bigdog-05144 Reviews

The Thing (1982)

The Best Horror Film Ever Made

[10/10 · 31 May 2021]

I bought this film on disc immediately after my first viewing. Over the course of my short horror watching career this has to be the best, while not my favorite, horror movie ever produced.

This film has everything pegged to the nth degree. Cinematography, editing, atmosphere, suspense, scares, casting, sets, humor, and, most importantly, fun.

This movie stands on the shoulders of titans and spits in the face of the academy that looks down on the genre all to frequently.

Carpenter's masterpiece.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Interesting, to say the most.

[7/10 · 31 May 2021]

I originally gave this film a 5 out of 10 after my first watching. While my opinion of the film has not changed, my appreciation for what this film did for horror has grown.

The film got a 5 out of 10 for being largely unarousing. The horror was dark, but the story was weak and the filmmaking was unspectacular. Other than the dinner scene the film was okay, not good or bad.

It wasn't untill my third viewing and I had seen more horror that I began to understand how this movie is fairly special. One of the first slasher movies and has some pretty iconic moments that have influenced the takes of Craven, Cunningham, and Carpenter.

Unlike Night of The living Dead, this is an influencial movie in horror that you do have to see to understand. If you think it is unremarkable like I did the first time, give it a couple weeks then give it another viewing.

Night of the Living Dead (1968)

The Origin of the Modern Zombie, or ghoul (I guess)

[7/10 · 31 May 2021]

I chose this film to write a paper on for school. I am not going to lie, I am not overly fond of George Romero's direction in this film, but it earns the score it gets based on its influence for the world to see, it would get around a 5 otherwise.

I am not going to go into detail about how this movie is probably one of the most influencial fiolms in horror, but it is. Zombies have been rampant across the big screen in a similar vain ever since this production.

I applaud the unintentional racial boundaries that this movie puts forward but have to recognize the atrocious representation of women in the film. I mean c'mon.

I wouldn't say this film is essential to watch, but if you want to talk about horror cinema in depth, do your research.

Ash vs Evil Dead (2015–2018)

This show is edxactly what The Evil Dead Franchise needed

[9/10 · 31 May 2021]

Imagine the greatest 2 horror films ever made had a comparably massive budget and around a 6 hour run time. That is what Ash vs. The Evil Dead feels like.

I won't go into specifics about any opf the seasons but I believe best to worst goes 1,3,2. Not that any of them are bad, but Season 1 was about as perfect as perfect can be.

This show includes everything that makes The Evil Dead great. It has 1 liners, fan service, gore, oddly sexualized demons, violence, creative film making, and, of course, Bruce Campbell.

Bruce Campbell leaving the franchise will not be taken lightly in the next iteration, but who could leave on a higher note?

Thank you Sam Raimi for the ride of a lifetime, and here's to the new show coming soon!

Army of Darkness (1992)

The weakest of the 3, but not inferior.

[7/10 · 31 May 2021]

This movie is a comedy. Those who say otherwise either don't know what horror is or hasn't seen the movie.

That isn't to say that this movie is bad though. If I meet someone that doesn't like horror movies because they're "too scary", this is the film i give them to watch.

This movie gives us some of the most classic lines from the franchise other that "groovy" of course, and Bruce Campbell delivers them beautifully.

This was the natural progression of the series as there was no way another horror movie could ever top the 2nd, which is my favorite movie.

You need to watch at least Evil Dead 2 to have an appreciation for this film, because I think understanding Raimi and Campberll is so vital to making this movie hit home.

Watch this if you haven't already, it's great.

Evil Dead II (1987)

Better than the fantastic original.

[9/10 · 31 May 2021]

This is my favorite film, easy.

I have seen hundreds of films over the course of my short life, but none can compare to this masterpiece. The original film defined horror and showed not only what horror was meant to be, but what it could be. This movie at the time is what horror could be. This movie is suspenseful, scary, and most important;y funny!

I recognize that noone comes to imDb to read a thesis, but I could certainly write one on all of the things that makes this movie great.

I am not saying this is the best film ever made, because it isn't, but it is far and away my favorite film.

Do yourself a favor and watch this classic.

The Evil Dead (1981)

The beginning of a legacy.

[8/10 · 31 May 2021]

When I first began watching horror movies, before I became the fanatic that I am, I browsed the internet for what most considered the best of the best.

I strongly believe that this is a film that is essential to the horror genre.

This film pioneered the cabin in the woods genre and pushed the boundaries of indie development.

With less than a tenth of the average budget for films in 1981, Sam Raimi over the three years of development was able to create the ultimate experience in horror.

As much as I love this movie, it does have drawbacks that simply couldn't be controlled like actors leaving or the general low quality of the bits.

If you want to begin watching horror and really gain an appreciation for what it is, The Evil Dead is THE must see movie.

The Godfather (1972)

Cinema at its finest

[10/10 · 31 May 2021]

This is the movie that I use as a reference for all others to understand the best elements of Film.

When I mention world building, editing, cinematography, directing, atmosphere, characterization and they don't understand, I refer them to the titan of all films. The Godfather is that film.

While not a horror movie, the scene with the horse head in the beginning of the film pushed me to pursuing my passion for horror films.

If you want to begin watching movies as a hobby and really understand the art form, please watch the godfather. It will not dissapoint.

A Quiet Place Part II (2020)

Krasinski's filmmaking has yet to dissapoint

[8/10 · 31 May 2021]

I would like to start by saying this film is not a nominee for best picture. The story has no special element that has this film cross into the Academy's standard for best picture.

However, the film's cinematography, sets, sound work, and control of atmosphere are unmatched by any horror film of the past decade.

The opening sequence of a quiet place part 2 has much to offer people who have seen the original and not. John Krasinski's performance with Blunt both drive home the small town feel that is necesary for understanding the family dynamic for the rest of the film. The reflected shot of Lee walking to the baseball pitch and back are strongly reminiscent of Shaun of the dead's black to work, and excellent scene to mirror. The angles taken in the films cinematography to give the viewer just enough view to incite terror is masterful. Over the past few years, I have seen well over a hundred horror films and this is the first in some time to truly give me chills. Very refreshing.

The set work in the film by Amato is excellent, all of the settings give a realistic view of possible scenarios of an area surrounding a small town as well as giving neither the monster nor survivors unrealistic advantages. Chilling.

I would not be surprised to see A quiet place part 2 nominated for sound design. If you haven't seen the movie yet, I would do it simply for this reason, it's indescribable.

You never feel safe during this film. The monsters are a constant threat and comfort is far away at all times. As I said earlier, no film has kept me on edge like this one since I watched the original Rosemary's baby. Fantastic atmosphere work.

While this movie was a feast for the eyes and ears, it struggled in two prominent departments, story and characters.

The story is nothing special with no prominent themes to set it apart in terms of profound story making. The story isn't weak, it serves its purpose well, but not much more.

The characters are smart and relatable in the sense that they make none of the overly stupid decisions that feel tacky and plagues much of modern horror. From a more opinionated stance, I never cared about any characters in the film. The only character with an actual arc is Emmett (played by murphy), but even this character remains mostly static.

All in all, I gave A Quiet Place Part 2 for the filmmaking elements, atmosphere, and unremarkable story. The film is incredibly fun to watch and even better for lovers of the original. If you haven't seen the film yet, please do, it's a treat. I saw the film with a friend and it was everything we could do to not cheer during the opening sequence. I look forward to seeing more work from my new favorite modern horror director.

Rosemary's Baby (1968)

Wow

[9/10 · 7 August 2019]

I went into this movie with moderate expectations due to the overwhelming reviews, but many movies this old have scares that dont hold up such as nightmare on elm street. This movie starts kind of slow, but when you end the movie you see how necessary the slow pace is. Dont go into this movie looking for high quality scares, but this movie really scared the hell out of me.

Batman Beyond (1999–2001)

Terry Mcginnis is Batman Beyond

[9/10 · 25 July 2019]

Truly astounding television, so good they made a cannon comic series due to it's success. I always thought of his as an almost spiderman of the batmen. He has a great sense of humor, very quippy, and tries to live a double life. The dynamic between Bruce and Terry makes total sense when revealed in Justice league that Bruce is Terry's biological father. Although unnecessary to go over the amazing soundtrack, it gives me chills. The only downside of this show is it grows less creative in the second and third season. It makes up for it in more comedic episodes like "The egg baby," which is still one of my favorites. If you havent watched it before do. Great for kids, and adults with the hidden dark themes. Terry may not be the original black and grey, but he is Batman nonetheless.

Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)

This show is television magic.

[10/10 · 23 June 2019]

I have been watching superhero tv for years and until recently I hadn't seen this show. I was initially put off by the older animation, but it very quickly gained the older charm. Anyone who likes film should put time aside to watch this.