The gore effects were pretty decent and there were some great character designs. The acting (for the most part) was also a lot better than I expected.

I enjoyed my time with this one, and you will too if you don't go in with the highest of hopes.

Rattlesnake (2019)

Nothing groundbreaking, though not terrible.

[6/10 · 5 March 2021]

Not quite sure why the ratings are so low, this one isn't bad if you know what you're getting.

Sure, the plot is pretty cheesy but it's enjoyable enough, and Carmen Ejogo does a solid job with the lead role. While the writing is a little lacklustre in parts, it doesn't ruin the film. I rather enjoyed the eerie occasions, and the movie does a great job with suspense (a good score also helps this). The ending wasn't awful either, which I was kind of surprised about.

All in all, a pretty fun movie that clocked in at under 90 minutes. Not worth the low rating!

Red Dot (2021)

A great little thriller in under 90 mins.

[7/10 · 2 March 2021]

Really enjoyed this one!

An excellent story throughout, a great score to match it, and I really enjoyed how this was filmed. The cinematography does a great job at showing how desolate and open the setting is, which gives it a really desperate feel. Nanna Blondell and Anastasios Soulis do excellent jobs in their respective roles, which really ties everything together.

One more thing I feel I need to note is the third act. So many films like this have an excellent buildup, and then fall apart at the end. This was the exception. A twist I didn't see coming and it played out really effectively.

Entertaining from opening to closing credits. A great little thriller that's under 90 minutes!

Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings (2011 Video)

Best sequel so far.

[4/10 · 27 February 2021]

While this still isn't as good as the original, it's my favourite sequel so far to be honest.

While it still falls victim to b-grade acting and over-writing, the kills are fun, the special effects and makeup are on brand and good as always; and it didn't go overly ambitious.

While I really enjoyed the change of scenery and the hospital setting; the third act (particularly the last 40 minutes) felt very shining-esque; though not in a good way.

All in all I wasn't disappointed, but I wouldn't say I was overly impressed either.

Requiem for a Dream (2000)

Film Making Excellence.

[10/10 · 26 February 2021]

I watch this movie like twice a year and it gets to me every time. By far my favourite movie ever. Instead of a regular review, here is everything this movie does perfectly.

Character Development: this could really be separated into three biopics. The way The film is spliced between three main characters that evolve an enormous deal over 100mins is a work of art within itself.

Plot structure and timing: This film is the pinnacle of an effective slow burn. At no point does the runtime seem to drag on, but it is slow enough to make the payoff incredibly valuable. Plot structure and timing are two of the most difficult things in film making, and they were executed perfectly in this one.

Sound and score: one of the most effective scores to date. The ups and downs of this film are only expressed further with an extremely effective and catchy score. At no points does it feel obnoxious or out of place, and you'll be thinking of it long after your viewing.

Cinematography: The beautiful mix of cinematography that are found throughout this film is perfect. Extreme close ups, split screen scenes and snapshots are all used to express the films ideas in a beautiful way. It does an excellent job to break up the story and to show you the multiple perspectives.

An incredible third act: So many great films fall down during the third act. Many-a-film has been ruined by a less than average third sequence, but this one ties up the whole story in a beautiful, non-abrupt way. I couldn't think of a better ending.

Performances: Each and every main performance in this film is done with grace and respect. I am always super surprised at Jared Leto's performance, as I've never seen him as an excellent actor. He steals the show here, with a genuine and emotional performance.

I really cannot think of anything I don't like or would change about this film. Incredibly engaging, beautiful story and told excellently.

Do yourself a favour and watch this masterpiece of filmmaking

Wrong Turn 3: Left for Dead (2009 Video)

Better than the sequel, worse than the OG.

[4/10 · 24 February 2021]

Not as awful as the sequel, though not as good as the OG. This one wasn't terrible overall. The story and acting are pretty weak, but it was passable (as compared to the 2nd Wrong Turn film, which was an absolute dumpster fire) If you like the concept and ideas of the Wrong Turn franchise, you'll find some enjoyment here. The action scenes and the traps were particularly fun, and the writing was better than I expected. Everything else here is as average as a movie can get, so I can't be too disappointed. Definitely won't be on the rewatch list any time soon though.

Goodnight Mommy (2014)

One of the most effective horror films of the decade.

[9/10 · 24 February 2021]

This was one of my favourite movies when I originally saw it - and it certainly still holds up.

Definitely the pinnacle of effective slow burns, this movie does a great job at moving the pace along at an entertaining and effective rate, without it feeling like a drag.

The twins do an incredible job in their respective roles; they are believable and have great chemistry (probably helped by the fact they are actually brothers). Susanne Wuest also does a brilliant job in her role, creating a truly creepy and confusing character.

The overall theme of the movie is incredibly effective, and the tension continues throughout the whole runtime. The main plot was easy to understand and worked well; while the subplot was super interesting. Focusing on whether or not Lukas was alive, and what happened during 'the accident' was subtle and really well done. I picked up on little things during the second watch that made this subplot even more entertaining.

I also highly appreciate the use of a subtle but well-chosen score, and a lack of jumpscares. The cinematography and direction are also second-to-none. Visually, this movie is perfect.

I would HIGHLY recommend this one to anybody who wants a modern horror with extra substance and a genuine creepy feeling. You will not be disappointed.

No Good Deed (I) (2014)

Nothing special, but better than expected.

[5/10 · 23 February 2021]

While this wasn't anything special, it definitely wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. The leads do an excellent job in their respective roles, which is coupled nicely with solid writing. The first act is nothing to write home about, and the movie felt like it was dragging towards the end, it was still relatively entertaining. All in all, a pretty standard cat/and-mouse tale, decent to throw on for movie night.

Don't Hang Up (2016)

Had low expectations, was pleasantly surprised

[6/10 · 22 February 2021]

While I didn't have high hopes for this one, I was actually pretty pleasantly surprised.

I will admit the first act was a little rough, but it ramped up towards the second to a fairly entertaining level. I appreciated the use of a subtle but effective score, and the writing wasn't bad either.

The acting was a little all over the place at times, and the characters weren't likeable; though I didn't really expect either coming into this, so it didn't ruin it. It also got fairly predictable pretty quickly, but that didn't really ruin it.

If you don't go in with high expectations, you should have a pretty good time.

The Red Nightmare (2021)

A pretty mixed bag

[4/10 · 22 February 2021]

As with most horror anthologies, this one is a mixed bag of good, decent, and disappointing

Unfortunately, a lot of the shorts were excellent premises, ruined by bad acting and delivery.

Special shoutouts to The Smiling Woman, Shedim, Alone With Death, and Mystery Box. These were all done pretty well in my opinion, and are the best in the movie.

Caché (2005)

Super Unnerving

[6/10 · 22 February 2021]

Certainly a mysterious psychological thriller, that definitely needs multiple viewings to totally understand and unmask.

The sense of dread and the unnerving nature of this film really got to me. Watching a nameless, faceless being tormenting a family with seemingly (fairly) innocent videos and drawings is really very effective. Trying to figure out who is leaving these is even more entrapping.

A well done mystery/thriller, that I'll be rewatching fairly soon.

Cadaver (2020)

A visual masterpiece

[6/10 · 22 February 2021]

An artistically beautiful, incredibly shot mystery/drama with horror elements.

The first act does an incredible job setting the scene and desperation of the setting; while the second act contrasts this with a beautiful palace; though the characters inside are extremely unsettling.

Almost immediately you can tell something isn't quite right; and the sense of dread and uneasiness carry throughout the run time.

Unfortunately the third act seems to fall a little short; though I can't think of a better way to wrap up the plot.

It's good to see Norwegian film being represented on Netflix; and I'd love to see more from this director.

Definitely an interesting and worthy watch if you have a spare 90 minutes. The cinematography and setting alone are worth seeing.

Killing Ground (2016)

Thrilling and effective

[5/10 · 22 February 2021]

Talk about anxiety-inducing cinema. If you enjoyed films such as the Wolf Creek series, or Eden Lake; you'll enjoy this nail-biting Australian horror/thriller.

The Town That Dreaded Sundown (2014)

A fun little reboot

[6/10 · 22 February 2021]

A pretty decent remake/reboot of one of the first slasher films. This one stands on its own pretty well, with good acting, fairly good writing and some entertaining kills. The third act is a little predictable and disappointing, though it doesn't ruin the whole experience in my opinion. Watch it if you enjoy the slasher genre, you won't dislike it.

Depraved (I) (2019)

An underrated gem

[8/10 · 22 February 2021]

A near-perfect reimagining of the classic 'Frankenstine's Monster' tale; though this has a hell of a lot more emotion in it than one might expect at first glance.

The small but beautifully acted cast of characters is great, the set design and makeup is impeccable, and the writing and directing is on point.

I was way more impressed with this than I expected to be; I feel it's nearly a modern classic in hiding.

Throw it on Netflix and give it the exposure it deserves.

ABCs of Death 2 (2014)

More enjoyable than the original, but still pretty average

[5/10 · 22 February 2021]

A 26-part horror anthology film, with varying degrees of quality. I've always enjoyed the concept of the 'ABCs of Death' films, though the execution can sometimes be disappointing, this is expected.

The sequel took a lot less of a horror-comedy than the original, which I think works well. If you enjoyed the first, you'll probably like this a little more.

C , L, and K all stand out to me as the best of the bunch. S gets a special mention as well because of the cinematography and direction.

Not bad, but not probably worth a re-watch either.

The Gift (VI) (2015)

Surprisingly good

[7/10 · 22 February 2021]

A fun and tense drama/thriller. Though a little predicatable at times, the acting and writing were great; and I really enjoyed the third act. A good feature length debut from a decorated actor.

(Also loved the little shining reference in the hospital)

The Iceman (2012)

A gripping biopic

[8/10 · 22 February 2021]

A great biopic with near perfect acting. Told the story fairly decently, though there were some fairly large aspects of the case that i felt went unheard. Still an excellent and gripping movie; I'll definitely be rewatching this one.