pastazia Reviews

Horse Girl (I) (2020)

Interestingly Bizarre

[7/10 · 11 March 2023]

With the exception of the sex, nudity, and profanity, I really found this movie to be interesting and entertaining. It has a weird, almost TV show feel, but that is part of the overall atmosphere of the story.

The acting is amazing! I got caught up in the uncomfortable strangeness of Sarah's real life as well as her delusions. The whole thing left me feeling disoriented, which seems to have been the intention.

There might be a bit of a political message beneath the surface, but it wasn't overbearing. Not anything the average viewer would object to.

As for the ending, all I can say is, "we don't know because she doesn't know."

Shadows (VI) (2020)

Munchausen by Proxy Thunberg Style

[8/10 · 14 February 2023]

Imagine a young girl manipulated by an overbearing mom who uses global catastrophe as a means of control. This movie has a creepy atmospheric feeling, great acting, and a suspenseful plot that kept me on the edge of my seat.

A few times, I thought the content headed down weird rabbit trails, but it always got back on track. The dynamic between characters was thoughtful and poignant.

The musical score is a little strange, but after a while, I didn't notice it as much. In fact, it seems it added to the discordance of the movie. I rented this on a whim but was pleasantly surprised. Highly recommend!

Stowaway (I) (2021)

It's Not About the Science

[10/10 · 12 July 2022]

Sometimes a movie comes along that breaks the typical stereotypes. This is one of those movies.

This movie is not about science, technology, or fantastical "out of this world" content. It's a movie about morality and self-sacrifice.

I was pleasantly surprised, on the edge of my seat, and drawn to tears by the end. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in real-world scenarios that involve moral decisions.

The Nanny (IV) (2018)

This Movie Owes Me $4

[1/10 · 27 June 2022]

Rented this and regretted it. Can I please get my money back? If you like heavy-handed weird tales with rubbery costumes, this might be for you but I just want my money back. Please?

Encounter (III) (2021)

Not What You Think

[8/10 · 13 February 2022]

This movie keeps you guessing. I was on the edge of my chair during the entire film. I even picked off most of my nail polish and that doesn't happen very often!

The reason this film gets mixed reviews is probably because it doesn't fit the "narrative" of today's culture. I don't want to include any spoilers, but it entails a loving dad, devoted children, concerned professionals, and dedicated law enforcement - all represented in a terrifying scenario.

It is one of the most intense and emotional films I've watched in a long time. Unfortunately there are several instances of the "f" word (totally unnecessary, as always) and some other other curse words, otherwise I would have given it a 9.

Dry Blood (2017)

Low Budget, Interesting Story

[7/10 · 8 February 2022]

I have to give credit to small time filmmakers who despite a low budget go out on a wire and bring their story to life.

Acting = 4 (some good, some mediocre) Musical score = 4 (not bad for original music, great for vintage song) Editing = 6 (no major glitches) Cinematograph = 6 Script = 7 (a bit weak in places but still believable) Visual effects = 8.9 (yikes! Very realistic Storyline = 9 (kept me guessing and didn't disappoint)

All in all, I mildly recommend this movie. Some content is a little difficult to watch, but adds to the horror of the situation.

Relentless (2021)

Whose Really Being Played?

[3/10 · 6 July 2021]

Relentless is a documentary about a woman who went missing in Hanibal, Missouri. An independent filmmaker takes on the case in the pursuit of answers. I only watched the first two episodes, but in my opinion, they were a waste of time. Slow, boring, and sprinkled with unnecessary profanity.

As the story unfolds, the filmmaker begins to feel as though she's being played, but to be honest, I began to feel as though I was the one who was being played. There is an underlying sense of disingenuous journalism lurking beneath the surface.

1BR (2019)

Not What I was Expecting- ln a good way!

[8/10 · 27 January 2021]

Very intense, well acted thriller. The previews didn't do it justice. It would have been better without the profanity. Still, it kept me on the edge of my seat.