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Werewolf Horror Movies
Reviews
Time Cut (2024)
Worst of the bunch
This movie is quite similar to Happy Death Day, Freaky, and especially Totally Killer. While those movies were entertaining despite their flaws, Time Cut doesn't work on many levels. It lacks tension, interesting action scenes, and innovative kills. The overall vibe felt like a Disney movie for children, and although Madison Bailey's acting was quite good as she managed to stand out, the role of a slightly badass girl with a complex emotional background didn't suit her as well as it could have. I don't blame her though, her performance was solid.
Visually, the movie looks good, with a solid production quality and a decent budget, but that doesn't make up for the many flaws that arise. The emotional aspects felt flat, and although the characters were enjoyable, they were also stereotypical. The killer's identity was easy to guess, as there weren't many characters to choose from and a quick bit of thought would lead most viewers to the right guess. Some scenes stretched believability, with the killer's quick movements making the realism harder to buy, much more obviously than in other similar slashers.
I'd say it's a cheaper knockoff of Totally Killer, though I've heard the script was written either before or at the same time, so it's likely just a bad coincidence that Amazon released their movie a year earlier which was more effective. There isn't much that stands out here, though it could work as a movie to watch when you just want to turn your brain off and enjoy 90 minutes of light entertainment.
Hell Hole (2024)
I appreciate the effort
Hell Hole sounded exactly like the kind of movie I'd enjoy. It has an intriguing premise involving a parasitic monster in a remote setting. When I saw that it was made by the Adams family, who have produced several darker horror films in the past, I was even more interested, as I generally support their work, even though it doesn't always align with my tastes. Most films like this end up being SyFy-level productions with poorly written characters getting picked off by cheap CGI monsters. But with the Adams family's usual preference for a more subtle approach, Hell Hole had the potential to be a genuinely interesting film.
First off, the creature was made with practical effects, with some CGI used for certain scenes. The challenge with movies like this is that they require a certain budget and a skilled team for the creature effects to feel convincing. Otherwise, the results can feel cheap and amateurish. Unfortunately, Hell Hole fell into this trap. While I appreciate the effort to focus on practical effects, the monster doesn't look believable, and in many scenes, it's clearly a puppet being maneuvered over the characters. There are a few moments when you get a closer look at the creature's face, where the details are decent, but otherwise, the effects don't hold up. The CGI used for things like blood splashes, often from characters randomly exploding when being shot, also looks unconvincing, and these scenes end up looking poor every single time.
The acting is another drawback with some of the actors delivering their lines unconvincingly, which is an issue given that the movie relies heavily on dialogue. Most of these conversations are unnecessary and end up dragging out the scenes and the movie as a whole which makes this pacing issue even more apparent.
Overall, I liked the story itself and think it had real potential, but the execution just didn't quite come together. That said, I appreciate the effort put into Hell Hole. I enjoy these types of movies, and it's clear the team didn't just throw together a creature feature for a quick profit. They put in genuine effort. Unfortunately, though, the final product didn't quite hit the mark. [5.4/10]
Die Alone (2024)
Definetly better than the poorly made poster suggests
Very once in a while, a movie comes along with a generic plot and a terrible poster featuring two or three high-profile actors who are past the peak of their careers. These films often seem to come out of nowhere, and as quickly as they appear, they disappear, leaving no memorable impression. I was fairly certain that 2024's Die Alone would fit this pattern perfectly based on what I'd seen so far. However, as a fan of post-apocalyptic zombie films (despite how many there are), I decided to give it a shot.
To my surprise, this movie turned out to be much better than expected. It's not the typical, tiresome zombie story with one-dimensional, annoying characters. Instead, it's a film that starts off feeling generic but improves as it unfolds. The world that Lowell Dean created here is intriguing, and it left me wanting to see more. While the virus concept isn't entirely original, it's presented in an interesting way, as are the few zombies we encounter throughout the film. At its core, however, the movie is about love and the lengths people will go to when their loved ones are in danger.
Carrie-Anne Moss gives a powerhouse performance as "Mae." It's clear she isn't just there for a paycheck. She put genuine effort into crafting this badass character and bringing her to life. Douglas Smith also gives a solid performance, although some irritating aspects of his character made a few of his scenes hard to watch. Frank Grillo has a small role that doesn't quite justify his oversized presence on the poster. Whoever is in charge of the marketing might want to reconsider this approach, as it sets the wrong expectations.
Die Alone is an entertaining watch, with strong performances and an engaging story that offers something to think about. Unfortunately, the poorly designed posters make the movie look cheap and unappealing. I went in with a lot of doubts because of that marketing, but I left feeling genuinely satisfied with what I'd seen. [6.7/10]
Blackwater Lane (2024)
Rocognizable plot executed poorly
Blackwater Lane attempts to deliver a suspenseful mystery, centering around a woman who, on her way back to the grand mansion she shares with her husband, witnesses what appears to be a murder. As unsettling events begin to escalate, she grows convinced that she could be the killer's next target. Yet the film keeps the audience questioning the reality of her fears. Her frequent panic attacks, coupled with her husband's repeated denials of what she claims to see, create an atmosphere of uncertainty-though his dismissive behavior itself feels suspicious.
The film introduces several other characters who act irrationally or suspiciously, setting up a classic whodunit. Unfortunately, the story feels too familiar, with a plot we've seen countless times. Its execution lacks the polish needed to elevate the genre, weighed down by logical inconsistencies and flaws that weaken the narrative. Some of the acting also misses the mark, adding to the film's shortcomings.
Ultimately, there's little in Blackwater Lane to make it memorable. It settles into being a below-average mystery thriller with only mild horror elements. [4.7/10]
Natty Knocks (2023)
Below average Halloween Horror
I was looking for Halloween-themed horror movies and came across Natty Knocks. I'd seen the cover before, and my curiosity led me to check it out since the plot summary sounded fun. The movie has decent production value and includes some familiar faces in the horror genre, like Bill Moseley, Danielle Harris, and even Robert Englund-though Harris and Englund don't have much screen time. From a technical standpoint, the movie looks pretty good for a low-budget horror flick, although some of the effects look cheap and overall low-quality.
The acting is generally fine but nothing remarkable. Unfortunately, most of the characters are fairly unlikeable, making it hard to root for them. The story isn't particularly special, ending up quite generic and unnecessarily confusing, which doesn't leave much for the movie to offer. There's nothing distinctive or memorable here that enhances the film. The pacing feels a bit messy, and the scares fall flat, making the movie slightly below average and ultimately not really worth checking out. [4.4/10]
Carved (2024)
Underrated Halloween Horror
If you're looking for a fun, decent movie for Halloween and enjoy practical effects and creature features, this might be the right pick for you. The story follows a group of people trying to survive against a massive, vengeful pumpkin that's fed up with pumpkins being carved up and destroyed for decoration. While the story isn't highly imaginative, it offers a fun premise with some great kills.
I'm actually a bit surprised by the low ratings, because although this movie isn't a masterpiece and does have its flaws, there's plenty of enjoyment to be found in this little creature feature. The practical effects are great, though there is some uneven CGI. The acting isn't always on point, but that's to be expected with a low-budget film like this. The comedic elements work occasionally, though not every joke hits the mark, so I wouldn't watch this purely for laughs. However, I really enjoyed the creature design and the isolated setting. It creates a spooky atmosphere and allows time to get to know the characters.
One of the smaller roles is played by DJ Qualls, which was a nice surprise. Overall, it's a pretty decent Halloween flick, and Justin Harding did a good job expanding his previous short film into this feature-length movie. I'd recommend it. [6.3/10]
MadS (2024)
Not without it's flaws but certainly a unique take on the zombie-subgenre
MadS seemingly came out of nowhere, and as soon as I saw it was a French zombie movie, I was intrigued. The first thing to mention is that the entire film is shot in one continuous take. A remarkable achievement that few filmmakers dare to attempt. There are, however, a few moments where it's clear that if the movie had been shot with multiple takes, certain scenes might have been redone due to minor flaws. But none of these issues are so distracting or problematic that they significantly harm the movie.
This isn't your typical zombie movie; the behavior of the infected is unusual, yet interesting. It brings a fresh take to the genre, which is always appreciated. The characters aren't particularly likable, but they're not bad people either, and the lead actors deliver solid performances. What I enjoyed most about the movie is its realistic feel. The single-take approach contributes to this realism, as does the fact that nothing overly fantastical happens. The characters generally behave in a believable manner, though some of their decisions are a bit foolish and irrational.
Despite that, the film manages to convey a grounded, realistic tone, and even the small dramatic moments worked well for me. Overall, MadS is a decent and unique zombie movie with some flaws, but it still succeeds in the end. [5.6/10]
The Substance (2024)
Unique and well made, though not everyones taste
When the first trailer for The Substance was released, I was intrigued because it looked unique and different. It didn't reveal too much, but you got a hint of the film's premise. The cast also looked fantastic, featuring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid. I had really enjoyed Coralie Fargeat's previous film, Revenge, so I was eager to see this one.
Now that The Substance is out, with impressive ratings and lots of buzz, I finally got a chance to watch it. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it as much as most viewers seem to. The movie has both style and substance (pun intended), and the performances, especially from Demi Moore at age 61, were incredible. She was a perfect fit for her role, and Margaret Qualley also did an amazing job, bringing real depth to her character.
The film tackles a topic not often discussed but one that plays a significant role in modern society, especially in Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Combined with striking body horror, fantastic practical effects, and intense gore, The Substance is truly unique. I've noticed that many viewers have criticized the third act's extreme body horror and gore, but as a longtime horror fan with a love for '80s body horror, I actually appreciated that aspect the most.
What I didn't enjoy as much was the overall plot. There's nothing wrong with it per se, but it's just not my favorite type of film. While some people don't enjoy creature-horror or slashers, I'm less fond of drama and psychological horror, which this movie leans into. Everyone has their own preferences, and I'm not a critic who rates movies on their technical merits-I judge based on my enjoyment after the end credits roll. For me, The Substance was decent but not the mesmerizing piece of art that many people are calling it. I liked it, but I'm not sure I'd watch it a second time, partly due to its long runtime. Personally, I prefer concise, 90-minute films; movies over two hours often start to drag for me, and this was no exception.
Overall, The Substance is a good movie and worth a watch, but be prepared for some intense and, at times, unsettling effects. [5.6/10]
Bagman (2024)
Generic describes it pretty well
Bagman is essentially the definition of a generic horror movie. Nearly everything it attempts has been done before, and audiences are tired of these tropes. An evil entity tries to lure a young child away from its parents, who are too clueless to take effective action against it. There are cheap thrills, weak jump scares, foolish characters, and a child who sounds eerily similar to Gage Creed from Pet Sematary (1989).
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect is the parents' irrational behavior. When your child seems to be in danger and there are multiple break-ins at your home, you would make sure to stay close to your child. However, these parents do a remarkable job of ignoring their kid or keeping a significant distance, allowing the entity to enter the house undisturbed. There's also the typical exposition dump and one of the most generic modern horror plots imaginable.
Honestly, though, I kind of liked the entity, and I think there was some potential to create a decent horror movie with it as the antagonist. Unfortunately, the film fails to stand out amidst all the subpar horror being released today, making it hard to imagine that many people will enjoy it. While there were a few moments I appreciated, overall, it's far from good. [5.2/10]
Amelia's Children (2023)
Slightly below average flick with no surprises at all
For some reason, I was really excited to see this, even though I had no idea what the movie was about going into it. We follow Edward, who is searching for his biological family in Portugal. Along with him is his girlfriend, Riley, and soon they arrive at Edward's long-lost mother Amelia's villa. While Edward seems to adjust to his new family, Riley starts noticing questionable things and begins digging deeper into Amelia's history.
The movie has a rather simple setup, and it chooses to stick to that path. There are no real surprises, as it's clear early on that either something is wrong with Amelia, or Riley is worrying for no reason at all. The narrative just drags on, and while the production value looks solid and the movie looks fine in a technical sense, it's simply dull. If you're a seasoned horror fan, you've likely seen movies like this a hundred times. This one doesn't do much to stand out in the pile of average horror films, which is disappointing because I was expecting more.
There's not much else to say, except that the result turned out average at best. While it's not a complete disaster, you could easily skip this one. [4.8/10]
Snow Falls (2023)
In case you are thinking about watching Snow Falls this winter, just don't..
I remember when this movie came out, there was a bit of hype around it. Since the cover looked pretty cool and I really enjoy horror movies with a snowy setting, I was looking forward to it. However, after the first ratings came in, nearly everyone was convinced that the movie was terrible, so I never gave it a try. It took me a year, but now, with colder temperatures approaching, I thought I'd finally give it a watch to see for myself.
The premise is actually pretty fun: a group of friends goes to a remote cabin, and after a winter storm hits, their sanity starts to crumble. With a setup like this and the cool-looking cabin where they're staying, you could have had an interesting horror thriller with some nice shocking moments. However, in this case, there was a big lack of budget and talent, both behind and in front of the camera. The acting is mostly atrocious, and there's no character to root for because they're either annoying or just one-dimensional and boring.
There are also many technical flaws, and the characters constantly make stupid decisions. You could blame that on the "evil snow" surrounding them, which, when I think about it, makes me smile because, aside from the interesting premise, the only good thing about this movie was that I laughed a few times at how awful it was. I'm not even kidding when I say I kind of wanted to like this, but they made it really hard to enjoy.
One positive is that the runtime is short, so you won't have to suffer too long. All jokes aside, this was not a good movie, and with different people involved and a slightly bigger budget, it could have been a proper, enjoyable film. [3.5/10]
Latency (2024)
Fun premise but below average result
"Latency" has a pretty interesting premise, and the viewer is immediately thrown into some virtual action with the main character, Hana. She is a professional gamer who suffers from acute agoraphobia. Shortly after receiving some highly advanced new gaming equipment, strange things start happening, and it seems like the new equipment is trying to control her. As I mentioned, the premise sounded really interesting, and the effects in the opening scene looked pretty decent. Sasha Luss does a good job as Hana, though her accent slipped a few times.
Another thing that felt unrealistic was the portrayal of this absolutely beautiful and flawless woman, who also has an equally attractive girlfriend, played by Alexis Ren, as a professional gamer who spends most of her time playing online games. While it makes sense in terms of her agoraphobia, it was hard to buy into this setup in the movie. I'm not saying that beautiful women can't be gamers, but in this context, it felt unconvincing.
Another issue is that the movie ultimately leads nowhere, with a narrative that is fairly mainstream and predictable. The ending was unsatisfying, with many questions left unanswered and multiple plot points leading into a void. Overall, the result was pretty unspectacular and below average. [4.7/10]
The Radleys (2024)
Just a really average flick
I didn't really know what to expect when I went into this movie, but the nearly two-hour runtime combined with a 5.0 rating seemed intimidating. However, the movie's R-rating was at least a small light at the end of the tunnel.
It starts off rather simply, with a family that has a secret. Slowly but surely, it becomes harder and harder for them to keep this secret, and when the father's twin brother shows up, things get even more out of hand.
I liked the characters, especially the father's twin brother. He has unique relationships with almost every member of the family, and Damian Lewis did a great job portraying both characters with a nice contrast. The film drags on a bit, and not much happens. However, it's not entirely boring. That said, there are definitely logical flaws, and the comedy aspects rarely work well. The result is a pretty average movie that doesn't have much to offer, but it's still watchable despite the long runtime. [5.5/10]
Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls (2023)
I wanted to like it but the humor was awfully unfunny
To be honest I was not very familiar with the character of Onyx the Fortuitous. I had seen some clips of him that went rather viral but apart from that I was new to his humor and social incompetence. The cover looked interesting and the description also sounded promising and therefore I gave this movie a try. Sadly I have to say that I really did not enjoy it. It was one of these movies that I really wanted to like but absolutely couldn't. There were some cool effects and the story had potential with quite a few very likeable actors in front of the camera. However I am not exaggerating when I say that it was one of the unfunniest movies I have ever seen. I absolutely don't mind childish humor but this was the very unfunny kind and I didn't even smile once. The ratings for this movie are pretty decent so I guess there are quite a few people who enjoyed the movie and maybe even the humor however for me it absolutely didn't work at all. [4,2/10]
Daddy's Head (2024)
Nice visuals and an interesting antagonist safe this movie from mediocrity
At first, I was a bit skeptical about this movie because the first 25 minutes were not particularly entertaining. It didn't give me much to work with, and the characters were not very interesting. The drama also didn't hit as hard, as we've seen movies with tragic deaths of loved ones a million times before. However, after the first encounter with the threat that Isaac-and especially Laura-have to deal with throughout the movie, I was hooked. Every time this entity appeared on screen, I was mesmerized by its design and movement. It felt like something new, not the typical evil you see in every third horror movie nowadays.
As the relationship between Laura and Isaac escalated, the drama worked more for me. Imagining the grief and pain that come after the death of a loved one under these circumstances was harrowing. The movie also has some really interesting visuals that look unique and engaging. The acting was decent, though nothing extraordinary, but Rupert Turnbull definitely succeeded in making me very annoyed with his portrayal of a grieving Isaac.
In the end, I had a rather good time watching this, and even though it's not spectacular, I would recommend giving it a try. [6.1/10]
Mr. Crocket (2024)
Not much to say apart from a great antagonist and great practical effects
Mr. Crocket is a campy little fun movie with a rather interesting antagonist. Sadly he is probably the only memorable thing about this movie. Apart maybe from the great looking practical effects. Mr. Crocket and his monster's are definitely the highlight of the movie because they are the only interesting aspect that I can think of. The movie wasn't bad at all and the VHS format always has a nice nostalgic feeling to it. However none of the characters were really memorable or interesting and in general the movie didn't have much to offer in terms of entertaining the audience. For me it was just one of these 'meh' movies that I have a decent time watching and immediately forget about after. Sadly that is not enough to make this an entertaining flick that I would recommend. However if you are particularly interested in these kind of movies you might like it. [5,1/10]
Never Let Go (2024)
Just unsatisfied
I was excited to see this movie because I really enjoyed Alexandre Aja's previous work as a director and the overall premise seemed really interesting. It reminded me a little bit of Birdbox and the fact that there is an R-rating got me even more excited. Now that I watched it I have to say that I am overall unsatisfied. The movie is not terribly bad however I feel like it leaves the audience starving for more. I didn't get to see enough of this world and of the threat. For a setup that was this interesting the movie was somehow rather boring at times. You have some of the typical clichés and stupid decisions that you will find in pretty much every horror movie, however the characters feel relatable and are very well acted. Especially the two young actors do a great job at their characters and they are given lots of screen time which was nice to see.
Obviously the question about the movie is if Halle Berry's character is lying to their kids or if there's actual evil out in these woods that can only get them if they untie their rope. This question does get answered at the end however I still felt very displeased when the end credits started rolling. The third act picks up the pace and creates a rather enjoyable atmosphere but the final result was still rather disappointing. [5,5/10]
El hoyo 2 (2024)
Why couldn't they just leave the first part alone..
I genuinely like the first movie from 2019 and it was a breath of fresh air, especially for Netflix movies.. After I heard that Netflix announced a second part I was curious on one side because there were still many questions unanswered, but on the other side I was skeptical because I felt like the first movie was great just the way it was and I don't necessarily need answers for everything. However I went in with an open mind and the movie worked quite well for some time, however towards the end it turned into a confusing mess.
We are introduced to lots of characters but only two of them are being followed further. Perempuán and Zamiatin are the two main protagonists and while Perempuán understood the concept of the platform, Zamiatin is still struggling, especially after someone from above ate some of his pizza. The movie is actually a prequel and during this time the inmates still have a working system where everyone is only allowed to eat what they ordered. It is allowed to trade with others but apart from that the character's are limited to their food. Every once in a while there are inmates who don't follow the rules and they will get punished hard by other inmates. It's a working system and everybody is pulling together for a working community inside this system of vertical cells, which wasn't the case in the first movie. However at some point something happens and the movie does a 180 and it is at that point where the movie started to lose me. Characters are doing unexplainable things and the whole plot starts making less and less sense. For some reason they also decided to put more cinematically sophisticated shots in there which felt really out of place. The movie starts losing the atmosphere similar to the first movie, which it carefully built up for over an hour. The third act dragged, confused and raised even more questions. Several moments don't make much sense and the more you think about it the more it starts bothering you. The production value, the characters, the acting and the sets all look great and for the first half of the movie I think it was a solid sequel, but what ever happened in that third act was just tremendous and definitely dragged the movie down. The Platform should have been a standalone movie without any sequels, prequels or spin-offs that ruin this interesting fictional world. [5,7/10]
Teen Wolf: The Movie (2023)
My opinion as someone who has never seen the TV sereis
My first mistake was probably watching this without ever having seen anything from the Teen Wolf movies or TV series. This movie popped up in front of me and I thought I'd give it a try without any context of those.
You are being thrown in there without knowing much and slowly have to put all the puzzle pieces together to actually realize what is going on which makes sense. The movie is obviously meant for people who have seen at least the 2011 TV series and I'm aware of that. However movies like this should also be able to entertain for those who have not seen anything previous. After I had realized what was going on the narrative was definitely more interesting and it was easy to root for the protagonists. The movie was pretty cheesy at times which didn't entirely fit the overall atmosphere. The humor was subtle and didn't add much but also didn't bother. The production value was solid and the acting was good, however with a runtime of almost two and a half hours I found myself pretty bored after a while. I'd say the movie is watchable even for people who haven't seen the TV series but the flick should have been at least 30 minutes shorter and therefore I have to remove one star. [5,4/10]
Starve Acre (2023)
Nothing remarkable but a really slow pacing
I tried watching this three times and the first two times I actually fell asleep. This doesn't necessarily mean that the movie has to be bad but in this case it definitely means that it was too slow for my liking. The setup sounded pretty stereotypical and the only thing the movie had going for it was that Matt Smith was attached. The movie is calm and slowly introduces the viewer into the life of a couple that unwittingly allow dark and sinister forces into their home. Without spoiling too much of the plot I can say that there is a rabbit that keeps being shown for obvious reasons in the movies context. Whenever this little animal which is usually considered as cute or fluffy was on screen it had a really unsettling vibe. Not entirely sure what it was but just the visual of that rabbit creeped me out. Apart from that the movie didn't have many memorable aspects. The production value seemed solid and the acting was good but not spectacular. The story wasn't entirely original and the pacing was really slow which some viewers including me will have their problems with. Overall I'd say it's a decent flick but I personally was bored most of the time and therefore can't recommend. [4,3/10]
The Inheritance (2024)
Wasted potential, deserves a well made remake in a few years
I liked the premise of The Inheritance and therefore hoped for an original flick with some decent scares or at least an interesting story. Pretty much immediately we are thrown into the basic setup of the movie. The four estranged children of Billionaire Charles Abernathy have to make sure that he will survive the night because apparently someone or something is coming to kill him. It sounds a little stupid but also intriguing at the same time. After the premise was set, we get to know each of the characters. They are stereotypical, annoying and even a little bit insufferable. Obviously as the narrative progresses the first bodies are found and the movie almost lost all my interest. Like I said the characters are dull and the actors were probably more focused on their paycheck then the actual role. However towards the end, the movie gets a little bit more interesting. Once more is revealed to the audience and you get a look at some pretty decent looking effects and the actual threat, the movie goes from poorly executed and boring to a rather interesting setup. But sadly this moment comes way too late and shortly after the end credits roll. If the movie would have been more like the last 15 minutes it certainly could have had the potential to entertain more, but sadly that is not the case and the audience has to endure the first 60 minutes. The movie basically had the potential and I feel like in a few years this could deserve a remake with a bigger budget and more experience behind and in front of the camera. [5,2/10]
Azrael (2024)
Solid flick with lots of things thrown into
Azrael caught my attention with this simple and gruesome looking poster and also obviously with Samara Weaving attached. She is one of my favorites in the horror genre and it is almost a joy to watch her suffer in these flicks because she does her roles so well. Her role in this is rather similar to the one from "Ready or Not". Fighting for her life and being covered in blood while looking totally badass. One thing that sets her role and the movie in general apart is that there is pretty much no dialogue. Almost all of the characters are not able to speak because their vocal cords have been removed. This goes well for some time but once the movie starts raise questions that are not able to be answered with the imagery only, it gets complicated. The movie combines multiple subgenres and really does a lot for its rather short runtime which adds a nice quick pacing. The acting is solid and especially Samara Weaving kills it and is able to portray her character in a believable fashion with ease. She switches between tortured soul to badass protagonist filled with revenge and anger. The setting looks great but I would have wished to see more of the world they live in because apart from trees and an occasional road, we barely get a glimpse of this new world they're living in. However it's a solid flick with quite a few brutal scenes and an interesting situation that we are thrown into. [6,6/10]
Hold Your Breath (2024)
Although the premise was interesting, there is not much to be seen here
The premise for "Hold Your Breath" seemed promising and the fact that the movie has an R rating and Sarah Paulson as the lead character made me curious. Sadly there is not too much going on in this Psychological Thriller. Apart from the setting and the performance of Paulsen, there's not much to be seen here. You are introduced to the same tropes that we see over and over again in this genre. The characters aren't interesting enough to make me really care about what happens which is not the fault of the actors by the way because the overall acting was pretty solid. However the movie definitely has a pacing problem and even the end was not able to redeem the viewer. The movie isn't terrible but I was really hoping for more and not this clichee-filled and rather forgettable movie. [4,9/10]
Carnifex (2022)
Nothing groundbreaking but thoroughly enjoyable
"Carnifex" is exactly the kind of movie that I enjoy. A rural and remote setting with a limited amount of characters that have to fight for their survival against some sort of Predator. That is exactly what the movie promised and that is exactly what I got. You have an aspiring documentarian and two conservationists who venture into the Outback to record the animals displaced by bushfires. The characters are generic and nothing special, however they are likable and it was easy to root for them (especially Goose). The setting looked great and you have a few beautiful nature shots in here. The movie takes quite some time before something significant happens. Up until there it is not too eventful but also not boring. Once they encounter this terrifying new species the movie picks up the pace and you get the first clear look on what they have to deal with. The effects for the creature looked decent but you could tell that there was a budgetary limit to the movie. However the overall production value seemed solid and the actors did a good job for their characters. Overall it's a pretty decent movie with a simple setup which I really enjoyed and would definitely recommend for you to watch. [6,7/10]
Gueules noires (2023)
More of these kinds of movies are needed
"The Deep Dark" had a promising concept and looked like it would be right up my alley. I'm a horror movie fan and I especially love Creature-Features and also movies that are set underground. In this French production a group of underground miners and a professor are stuck inside of a mine with an ancient evil. Our main protagonist is sort of a deadbeat Arab guy who is new to the mines at first but his character quickly growths. His colleagues are mostly mean and selfish apart from a few decent guys. After we are introduced to the characters they head down towards a new system of the mine which has never been explored by them before. The professor is sure that there is something historically rich hidden down there. And after they blow up a new part of the mine, they discover countless bones and some sort of casket which is later revealed to be more of a prison. After a landslide prevents them from going back up and the horse they brought down there with them runs away, the group starts splitting up and the greed of some of the miners becomes their doom. It takes quite a while before something relevant happens however the movie manages to keep you interested and entertained. The actors do a great job and the overall production value looks pretty great and convincing. Once the real terror begins, the movie is full of suspense and tension. Some of the effects towards the third act look a little wonky which would be my only minor complaint about the movie. Other than that I had a really great time with this flick and I would love if more studios would have the balls to put money in these kinds of flicks. [7,5/10]