Michael-Hallows-Eve Reviews

The Mother (2023)

Couldn't even finish it.....

[2/10 · 24 May 2023]

Wow!! So I had high hopes (for some reason) that this movie might actually be good to watch. Boy were my partner and I wrong. We got through about 25 minutes or so of this rubbish and my wife said, "Just stop it". So many things wrong about this film.

Firstly - I don't know of any real-life women in the military who would have as many 'qualifications' as J-Lo's character is meant to have.

Secondly - the inconsistencies in the first stanza of this film were many, and hence some of the reason why we stopped watching. There's one scene where she's running after a very fit Latino man and she keeps up with him, no problems!

Hollywood (and specifically Netflix) need to stop character/gender/race swapping and falsely characterizing certain genders. Have they not learnt yet?? Look at how badly Cleopatra is rating?!

I would give this a miss if you want to watch an actual 'good' action movie. Stick to Top Gun: Maverick and John Wick 4 in my opnion.

Master of None (2015–2021)

Go Woke, Go Broke (Season 3)

[7/10 · 9 June 2021]

Yep, it happened again, a good show goes woke, and it sucks a$$. WTF happened??

I'd pretend Season 3 didn't exist and just watch the first couple. This is so lame. But, when you pander to the "woke" crowd, this will always be the result. Don't waste your time on this season. 1 star for S03.

Wrong Turn (2021)

Nothing like the original.

[1/10 · 21 February 2021]

I wanted to see this, as I loved the first original film, which after seeing this version, is way more believable than the concept of this garbage. Bad storyline, average acting, and the plot was all over the place. I really wanted to like this, but in the end I stopped watching after an hour (and I gave it that long, but didn't improve). I wouldn't waste money or time on this, hence my 1 star rating.

Luke Cage (2016–2018)

Netflix is on to a winner here! If you liked 'Daredevil', you'll LOVE 'Luke Cage'!

[10/10 · 1 October 2016]

I've seen almost all of Marvels TV shows and films, including the Netflix shows 'Daredevil' and 'Jessica Jones', but as good as they were (Daredevil is still a favorite), I have to say that Luke Cage is brilliant (in my opinion). I do sometimes 'binge watch' some of Netflix TV shows (like 'Narcos' and 'Making a Murderer'), but this is the first time I watched a show from start to finish in one weekend (and now I have to wait almost a year until the next Season)! The characters, acting, actors, and even the way it's made is right up there as some of the best there is on TV today. The story kept me enthralled, I would finish one episode and would have to see the next, then the next! It was the same with Daredevil, I had to watch almost all of it within a week or two, as with Jessica Jones. Now I've found out they're making a 'Punisher' series as well as 'Iron Fist' series for Netflix also, this is great news! I hope they are as good as Luke Cage, Jessica Jones and Daredevil. If you haven't seen any of these shows, and you're a Marvel fan, then what the hell are you doing reading this review?? Go and watch them now, and I highly recommend 'Luke Cage'!

Making a Murderer (2015–2018)

One of the Best documentary series you'll ever see!

[9/10 · 21 December 2015]

I've watched many Documentary TV series, I've seen 'The Jinx' and 'Paradise Lost' series, and this has to be as good, if not better. I've not been so wild, surprised, annoyed and upset over a TV show like this in years. What Steven Avery and his family goes through is amazing. I knew that some police departments in the U.S have 'questionable' tactics, and after seeing the 'Paradise Lost' series you see that, but you really do hope it's not a common thing. But then you see shows like this one, and it really makes you wonder, how systemic is it in some of the State Police departments? And if this is just one other example of it, how many other times have other Police Departments gotten away with doing this? How many innocent people are in jail right now? Then add to that the privatization of the prison systems, meaning they have to keep the incarceration rate to near capacity to make their profits, then it makes you wonder how many people have been incarcerated using false evidence or coerced confessions. The judicial system leaves a lot to be desired, I'll say that much. I highly recommend this documentary series. It will leave you flabbergasted, it did that for me. I'll give this a 9.5 out of 10.

The Invoking (2013)

Totally overrated. Can't understand why it rated over 5 stars! (19-02-2014)

[1/10 · 19 February 2014]

I saw the trailer and the poster for this movie, and when I saw that reputable Horror websites like Fearnet say "Must-see" and Fangoria say "Chilling", I thought, "this movie must be at least decent"...well I was proved wrong! Here's what this movie ISN'T; thought provoking, original, riveting, engaging, well acted. It was long (even though it was only 80 minutes), boring, mediocre, and just plain bad. The cover/poster closely resembles the hit film 'THE CONJURING' (even the name was changed from 'SADER RIDGE' to 'THE INVOKING' to cash in on its success). But those are the ONLY similarities to that movie, the acting is poor, the story is totally cliché and been done before (in a much better context mind you), and yet again I'm left thinking how did this movie get financed?? People must want to throw money away. And as for the rating being at 5.7 out of 10 (on the date of this review February 19, 2014), in my opinion this does NOT deserve it, more like an average of about 2.5 out of 10 at most! So with that said, I give this rubbish a 1 out of 10. Do not waste your time.

The Ganzfeld Haunting (2014)

A bad "haunting" movie. Total waste of time.

[1/10 · 18 February 2014]

Well, after seeing the trailer for this, I was hoping it would be at least decent - well I was wrong. Rumer Willis is almost naked from the start, which in my opinion she didn't need to be. Yes she has a good body, but her acting ability isn't that good. There's a lot of clichés in the film, girl kisses girl, scantily dressed women, a sex scene, and plot clichés to boot. Don't get me wrong, almost nude women isn't a bad thing, but in the right context. When the story line doesn't need it, then don't do it (although some classic horror uses it a lot, the operative word here being "classic", this will never be). The plot is quite weak, they use an actual experiment name in the title to hook people in, but the film didn't really need it as the plot could have been about a group of young people who go to a house to see if there are ghosts there. But I guess they were trying to make it "original", yet they failed. Very disappointed by this movie. All I can give it is 1 out of 10.

Cabin Fever: Patient Zero (2014)

Not much better than 'Cabin Fever 2', and that was rubbish.

[4/10 · 15 February 2014]

After the debacle that was 'CABIN FEVER 2', I was hoping that this movie going to be better. Well it was only marginally better in my opinion. If only Eli Roth had more of an "on hands" role with this film, could have been a much better movie. I liked the plot, but it wasn't executed in the way it could have been in my opinion. I find this a commonly occurring theme with sequels, the new director has the potential to make the series better, but then they change things too much and try too hard which usually ends in failure. Some of the effects were OK, and although it was quite bloody in some parts, the film didn't really deliver as I was hoping it would. For me the first one was the best, and it will stay that way. All I can give this movie is a 4 out of 10.

Nurse (2013)

May as well been labeled as Soft Porn Horror.

[1/10 · 14 February 2014]

I was actually looking forward to seeing this movie (being a Horror buff), but after seeing it I was really disappointed. For starters, the acting was bad (Paz de la Huerta either can't act or she was trying too hard), and I can't believe I'm going to complain about this but there was a lot of nudity that didn't need to be in the film. Don't get me wrong, I like nudity, but it was overused in my opinion. It was like the producers/director relied on it to make the film more "appealing" to some audiences. I've actually seen some Adult films that have had better acting and story lines in them. And another thing that I couldn't get over was that if this was a real Hospital there would be Law Suits galore, if not for the sexual harassment, definitely for the practices. Also the uniforms of the nurses were like something a Stripper would wear. Yes some of the horror effects were pretty good, but the movie relied too much on the "Sexual" contents and elements. Like I said, i don't mind the odd nude shot or full frontal nudity, but this movie was using it where it didn't need to, if they had a good writer and/or director. All I can give this film is 2 out of 10, mainly because of the kill scenes, as they were the only redeeming feature about this movie.

Oldboy (2013)

Great movie. I don't care if its a "Remake", this is very well done.

[8/10 · 13 February 2014]

I saw this movie having never seen the original (so sue me), and I'm glad I didn't see the original. This movie was only given 5 out of 10 on IMDb, but after seeing it I think most of the people who reviewed/rated it were basing it on the fact that it was a Remake, and they "don't like remakes". Well, I for one LOVED this movie. Josh Brolin plays the part well, and I was watching this film wondering how he was going to get through his "ordeal", and his character had me gripped to his plight, I needed to see how it all panned out. I don't care if people have seen the original and they don't want to give this version a chance, because in my opinion you should see this film. Spike Lee does a great job with this movie, and it shows in the performances for me. Then there's the plot twist near the end - WOW. My girlfriend and I were talking about this movie after we went to bed. It had that affect on us. Great movie, I don't care if its another "remake", I loved it. I give it an 8.5 out of 10. Recommended.

Odd Thomas (2013)

A good movie. Nice "sad" twist near the end.

[8/10 · 13 February 2014]

I saw the trailer for this film a little while ago, and I knew then I has to see it. It looked like a bit of fun and had my interest. And I was pleasantly surprised. The cast in the film are really good, and having Willem Dafoe definitely helps. The film is about a guy called Odd Thomas (yes, thats his name), and he can see dead people. But he soon notices that there is a lot of activity going on - more than usual. Even though there was a bit of CGI in this movie, I still found it to be entertaining. The story is pretty good, and the end is a bit sad, a nice plot twist. I enjoyed this movie. It kept me intrigued from start to finish. I give it an 8 out of 10.

Daddy's Little Girl (II) (2014)

A very good "Revenge" type movie! If you're a parent, then you should see this!

[8/10 · 23 January 2014]

This film is one I wanted to see for over a year. I have talked to the Director via Facebook and after seeing the trailer and the plot, I knew I had to see it. It starts off with a story that all parents can relate to, a child is born, and you see the love between them and their little girl. Its spread over a few years and you see the deterioration of the parents relationship, but the love for the child doesn't change. But then something horrific happens to the child, and the blame game starts. The story focuses more on the father, and how he deals with the situation. But when he finally finds out who was involved with his daughters tragedy, the movie switches gear and things get pretty graphic. Yes the acting isn't top notch, but you look past that when you get in to the story, as it is totally relatable. Now, if you're squeamish, then be warned this film gets pretty gory. I have to admit I had a tear in my eye in the first stanza of the film as what happens with the little girl is not nice. Then the Director/Producer Chris Sun takes you through the gamut of emotions as you see how the father gets his revenge. I was totally behind him as he reeks his revenge, but you're also torn because of who it is. I thought the film was very well done for that reason, and as a result I had to give it an 8 out of 10. Recommended.

Carrie (2013)

A Remake that didn't need to be made. BUT, not a horrible film either.

[6/10 · 5 January 2014]

>> MINI REVIEW << After hearing different things about this version of the Stephen King book, I was hoping this would be a very good remake. But after seeing it I thought it was about average at best. Yes the effects were pretty good, but compared to the original it seems that yet again there didn't need to be a remake. If you are a true horror fan, then you wouldn't need to see this as the original would suffice, and in my opinion a better version. But for those who were born after the 80's then this version would be more for them (in my opinion). It just seemed that this remake was produced to retell the story for those who think that the original 1976 movie maybe "too old-school" for them. But for me the original is the better version. In saying that I thought Chloe Moretz and Julianne Moore played the parts well. So I give this version a 6.5 out of 10. Not a bad movie, but not that great either.

You're Next (2011)

Recommended 'Home Invasion' movie.

[8/10 · 2 January 2014]

This film was as good as I was hoping. I had seen the trailer for this movie months ago, heard about it over a year ago, then I finally got to see it! The premise behind the plot is that a family get together for a wedding anniversary, but not all is as it seems. There's a home invasion and things turn very nasty, and there's a plot twist during the film that some might see coming, but not all. Sharni Vinson is great in this movie, as is AJ Bowen. Adam Wingard does a great job as Director, and I'm beginning to like his style. I liked his segments in the V/H/S movies and another film of his called 'A HORRIBLE WAY TO DIE'. I really enjoyed this film, and I will watch it again for sure. I can easily give this movie an 8 out of 10. Recommended.

Nothing Left to Fear (2013)

Below average attempt at a "possession" movie.

[2/10 · 17 October 2013]

This movie again had potential, and as Slash had something to do with it, I was hoping for a better film than it was. But, the movie was very cliché, and it was actually boring to watch. I was hoping it would end sooner than it did. A shame that Clancy Brown was in it really, he is usually a good actor, but he was the only reason the film won't get a 1/10 from me. I'm kind of over mediocre "possession" movies as they are all the same in many ways, especially with the CGI effects. The story was contrite and failed to reel me in to it. Some people may like it just because Slash was involved, but I'm not one of them. He should stick to producing music in my opinion. All I can give this movie is a 2 out of 10.

Curse of Chucky (2013)

A very worthy sequel, and it ties the story together.

[8/10 · 17 October 2013]

This film I actually liked a lot. It is a sequel in ways and it has the original actors from the original films in it too, which is a total bonus. The movie links all the other Chucky movies together in its plot. I was watching this and found myself flashing back to when I saw the original movie, I had fun watching it, and I was quite surprised to how good it actually was. There are some great cameo roles in it too (not telling you who they are though). Like I said though, how it ties the other movies together is very well done. If you are a fan of the first movies, then you should like this movie just as much, I did. It has some great bloody moments, and some cringe worthy moments also. Also, keep watching after the credits, there is more to the story there. I give this film an 8 out of 10.

I Spit on Your Grave 2 (2013)

See this at your own discretion - violent and controversial. Good "revenge" movie.

[8/10 · 11 September 2013]

This movie has a lot of comparisons to the first movie while at the same time having nothing to do with the first. But don't let that put you off, this movie is confronting, its shocking in parts, its graphic, and its a good revenge movie as was the first. Having said that, this movie has some violence against women, it has some rape scenes that will have you cringing and turning away, but those scenes make you want the offenders to die in horrible ways - and they do. If you can get past the first 25 minutes, then you will actually like this movie because of the revenge factor and no other reason. If you like the confronting scenes, then you have a problem (see a psychiatrist please). This movie starts in New York and ends in Bulgaria. The story line is pretty good (apart from the rapes and violence obviously), and I was going in to this movie thinking how can it be as good as the 2010 remake of the first, but this film actually holds its own in comparison. You really don't need to have seen the first one to appreciate this one (not sure if "appreciate" is the right word though considering the content). The main actor Jemma Dallender actually plays her part well considering what she went through in this film, I congratulate her for that, a lot of other actors would have said no to this part. There a some very cringe worthy scenes in this film, just as in the first one. In closing I have to say this movie was quite good, I love a good "revenge" movie, and this one is right up there. I give it an 8 out of 10. Recommend, but not for the squeamish.

Among Friends (2012)

Not a very good Directorial Debut for Danielle Harris.

[2/10 · 31 August 2013]

Well, where to start. This movie had potential - until it started. Apart from AJ Bowen (who I like), the acting in this movie is average at best, as was the whole film. It was cliché, as the plot has been done before, and much better, and the script obviously wasn't that ground breaking either. I mean I normally like Danielle Harris, and this was her directorial debut, so I'm hoping that she will improve from this attempt. But after this, she should stick to acting. The film reeked of another movie that I saw this year - Would You Rather, which is a much better movie all round. It also reminded me of Urban Legend, by the revenge against friends side of the story. And there was a part where good old Kane Hodder had to fight off a skinny woman, and he LOSES. But later on that skinny woman is beaten by an even smaller woman! Yeah... whatever. So unfortunately all I can give this film is a 2 out of 10. Save your money.

The Seasoning House (2012)

Confronting, graphic, and a great film.

[8/10 · 25 August 2013]

This film was brutal, graphic, emotional, and shocking in parts. The story was well written, and well acted. Sean Pertwee plays the part of a mean and horrible army officer, and I found myself hating him so much - I put that down to how well he played the part. The main character ("Angel" played by Rosie Day) was also played perfectly, as she doesn't speak a word in the whole movie, so the role relies on her acting ability, which she does so well. Some parts of this film are brutal and gory, but that makes this movie even better as it shows the emotion of the story line, which in my opinion is portrayed perfectly in these scenes. The first 15 minutes of the film set up the plot - and it is pretty confronting. I felt emotions that I haven't felt for a while from watching a film, and with every new scene I was heavily involved and interested to see how it turned out. I have to say this film is one of the best drama/horror movies I've seen in years. I would have to give it a solid 8.5 out of 10. Highly recommend it, just do not have children in the room when watching it.

Bad Milo (2013)

A great old-school "creature" comedy/horror.

[7/10 · 12 August 2013]

This movie was quite well done. It had great old-school effects and creature effects which I loved, as it was a throwback to movies like CRITTERS and GREMLINS - except more "Adult" orientated. I was happy watching this film from start to finish and I laughed out loud at some parts. Milo (the creature) is kind of cute in some parts of the film, and you kind of grow to like him, even though you know he is going to kill people. Ken Marino plays the part of 'Ken' very well, for me he keeps this movie rolling along nicely. And with people like Peter Stormare and Patrick Warburton in it, this film is a very good comedy/horror. I give it a good 7.5 out of 10.

The Demented (2013)

SO cliché, bad effects, save your money and time! 0/10

[1/10 · 28 July 2013]

This movie was so bad from start to finish! It had all the clichés, a group of college students have a weekend together drinking, they don't have cell phones (really?), there are some supposed "eye candy" girls in it, the plot is rehashed and re-used from all the other "college student" horror movies (so there is NO originality), the actors (especially the girls) are SO annoying that you can't wait for them to be killed, there is a black guy in it, the visual effects are rubbish, the premise of the film is laughable - SPOILER ALERT - because there is a supposed "missile attack" going on, but all they seemed to be focusing on is there relationships, I mean - if this was really happening, and you saw a missile explode within a mile or two from where you were, then you saw some air force jets fly over head, wouldn't you be getting the hell out of Dodge??!! But not these idiots, no, they stay at the house! Also, who the hell doesn't have a TV in their house now-a-days??!! Really?? And the other thing that annoyed me is that I wonder how this movie got funding when there are actual "good" movie idea's out there that either have trouble getting off the ground (i.e, 'Before The Mask: The Return of Leslie Vernon'), or are going by the way side because they can't get the support they need. Most horror fans that I know would rather see a well written thought provoking movie than this tripe! So if you are thinking of seeing this, DON'T! Save your time, money, and sanity! I give this movie a 0 out of 10.

The World's End (2013)

Just as good as 'SHAUN OF THE DEAD' and 'HOT FUZZ'.

[8/10 · 28 July 2013]

This is the third movie in the "Cornetto" series of films by Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Its about five childhood friends that go back to the town they lived in over 20 years ago to complete a pub crawl they never finished while living there. But things have changed in the town, and things don't go to plan for them. I loved the first two movies, Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, so I was looking forward to this ever since I heard about it last year. I wasn't disappointed either. It had the same humor, the same chemistry with the characters, and the same "far out" story - which these guys have perfected. I laughed out loud while watching this film, and so did most of the audience watching it on the day I was there. If you haven't seen the trailer or if you don't know what this movie is about, then I won't ruin it for you. Lets just say you aren't expecting what happens. But in true Pegg and Frost fashion the movie has an underlying story which you find yourself caring about more than you think you would. And I liked the end to this movie too, wasn't expecting it to finish how it did. It is a great comedy/horror as usual for them, and I will see it again. It will be a cult movie like the other two are in the future. I give it an 8.5 out of 10. Recommended.

The Purge (I) (2013)

A good movie - better than I expected.

[8/10 · 25 July 2013]

Well I have to say, I was excited about seeing this movie ever since I saw the trailers to it a few months ago, and after seeing it I wasn't disappointed. The movie is set in the year 2022 when crime is at an all time low and the economy is doing very well, all thanks to 'The Purge', an annual one-night-only "legal" crime spree which happens in March each year. Everything from petty theft to first degree murder is allowed between the hours of 7pm until 7am to help the population "regulate" itself. This is where the Sandin family come into the fray, as James Sandin (Ethan Hawke) has made a lot of money from selling security systems to help people protect themselves on this one night every year from becoming victims of 'The Purge'. But on this particular night, things don't go as they had planned. I liked the premise of this movie, although it probably could never really work, and I liked how this film had me intrigued in what was happening. Some of the characters had me annoyed, but that was because they were obviously meant to have that affect as in the context of the film it becomes apparent to why you feel that way - it all works out in the end. Now some people didn't like this movie (as I read some reviews that said so), but I really liked this film. Gritty, engaging, compelling, and much better than another film called 'TRESPASS' which starred Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman, which this movie reminded me of in some ways. I recommend this film. It does get bloody in parts, which is another reason I liked it. I give it an 8 out of 10.

The Colony (I) (2013)

A good movie - better than I expected.

[7/10 · 24 July 2013]

This movie was not that bad really, better than I expected to say the truth. Its obviously set in the future after the Earth has started another Ice-age. The remaining people on the planet have had to move underground into old factories and alike. But they find themselves not only dealing with the big freeze, they also have to deal with a new problem - hunger. Starvation will make people do things they never would have thought about doing before. The movie starts off pretty good, you see how they are all dealing with living underground, then they get a call from a neighboring colony, Colony 5. Something is wrong, so a few people from Colony 7 have to trek through the snow and ice to find out what is wrong. When they get there they find there's more to the problem than what they had thought. I liked this film, it reminded me a lot of '30 Days of Night', but without the vampires. I don't want to give too much away, but lets just say that there is some great bloody gore and if you are like me, then this movie will feed your need for better than average horror. I liked the premise of this film, I liked the people and the characters in this film too, especially Bill Paxton who plays his part very well (when you see this movie, you'll know what I mean). As I said before, this movie was better than I had hoped, and for that reason I give it a 7.5 out of 10.

The Conjuring (2013)

A truly great scary horror classic in years to come.

[10/10 · 23 July 2013]

Okay, this movie was one of the best new horror films of its time to date in my opinion. It has all the tension and build up of the old school "scary" horror films, the atmosphere throughout has you perched on the edge of your seat, and you know something is going to happen but when it does it still takes you by surprise. James Wan out did himself here, his other films (DEAD SILENCE, SAW, INSIDIOUS), although great horror films as well, are trumped by this masterpiece of tension and fright. I heard news that he may be heading away from horror films, if so it would be a huge loss to the genre. This film reminded of the good old 70's horror films, slow tension build up, setting the movie up for the main story, then hitting you hard with a sensory overload of pure visual fright and delight in the final stanza. I've seen thousands of movies in my lifetime, and I've had some good scares while watching them (some of the for-mentioned films to name a few), but this movie had me jumping for the first time in years! I left the theater with my girlfriend, and we both said that we couldn't remember another possession film that scared us like that since THE EXORCIST. We were in our seats at the back of the theater and when the scary scenes happened the people in front of us jumped so hard the seats moved. People were turning away and screaming, I haven't seen that happen in years at a horror movie. This is one movie that I'd be happy to see again and again. I think it will go down as one of those films that people will talk about for years (just my opinion though). So I give this the 9.5 out of 10 it deserves.