brentonwiseman Reviews

Skinamarink (2022)

The Most Unsettling Nightmare I've Seen on Screen

[8/10 · 15 March 2023]

Do not go into this expecting a movie. This isn't full of exposition, fleshed-out characters, or elaborate horror scenes. This is a minimalist approach to a relatively simple story, but the execution results in an unsettling and anxiety-inducing experience like no other.

* Watch this at night in the dark, preferably in your living room *

This is not a perfect film, but I think it uses it's time very wisely. Once you get familiar with its aesthetic and editing style, and once things get unsettling, you're engrossed with these images and sounds, never knowing what's coming next or when the silence will be broken.

The horror genre is in dire need for creativity and quality storytelling (A24 somewhat excluded), and Skinamarink is a wonderfully refreshing film experience that pushes boundaries and unapologetically places you in dread and keeps you there for extended periods of time.

If you're a fan of analog horror, you're in for a treat, but you may be left wishing there was more lore and mystery to analyze. If you're new to analog, you may love this experimental and off-putting approach to creepy storytelling.

Only one way to find out...

Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part I (2022) Season 1, Episode 1

Definition of "Phoned-In"

[2/10 · 28 May 2022]

Terrible score, could not be more bland and uninspired. Awful plot and even worse dialogue, the writers could not have cared less about making something even close to creative or original. And the most incompetent directing I've seen in a pilot, let alone one with such a big budget.

They knew there would be a huge amount of people giving this show a shot, why not put any effort in at all?

Dune (2021)

A Loud & Proud Epic with Rich Characters and Chilling Visuals

[9/10 · 22 October 2021]

That's really all I need to say. Compelling story & characters, masterful filmmaking, and some truly creepy scenes that'll stick with you. Watch this on the biggest screen you can, one of the best theater experiences I've had.

The Sopranos: The Test Dream (2004) Season 5, Episode 11

These reviews are hilarious

[10/10 · 15 September 2021]

Amazing episode that proves they've really mastered the dream scenes, perfectly staying right on the border of silly and creepy. A great setup and an extremely entertaining extended dream sequence, all servicing as the best way to set up the news we get as we draw closer to the finale.

Also read all of the one star reviews in Tony's voice and you will be very entertained lol.

Cape Fear (1991)

Amazing HORROR film blending Hitchcock and Raimi

[8/10 · 19 July 2021]

This isn't just a crime thriller, Scorsese goes full horror in this amazing film full of captivating characters, themes, and twists. Cape Fear is extremely energetic, with a style that mixes Alfred Hitchcock's moody mystery feel with Sam Raimi's energetic camera movement, "action" scenes, and occasional dark humor.

I wouldn't stray away from calling this a masterpiece if it weren't for the generally predictable plot (some elements and moments definitely surprise you but you know where the story is going) and the fact that you never fully connect with a character the way you do in Scorsese's many other films.

What I like most about this film is just how different it is from most of Scorsese's other work. You'd think a movie like this would cause him to pull back and play it safe, but he fully embraces the story and style. You don't hear about this movie enough and I'd highly recommend you check this out if you haven't.

Blocks (2020)

Funny, Sincere, and Relatable without being corny

[9/10 · 2 May 2020]

I am a 21 yr old man that doesn't have kids and I still deeply connected with "Blocks". Many shows/features that have similar themes and conflict seem to fall flat, especially with the attempts at humor. But the writing and acting shine bright in this, making the 12 min run time feel like 5. "Blocks" is also very well shot and edited without being in-your-face and distracting you from what's really important: the mother.

Of all the SXSW features and shorts I've seen so far, it looks like I'll be recommending this one the most.

The Invisible Man (I) (2020)

Laughably Terrible

[2/10 · 16 March 2020]

Where do I even begin? Even without spoiling it you can easily pick apart this entire film. The positives of this film include the decent cinematography, a couple scenes with real and effective tension, and the fact that it's not boring or overly offensive with how bad it is. This film takes place in a world like no other. Footsteps and breathing are completely inaudible (even though they would actually add tension and make things a tiny bit more believable), people make the most idiotic decisions when their lives are in danger, and -- What's worst about this film is how much it painfully lacks self-awareness. While the film definitely does some surprising things, showing you just how corny and low-brow they can get, you already know where things are going long before you get there. The overall plot of the movie is incredibly cliche and unsatisfying rather than interesting and thought-provoking.

HOWEVER: Once you realize what kind of movie you're in for, things get really fun.

For me I believe it was 40 mins into this long, lovely, and laughable movie. The film decides to lose all subtlety, all mystery, and all creativity pretty early. So what do you do? Nothing is scary anymore and the story is so off the rails you can't relate to anyone or anything that's happening. So you find entertainment in the mess that shines before you. You laugh at the cartoony dialogue, jump and chuckle at the cheap and random jump scares, scratch your head at the brainless actions of the main character, snicker through the bad acting during the encounters with invisman, and try not to burst into laughter as things get crazier and crazier and the film takes itself waaaay too seriously. So would I recommend this experience? Well I used a gift card and had the whole day off and wanted to spend some time with a good friend that I haven't seen in a while. It was free and I was entertained. Not as I was hoping to be, based on the reviews from people that actually thought it was good, but I had a good time. My friend actually liked it tho so that made things awkward. (Ethan, if you're reading this, I'm glad you liked the twists and turns and scary wide angles. I really am.)

The Mandalorian (2019– )

A Rough Draft of an Uninspired Series on All Accounts

[3/10 · 14 November 2019]

I saw a review that said "if you liked Rogue One, you'll love this", and I completely agree. If you're watching a show/movie and just want to see and hear things you recognize and don't care about the quality of the writing, editing, score, and effects, you'll have a great time.

My main problems with the show (so far...) isn't the quality of these piece, but the fact that they don't go together. The music is loud and off-putting, trying to make a boring scene of mounting an ugly animal or making a piece of armor seem much more entertaining than it actually is. The writing is eye rolling and seemingly rushed, with both the story and dialogue. The only consistent part of the episode is how quickly everything moves, going from one thing to the next, without any regard to the pacing and whether or not the audience cares about what's happening yet.

I went in to this show hoping that the creators would have the freedom to do something great, especially after the ratings I saw. But it seems that it was just Star Wars hype once again, and the creators were either not giving the freedom they needed, or they were not giving the criticism that was needed that would've helped improve this. I'm not here to disagree with a bunch of people, but to look after the people like me that were (very) hungry and hoping for some good Star Wars these days. Not worth your time.

P.S. don't start your first episode with your most annoying and out of place characters

The Lighthouse (I) (2019)

A Modern Day Shining...set in the 1800s...made like a 1930s film

[10/10 · 30 October 2019]

Director Robert Eggers brings us a haunting tale that will leave people awestruck with amazement and speculation for years to come. While the VVitch wasn't a perfect film, he uses the best of the film and shows great improvement in the weakest parts of his past project. I rarely give films a 10/10 but wow I honestly wouldn't change a single thing. Captivating, horrifying, immersive, disgusting, hilarious, and raw. Everything that makes this film what it is lifts it up and fuels the beautiful project that this is: the acting, camera work, lighting, music, editing, and more that I can't say because you need to see this asap and you need to go in blind. Good luck and you're welcome.