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nickmarcantonio
Reviews
The Haunting Lodge (2023)
What was this?
I have to say, this was a documentary that makes an attempt to be scary. All the elements are there, except one: the scare. We have a team of paranormal investigators, with a psychic, who are investigating the strange occurrences at a lodge. While the team and evidently the psychic, see scary and frightening things, we the viewer do not. There is nothing scary about a light or a door opening on its own, as these things can be done easily. We see frightened and astonished looks ok the faces of the cast, but we are treated to nothing ourselves. The only horror element to this movie are the drawings and sketches made by the psychic, of the so called "ones".
If you are looking for horror, do yourself a favor and give this one a pass. Even removing the "horror" element, as a stand alone documentary it's utterly boring and eventless.
Saw X (2023)
Had me in a it's corner.....until the last 2 minutes!
Just left the theater after seeing Saw X and I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed it!
My problem with the whole Saw franchise wasn't with the movies themselves, it was the whole convoluted plot line and confusing story that goes back and forth. To this day, I haven't been able to figure out the exact storyline. However, if you are able to let go of wanting continuity, each movie is relatively good as a stand alone piece. I, however, want continuity and have yet to understand the whole ins and outs of the Saw saga.
This film doesn't require any of that. It's a stand alone movie and very easy to follow the storyline. The characters all had me engaged as the bad guys had my blood boiling; a sign of great acting! I don't want to elaborate too much as I don't want to give anything away. Just let me say that, with the exception of the first 2 movies, this is by far the best. You don't need any timelines; just sit back and enjoy the movie.
I will say, as I mentioned in my headline, the movie was compelling until the last 2 minutes. Let's just say it will leave most viewers frustrated.
However, I am happy I saw it (no pun intended) and I think Saw fans will consider this one a long overdue and fairly easy Easter egg to follow.
9/10 from me. I have to subtract a point for something viewers will understand once they see the film.
To Jennifer (2013)
Fake reviews GALORE for this movie.
I'm not a seasoned reviewer as many are on here. However, I hope to save someone from going through what I just went through.
I fell for the reviews and thought I'd give this FF horror flick a shot. Sadly, the horror aspect doesn't come into play until the end of the movie. What we do get is.....
A video diary of a whiny, candy butt guy who is obsessing over his alleged girlfriend. He is accompany an annoyingly endless cousin who does nothing but giggle and make really bad choices. All we really see is the cousin and another buddy attempting to get Joey, the main characters kind of the girlfriend who is supposedly cheating on him, by taking him to parties and bringing him prostitutes. However monotonous this is, the best has yet to come....
Your cousin goes into a house of a girl and when you open the truck and find the dead body of your friend, rather than call the cops as most people would do, you instead drop the call and go into the house. But before leaving the corpse, you say a meaningful "Im sorry".
The problem with this movie besides the obvious, is that while it does delve into character development, that's really all it does. No surprises here. CLEARLY, this guy has issues. Clearly, the supposed girlfriend has no idea why the main character would be calling. Clearly, it's strange that a friend who is just let you borrow his car to make a long distance drive and when you attempt to call him, you are told not to. Clearly, it's strange that the main character will not stop for any reason. Clearly, it's suspicious when your friends body turns up in the trunk......on and on.
Interesting premise, but poor execution. Everything is so obvious and the ridiculousness of the plot, the choices made, all leads up to a big disappointment. The cousin, Steve, is so annoying and utterly clueless, it just proved a big waste of time.
1962 Halloween Massacre (2023)
Really???
It seems this movie just came out days ago and I couldn't even bear the first 10 minutes. I find it entertaining that while it's supposed to be set in 1962, these characters are using phrases like "take a chill pill".
The movie opens up with 4 very annoying people, talking in such a pretentious manner, especially the two girls. I guess we are to assume they are well off, as one rambles about her chauffeur and security. What makes it strange is that I believe they are talking as if that's how they spoke back in the early 60s, using odd verbiage. Seriously, I couldn't bear it and turned it off.
Crush the Skull (2015)
No, no, no no
After seeing a positive review of this movie on YouTube and seeing fairly positive reviews on here, I decided to give it a try.
Big mistake. And here's why...
I believe everyone brought their A game to this and tried their best. The problem here was the execution. Horror/Comedy is not an easy thing to create. The comedy has to be able to mix in well with the horror, but not too much. I always use Shaun Of the Dead as a reference point. The comedy doesn't deter from the horror and vice versa; an equal amount. However, the comedy was good comedy, blending well with the awesome horror.
With this movie, they tried to use too much comedy, and not good comedy at that. Every other line was an attempt at being numerous. For me, this was a huge distraction from any horror element. Furthermore, the comedy wasn't a dry wit or physical comedy, but rather lame attempts at sarcasm. My mind began to wander, and 1/3 into the movie, I decided I had enough.
We all have different tastes and we horror buffs have our own types of horror we like. I just couldn't get on board with this movie. There wasn't enough interesting things happening, apart from the first 10 minutes. Just silly attempts at being funny. Maybe this will be your cup of tea;obviously, some people enjoyed it. But as I said before, comedy/horror together must be done right. Leaning one way or the other , and without good components, falls flat, at least for me.
Ghoul (2015)
Oh, wow! and not in a good way
I read the other reviews regarding this movie and I suspect the reviewers were being very generous in their evaluations. Most likely, because it's apparent that a lot of effort was put into making this and everyone involved I believe did their very best. Any positivity is based on effort and not on merit.
Which bring me to my point. The movie started out with a fairly decent premise, but then once the group goes to the "house ", everything falls apart. Unlikeable characters and constant bedlam and yet no real horror. Screaming, yelling, cursing, we have the strange psychic, all the tropes of a found footage film, a way too long film, consisting of nothing but annoying yelling, shoddy camerawork. The finale was fairly decent; unfortunately, not enough to compensate for the rest of the film.
Again, I do believe everyone tried their best, and perhaps with some guidance and a decent director, this could've been something interesting. However, when you have annoying characters, nobody to care about or invest in and stretch it all out in a very tedious, convoluted plot line, with no horror for 2/3 of the movie, it just became lackluster and silly.
Honeydew (2020)
Time I'll Never Get Back.....EVER!
After reading the reviews, I chose to stay away from this one. However, I caught a YouTube video, in which the host was raving about this. Torn, I figured "Why not?"
I answered my own question within 15 minutes. Non sensical scenes with bizarre dialog. Characters making the strangest choices. I realize not all movies are cut and dry; some you have to really search for what the director is trying to convey. But this hodge lodge of nothing goes way and beyond and the fact that I went through 60% of the movie STILL waiting for anything resembling horror, amazes me totally.
I won't go on and on as the other reviewers have pretty much broken this down. Just stay away, find something else to watch. I gave it a chance and I regret it.
Alive (2018)
Irony At It's Absolute Finest!
While I don't completely understand some things at the end, like how the caretaker got his hands on all these dead bodies and how he was doing all this at some abandoned, filthy hospital......I'm more intrigued by what happened to me.
I made an account on Tubi and decided to make it a double feature. I selected two movies, not knowing anything about each. The second one was this movie, Alive, and the first one was, I kid you not: Frankenstein's Theory.
Two movies of the same subject matter. What a crazy coincidence.
I'd like to know more about how this movie was put together, pardon the pun but I think it's intriguing and I'm curious to read another reviewers post about an ending explanation.
Rorschach (2015)
Seriously???
I'm hardly a seasoned movie reviewer and I'm not as professional sounding as others in here. I'm simply going to give you my opinion straight as it is.
I came across this on YouTube, as I am always trying to find a decent FF movie. I read the reviews, all positive. I know reviews can be fake, but after looking at the favorable reviews on here, I thought "why not?" Well, here is my response to that.
Firstly, I just say that I agree with the majority that this movie does have an effective creep factor and I was immediately impressed with the realistic and natural acting. All involved presented a believable portrait. However, the portrait was not very notable. I'm a patient t person and after reading about the alleged great ending, I stuck it out. Waited and waited and then the end credits appeared! What?? Did I miss something? Relatively happy ending. No deaths. No climax. All I got was one of the investigators looking at a computer image of a little girl and what appears to be a face? Maybe? I'm still trying to figure out what was notable here, besides the acting and creep factor. I'm for slow burns, providing of course that I receive even a minor pay off. I will feted if maybe I had watched a butchered version which deliberately left out the good stuff, but alas...no. Nada. Zip.
I think the guy behind this is on the right track with his choice of actors and his ability to slowly create a creep factor and kudos to leaving out the annoying jump scares. However, there needs to be something other than doors slamming and a lackluster ending at best. Please, if there is Ron thing I missed, please let me know. But from where I'm currently sitting, 3 stars for acting and mood. Now we just need some substance:)
Lurking (2022)
"I'm feeling really good about this....."
I wasn't given the option of leaving 1/4 stars, but let me say that this was time I'll never get back. Movie moves at a glacial pace in the first half. We are subjected to a highly annoying teenager and his misguided friend searching for a demon in the dark night of the woods. Apparently, nobody has given any thought to what to do IF they encounter this ax wielding demon, which right there caused me to lose interest. The lead teenager rambles on and on, desperately trying to make contact with something he is terrified of; makes perfect sense, right? After numerous attempt at contacting this spirit, always preceded by a "I'm feeling really good about this", and getting no response.....by the time something remotely interesting does happen, you'll either be distracted or bored to tears.
I totally get it. Ever since Blair Witch project came to be, the idea of making an interesting and compelling FF horror movie seems very attainable, considering you need no budget whatsoever. However, you must be able to capture the viewer's attention and interest. It's one thing to have character development; but this is like watching paint dry. By the time the action comes, you're either bored to tears or so irritated by the lead actor, you're wishing he would just get knocked off.
The score of 5.8 on here is grossly misleading and obviously cast related. I'm appreciate the effort and at least, they tried. Maybe with enough practice, the producers will come up with something interesting.
Evil Dead Rise (2023)
Another trip to gore central!
As always, Evil Dead films always promise a ton of blood, guts and gore and this newest entry is no exception. It took a chance and took itself from the desolate cabin in the forest and we ended up in a gloomy and somewhat impoverished apartment buildin Los Angeles; a risky move as many other films change their usual locale and fail. This however, works to an advantage and although we significantly change setting, the evil is even more powerful than previous films.
Wonderful set up and I must admit, I was curious as to how the infamous "Book of the Dead" would work itself into the storyline. Wasn't expecting that, but it worked. Awesome acting performances throughout, along with creative kills and the usual eerie and ominous plot line. This could've easily turned into total cheese, but it didn't and delivered a powerful and engaging story. Excellent casting, especially Ellie, the older sister. To watch her go from loving and caring mom and sister to this unspeakable atrocity was thoroughly enjoyable. I must say it's always nice when a horror franchise beats the odds and delivers a worthy addition.
Loved every minute and will be buying my own copy as soon as it becomes available!
Speak No Evil (2022)
Hidden gem.....and a diamond at that!
As horror fans, we contend ourselves to find a decent horror movies these days as much as finding a needle in a haystack. We wait patiently for one to be of any substance amongst the parade of flops and uninteresting plot lines. However, when a good one comes along, fortunately, it's usually a great one and ALMOST worth the wait. Casein point: this incredible movie.
An engaging plot line that seizes you from the beginning and quickly draws you in. You begin to feel the sense of impending doom within the first 10 minutes and after that, it fails to disappoint. I must say, I wasn't expecting the plot to unfold as unspeakable as it did and from start to finish, with characters who are interesting and protagonists you root for and antagonists you hate, this film grapes you and doesn't let go! I don't want to give much away but believe me when I say, this is most definitely a diamond in the rough
A must see for horror fans! 10/10 from me!
Scream VI (2023)
Scream has run it's course.
I have to concur with many of the other reviewers here when I say that Scream has lost its momentum. It has nothing to do with the fact that the original characters, excluding Courtney Cox, are gone. It's taken a new turn, delving into New York, with a host of bad acting, a weak and silly plot line and characters who are, to put it bluntly, highly irritating.
As with many of the other horror franchises, this Scream has become a parody of itself. The opening scenes are really great, a hint perhaps of what's to come; however, that's as good as it gets. I guess it's inevitable; it happens to all of the horror franchises. Once the opening credits began to roll and 10 minutes after that, I found my mind beginning to wander. Thought it was just me, but the storyline is not at all engaging.
I'd give this one a pass, sorry to say.
Willy's Wonderland (2021)
LOVED THIS FROM START TO FINISH!!!!!
When I first saw the ad for this movie on Amazon, my first thought it was just another one of these odd ball movies Nick Cage has been doing for the past few years; reasons unknown. It wasn't unail I watched a YouTube video praising this movie that I thought I'd give it a go. So happy I did!!
I surprised myself at how much I enjoyed this offbeat, quirky and thoroughly entertaining little movie. To have the lead character no utter a single word is very unique, but somehow Cage made it work and he carried the film effortlessly. Loved the group of teens, especially the spunky leader, Liv, I believe is her name.
The concept of this film could've easily gone South fast in the wrong hands; this is very obvious. But it had all the right amounts of horror and comedy, which balanced itself out well. It doesn't try to be anything else but what it is and I really like that!
So gather the family, adults, that is, make some popcorn and give Willy's Wonderland a go. You won't be disappointed!
Into the Black Abyss: Deathstream (2022)
Don't even bother....Lifetime could have made this more horrific.
I had to laugh at one of the 2 critic reviews (obviously fake), which RAVED about the amazing acting from the lead and how this FF is practically perfect.
Bad overacting with crocodile tears. I doubt the budget could've been more than $100. I really wanted to like this, but sadly this is one of the poorest FF out there.
If you're looking for a believable and interesting home invasion, there are many decent ones out there. But this unfortunately falls very short.
I'm trying to find something positive to say, as I think it's fair to look for some positives with something like this, but it's like grasping for straws. I guess one could say that it definitely isn't the worst out there.
My score: 1/10.
Craving (2023)
What's with all these positive reviews???
There's a lot to say about this. Amongst all the raves about this movie on here, one reviewer did mention that this seems disjointed, and he's absolutely right. It's almost as if you are required to watch a prequel because the plot is very hard to follow. We basically are shown "drug people" who are evidence the run and take refuge in a dive bar, in which we have patrons who never receive any back story and are just basically there throughout the film....almost.
We are shown bits of the past involving drug dealers who kill and an apparent child who was somehow turned into an addict. That's it. All the other jumbled past references really don't explain much. I'm still unclear as to why Gail was so maternal towards Will, as if he were her son. We later find out she promised the main dealer she would look after him. So why the hysterics?
We never really are shown how any of these people are related and characters are mentioned that we know nothing about.
In paying the Devil his dues, I will say the climax of the movie (what I waited patiently for). Is worth the confusion. You don't need to understand anything. Gory, creative kills and pandemonium!
Take my suggestion and fast forward to when Will dies. It's at this point the movie gets interesting.
The Pope's Exorcist (2023)
Watch only for Crowe's performance.
This could have been really good and considering that Russell Crowe signed on, this was a plus. However, HE is the whole movie. Unfortunately, he had a weak cast to work with, that combined with silly, over the top script and poor writing.
Movie isn't scary at all, but Crowe is awesome, as always. I wish he could've had a decent cast to work with, but he didn't and as a result, he carried the entire movie. His Italian was on point and he played his part to perfection. Sadly, even Crowe couldn't have saved this one. I suspect this may appeal to younger audiences; that is to say, those who are experienced the power of 1973's The Exorcist and those who really didn't.
Zhou (2022)
Letdown of Enormous Proportions
First, let me say Netflix must've spent million upon millions to promote this movie; not since Jurassic Park has a movie had so much press. However, the end result is a huge let down. I admit I fell for the hype completely. I couldn't wait to see this; all the great raves intrigued me and I'm a fan of FF as well. Then I watched the movie...
This can hardly be called a horror movie; more than a drama, that wants desperately to pull at your heartstrings and throws in some scary, eerie moments. Moreover, the story fails to pull you in, so the moments that are supposed to be emotional are vague and indifferent. Not for one moment was I remotely frightened and to be honest, I grew bored waiting for something remotely interesting to happen.
Please, don't make the mistake I did and fall for all the stupid hype over this film. It wants to be full of dread like The Blair Witch Project and to be terrifying like Paranormal Activity and it fails miserably to do both. I was so excited thinking I was about to watch the best horror movie of 2022 and I ended up constantly checking to see how much time was left to this bland, briefest of a film.
However, again: I must say....hats off to the publicity department at Netflix for being able to create "Much Ado About (absolutely) nothing!
Damien (2016)
Horrible! Horrible! Horrible!
Let me just say as I look over the other reviews, it seems that for people, like myself, who are fans of the Omen movies, this series is horrible with continuity and casting. I can see for others who have never seen The Omen, how it could have appeal. But again, for fans of the original, this falls FLAT!
First, if the show wants to show continuity to the movie, at least cast an actor who fits the bill. All the actors, from child to adult, who have played Damien had the distinct quality of being able to look kind and sinister at the same time. We know Damien as having dark hair, pale skin, and above all, piercingly intense eyes. In this series, we are given a guy who looks like he just finished a photo shoot for Calvin Klein. Furthermore, as well as looking completely inappropriate, he acts as if he is completely clueless. We're talking about the Antichrist here! This guy, besides being a flat and boring performer, basically bounces around, bickering with his girlfriend and taking pictures. Unreal!
Then, we are presented with even worse acting performances. Kelly, the girlfriend, actually says the words, "all these coincidences. Well, that should tell you something! How many coincidences do you need to realize something really wrong with this guy! She seems more worried about having a boyfriend than she is possibly interacting with the son of Satan! WTH? The show tries to show homage to the movie by showing pictures of Gregory Peck and Lee Remick, even playing some of the softer, gentle music from The Omen, which although is a nice gesture, just makes the plot more muddy. Then, we have an actor who claims to know all about Damien Thorne, yet he allows him into his house and then, when Damien and Kelly leave, he runs after them and places a rosary into Damien's hand! What? We aren't dealing with a possible warlock or disciple of the Devil; this is the Antichrist, as he claims to know. Does he really think placing a rosary into the son of Satan will do any good? Then, if that isn't bad enough, he uses exact words that the priest from The Omen used; accept Christ, drink his blood, eat his flesh! Huge slap in the face!
I could go on and on, but I won't. I think those who, like myself, are familiar with the movies, will feel the same way. Awful miscasting, flat dialogue and severe misdirection. I was never for a minute pulled into the story, even when I tried to tell myself to remain objective and try not to compare it with the incredible Omen movies. For those who are unfamiliar with the story of Damien Thorne, this could be entertaining, judging from the positive reviews. However, if you are an old school Horror fan and grew up with The Omen and the other classic films of the 70s, do yourself a favor. Avoid this at all costs! It will just anger and frustrate you!