barlowcj Reviews

Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn (2012)

Just awful

[1/10 · 23 March 2013]

Unbelievably slow and boring. The whole boot camp yawn is a cliché; its been done much better in other movies. But we're tired of seeing it. And characters we don't care about, especially the lead.

Every scene is derivative and predictable. When finally something happens - don't get too excited - its just one skirmish: completely unsatisfying and makes you wonder why you sat through all this.

Under attack? Take the elevator! Face palm.

Elevator attacked? Run for Christ sake as there is 1000 kms of elevator falling on your head. I guess the CGI budget didn't cover that.

There's no story at all.

Don't bother. Really, don't bother.

Fiend Without a Face (1958)

Best of the breed

[9/10 · 10 October 2007]

When I was a kid in the 1970s I looked forward to Friday nights in front of the TV - the regular spot for horror films and scary movies. I'd stay up late with my brother to watch them all: Dracula, Werewolves, giants ants, The Tickler, and the rest. Did I mention they were all B movies generally? Most were lame, lame, lame and wouldn't scare my cat; mild amusement only.

But then I watched "The Fiend Without a Face". I think it was the sound they made as they stalked you, and the fact that they were invisible - mostly. Whatever it was, it frightened the hell out of me. Really. For months afterwards.

The film builds the suspense slowly. The creatures are seen attacking and killing, but are not revealed. Anyone studying the horror genre should take a lesson from this film.

Now, the review just offered is based on one viewing 35 years ago by an 11 or 12 year old. But the film is still vivid in my mind because it was so gripping. I don't think I will go out of my way to watch it again - I would not want to dispel my admiration for the film - and anyway, some mystery/suspense movies are good-once-only. But "A Fiend Without a Face" is a must see, in my book. A real gem of its time and genre.