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Reviews
Island of Shadows (2020)
Good Old Fashioned Murder Mystery
Let's start by saying my review for this is based on a Lifetime movie scale. That being said, I think I would have enjoyed it regardless. In fact, it didn't seem like your typical Lifetime made for TV movie, more like something the younger me might read then older me rented from Blockbuster to watch on a rainy Saturday night. That's because it's not-thus the name change. (Is there a Killer in My Family vs more appropriately named Island of Shadows).
This Canadian production uses its dreamy seaside landscape paired with aged rustic architecture, and thickets of tangled trees to its fullest potential. Something about it reminded me of my favorite Hitchcock film-Rebecca.
Solid murder mystery. Nice twists. Not completely unpredictable but wrapped up nicely in suspense and intrigue. It held my attention and that's saying something. I think what worked for me is the strong female lead character and that it was well realized by Anna Hopkins. It's a definite standout from their regular line-up. I was left wanting more- in a good way.
Fear the Woods (2017)
Mixed reviews
Just watched the first episode- "Games Gone Wrong."
This episode was broken up into 3 individual stories and each of them were completely different. In this case it was a possible paranormal, a possible supernatural, and a possible serial killer! If the episodes were here I'd review the episodes individually but for now I'll share my general first impression now and edit later.
It was off to a good start with great narration and classic feel to it. The first story was a decent story. The storytellers were believable, the acting was good but the special effects make-up and eventual over-stylistic camera skills took it down a few notches. Now these type of shows aren't exactly known for their special effects and stellar actors, but WOW! Its biggest strength was their story recounts were believable, which leads me to the next episode segment. Not quite the case. Don't get me wrong, the story was good and had some suspense and slight psychological creepy factor combined with a hint of campfire lore, but the people describing it, not so much. To make matters worse throughout the show they have the so-called "experts" giving their two cents about everything most people watching these shows have already heard a billion times and to top it off they were scarier than any of the "creatures" were. The 3rd story had me pause a moment to wonder if this was an AHS Twisty the clown inspired story or possibly even something Gacy related, but as the story went on it became apparent that this was all too real for these kids and sadly robbed them of some childhood innocence and creative play. It makes me want to know who this person was and if he did this ever again. The point is, albeit short and rushed, it seemed credible. I actually felt for them as to what it must have been like to go through something like that and not have adults who believe their story.
I'm not sure if the variety of genres was intentional. but it felt like an odd sort of "sampler platter." I guess the closest shows I could compare it to would be Paranormal Witness and Lore.
I will be returning to watch future episodes but with low expectations. I really hope they can find a way to connect the elements and have some consistency worthy of an actual network television show, not YouTube.
White Noise 2: The Light (2007)
Pleasant Surprise! Not amazing but worth a watch! Nice spook factor! : )
I just finished watching this movie and I have to say it was a very pleasant surprise. I read several reviews and ratings and I was surprised to hear people speak highly of this. The first one wasn't bad but it also wasn't nearly as good as I had hoped for. This one had a lot of jumpy, scary moments that kept it interesting and fun. I love a good spook!THe acting was also surprisingly very good unlike most horror/thriller sequels. I wouldn't call this a horror film. Much more of a Paranormal Thriller. It has some guts-took some chances on plot and script. AND it actually seemed slightly believable and relatable.Worth a watch. Only gripe as ALWAYS these days the ending had to go and turn cheesy and dumb. It's that feeling like they gave up at the end. SO disappointing when you've had respect for a film all the way through and then they BLOW IT! Anyway...fun watch, definitely had a creepy, scary essence to it. Some cheesy moments but a lot less than most movies I've seen recently. Check it out yourself and see! : )