justinamans Reviews

Goosebumps (2023– )

Fun, interesting, and not the same as the original

[10/10 · 16 October 2023]

I really like this series. YES, it's targeted at a slightly younger demo. Yes, it has teen drama. YES, it isn't the original series. I'm cool with that. I grew up watching and reading goosebumps. I loved it. I've re-read the books a thousand times, and watched the original series over and again. I'm glad they took a new direction with this. I'm glad it's for a younger audience. That to me is what goosebumps has always been about. Youth. If they had made a shot for shot remake, or done it in the 90's, I don't think it would be genuine to the original idea. Lots of old heads bashing on this for it being different. Chill. You can still watch the original. No one took it away, they just passed the torch. I always wished goosebumps followed a core group through an intertwined story. This delivers!

Double Dragon (1994)

Don't let the negative reviews fool you

[10/10 · 11 November 2022]

This movie IS a little corny. But it's a classic 90s action flick. It knows how to make fun of itself (Billy standing in front of the double dragon arcade machine? Come on), it's packed with pretty great effects for the time, all practical mind you, and it's just downright fun. If you're looking for a modern action flick, this may not be for you. If you're looking for something more along the line of Batman Forever, or STEEL, this is your jam. It's like a live action comic book or video game, which for films of this genre I have always thought worked. So get yourself a pizza, maybe even a big gulp, and kick back with a 90's classic.

The Bloody Man (2020)

Rough but palatable

[3/10 · 4 November 2022]

This definitely wasn't my favorite movie. I can find redeeming qualities in most films so I'll start there. First, the score is decent! Could have been a little more ... effective, but was fun where it counted. The acting is baffling. It's almost like no one was there to direct them, which for young actors is (in my opinion) not their fault. It's like a photographer snapping a portrait while someone is looking down. It's not the subjects fault the picture turns out bad. There's moments of intensity that don't deserve intensity, and the dad never stops smiling, and is insincere at best. I've been going through a lot of indie horror movies on tubi, and while I can guarantee I've seen worse movies, this was a difficult watch. Could have been a lot shorter and probably been more effective. The backstory on the main villain was kind of too involved to be scary.

Curse of Crom: The Legend of Halloween (2022)

SLEEPER Family friendly hit

[10/10 · 4 November 2022]

I watch TONS of horror movies and horror adjacent programming. This landed somewhere between an RL Stine flick and a great 80s creature feature. Worth the watch, and no gore, so while it is scary (and fun and genuinely funny) I'd say it's also kid friendly. Maybe 7 and up? I don't know my standards are way off because I grew up watching stuff like this. I don't even know what this movie is rated. EITHER WAY. Give it a watch. If you're a fan of FUN horror (monster squad style) this is for you. It's creepy enough, the monster is done using what looks like mostly practical effects. Especially the close ups. Very very cool. I watched it on Tubi, which has been a great place to see some awesome horror this season.

As Told by Ginger (2000–2009)

An underrated gem

[10/10 · 29 August 2022]

I'm the exact age of the star character Ginger, and started watching this show right when it aired. It was the perfect transition show to bridge the gap between childhood and the teen years/adulthood. It gave advice without being corny, and allowed space for mistakes and growth. It promoted the idea that no one is perfect, perfectly. I'm forever grateful for as told by ginger. It took me twenty years to watch the last episode, and it seemed fitting seeing ginger grown at the end, with a child of her own, as I am now grown, with a child of my own. Very full circle moment. Very full circle show. Much more true to what it's actually like growing up than most shows about teens. It's tough! It's super confusing. No one is perfect. And life moves quickly. Before you know it, it's a fun/unfun and distant memory.

Rugrats (2021– )

Don't expect old rugrats

[10/10 · 21 June 2022]

I loooove the original rugrats. I watched it from inception to the end. I get the fanfare, and frustrations around a reboot. All that being said, this is a brilliant modern take on the original rugrats series. As a new parent, I can't get enough of this. It's super accurate, insightful, heartfelt, and truly fun. Some voices are a little different, but peoples voices change over time, it's ok. Characters have new depths, and daily challenges that come with modern life. Give it an honest try! If you don't like it, that's cool. It's not the original. We got 9 seasons of that, plus movies, spin-offs, and specials. It's like saying a band is bad now because their sound has developed and they've grown as people. Let it happen, enjoy the old, embrace it, love it, cherish it, and let it grow. I hope to get more seasons of this!!

House of the Dead (2003)

Not as bad as the reviews say

[5/10 · 12 June 2022]

I've seen this movie several times. Once or twice when it came out, and then occasionally over the years, as I got a used copy on dvd at some point. All the hype on this movie being "the worst movie ever made" is completely uncalled for. I've seen SO MANY far worse movies than this. Just go into it knowing it's a movie based on a sega arcade game. The only way it could have been made better is if they changed everything about it. And not made it in the early 2000's. This was peak "dumb party horror". Also could have done without some of the bizarre editing choices, but again, early 2000's, post matrix, video game movie. This is an average not great movie. Not the worst.

Fear Street: Part Two - 1978 (2021)

Instant classic

[10/10 · 3 August 2021]

I enjoyed part one, and this ties in really nicely to that story, but this was definitely a stronger movie. That being said, it's a stronger movie because of the groundwork laid in the first one. They're definitely all worth the watch but this was just an instant slasher classic.

Are You Afraid of the Dark? (2019–2022)

Spectacular (spooktacular)

[10/10 · 28 February 2021]

I grew up watching the original, and this not only does it justice, but I (alarmingly) find that it sometimes even outshines it's namesake. Don't get me wrong, I love the original, but I really enjoy the concept of both the first and second season. I think it's way more fun to have the midnight society be the stars of the story. It allows you to actually become attached to the characters. Not only has this new take on AYAOTD legitimately scared me SEVERAL TIMES, but the cast of both seasons has been amazing. Much like it's predecessor, AYAOTD continues to be a proving ground for young, raw talent. Props to whoever green lit this, and everyone involved in this show. I'm not going to include any spoilers, but let me just say, whether you grew up watching the original, you're new to the franchise, or you just love to be scared (without gore, which lets be real, true scares don't need it), do yourself a favor and dive into this ASAP.