Thought on The Curse of Bridge Hollow

The Curse of Bridge Hollow is a Netflix Halloween movie. The plot is reminiscent of Goosebumps. The characters do the best they can with a hackneyed script. Kids might like the safe scares this movie offers. I get the feeling the director encouraged improv during takes. It has all the charm of an Asylum movie.

Thoughts on Eli

 Eli is a ghost story that has moments of clever scares. It is a fairly typical story that goes in a weird direction at the third act. It jumps the rails at the end and goes straight into schlock town. It is a fairly forgettable movie, save the bizarre twist. I’d miss it unless you are out of ideas. 

Thoughts in The Wretched

 The Wretched is an interesting horror movie. At the surface it has a premise that is pretty cliche. However, atmosphere, decenct acting, and chilling cinematography make this movie stand-out. It is a good movie with a satisfying twist. While not perfect, it is certainly worth a watch.

Thoughts on A Classic Horror Story

 A Classic Horror Story is an Italian horror movie. The movie feels a bit trite at first until you get to the twist. The story is entertaining and clever with a musical score that is very eerie and appropriate. The visuals are very stylish, vivid, and feel almost grindhouse-like. Check it out if you enjoy horror in the grindhouse subgenre.

Thoughts on Mr. Harrigan’s Phone

 Mr. Harrigan’s Phone is a movie based on a Stephen King short story of the same name. It is very similar to the written story and is a fine, albeit somewhat predictable yarn. It is well acted but feels like low stakes for a movie. It is a fine film if you liked the short story. However, if you are looking for something spooky, look elsewhere.

Thoughts on Halloween Ends

 Halloween Ends is the final Halloween film of the David Gordon Green/Danny McBride trilogy. It is different, it is riskier, and maybe in time it will be appreciated, like Halloween 3. However, after first viewing I was troubled trying to figure out the tone. Who is this a Halloween movie for? What is trying to be said? It felt like the polar opposite of the past two movies. Still, I didn’t hate it. Catch it if you want, it is divisive, but different that what was expected.

Thoughts on Umma

 Umma is a movie, of that I am certain. The actors try their best to elevate the material but the writing makes it fall flat. There are some neat visuals and at times it feels like it is attempting to be an A24 picture. The story is schlock and dialogue is almost comical. If there was any realism at all to this movie all the characters would need hours of therapy. It is a forgettable movie that I don’t regret seeing but will likely not enter my daily conscious thoughts. 

Thoughts on Thor: Love and Thunder

 Thor: Love and Thunder is the fourth Thor film. While more colorful and tongue-in-cheek than previous MCU movies of this phase, the movie still a mixed bag. Christian Bale gives a solid character performance but Natalie Portman feels flat, which is a shame since she had three movies to make Jane Foster interesting. The characters all seem jokey and the threat is barely taken seriously. There are concepts that could have been explored further if this movie was willing to take risks. If you like Guns N’ Roses you’ll dig the soundtrack. Check it out if you enjoyed the tone of Ragnarok but want more attempts at humor.

Thoughts on Prey

 Prey is the latest movie in the Predator franchise. This movie takes place amongst the Comanche tribe in 1719. The story is solid. The acting is great and the characters are interesting. It is a very enjoyable movie that I recommend to anyone.

Thoughts on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

 Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the latest MCU film featuring the multiverse. Sam Raimi directs, and his fingerprints are on a lot of shots and elements. The movie is entertaining but the characters are not terribly compelling. It’s a fine comic book movie, but nothing so revelationary. It’s worth checking out if you enjoy other MCU films.

Thoughts on The Bob’s Burgers Movie

 The Bob’s Burgers Movie is an animated movie based off the popular television show. If you enjoy the show you’ll enjoy the movie. The plot is a bit predictable but the characters and their arcs make up for it. It doesn’t go for shock or melodrama and the musical numbers feel natural. It won’t be winning awards but it is a fine film that any fan of the show will appreciate.

Thoughts on The Addams Family 2

 The Addams Family 2 is another animated Addams adventure. The humor is still fine but the story is fairly dull. It’s mediocre for the most part with a plot centered around Wednesday. The movie makes her character fairly horrible. It’s not the worst but it is forgettable. Catch it on a streaming service if you are sick of the standard family movies.

Thoughts on The Batman

 The Batman is yet another reboot of the Batman franchise. The tone is gritty and it feels like an amalgamation between Seven and the Dark Knight. With a run-time of about 3 hours the movie has a flaw that can’t be overlooked in a Batman movie, it’s BORING. The characters are dull and the story itself is a slog. It’s not horrible but also it isn’t worth the time investment.

Thoughts on No Time To Die

 No Time To Die is a James Bond movie that wraps up Daniel Craigs run as the titular secret agent. The action is good and the acting solid. The movie has a long run time that can feel exhausting. Still, it is a solid entry to the franchise. Check it out if you are a James Bond fan.

Thoughts on Scream (2022)

 Scream (2022) is a horror movie that attempts to revitalize a franchise that hasn’t been relevant for a decade. It is not the worst sequel, but it is still, not that clever or interesting. The characters are still stock and dull. The twists are fairly obvious and the script is right out if the CW. People seem to like this movie. I think it’s better than a lot of the other Scream movies, with the exception being the first film. Check it out if you enjoy the other Scream movies.  

Thoughts on Candyman (2021)

 Candyman (2021) is a sequel reboot of a really great nineties horror movie of the same name. The cinematography is very cool and stylized. The kills are brutal and clever, with the killer only appearing in reflections. The story is good until the end when the tone shifts to shlock. It is disappointing that a movie with the potential it held in the first two thirds could take such a turn. Characters make revelations that come out of nowhere. Check it out if you like a movie with good visuals but with some flaws. 

Thoughts on Turning Red

 Turning Red is a cute new Pixar movie. The story is like a middle school version of Teen Wolf. As far as Pixar movies go, it is a bit forgettable. Still, there are sweet moments and the style is unique to any of their other features. If you like Disney/Pixar, you will enjoy this.

Thoughts on The French Dispatch

 The French Dispatch is a Wes Anderson movie. It has great performances and a fun, quirky, script. The humor is dark and at times dry. It wasn’t my personal favorite but it is a good movie with a clever visual style. Check it out if you are feeling cerebral and artsy.

Thoughts on Free Guy

 Free Guy is a fun, quirky, comedy. It has moments that are clever and the acting is pretty good. It’s charming and cute. It has some existential points which I particularly enjoyed. Give it a shot if you are in the mood for a cute, creative trip.

Thoughts on Ghosts of Mars

 Ghosts of Mars might be the worst John Carpenter movie out there. The script is awful. The acting high-school level. The action is lazy. Worst of all it looks to be edited by someone who has no familiarity with film. It’s a bad movie that could have been saved in editing, but alas, we got this schlock. I must’ve said “How embarrassing.” at least a dozen times. Give this movie a pass. 

Thoughts on The Empty Man

 The Empty Man is a thrilling horror film that has touches of Lovecraft. The acting is really good and felt remarkably genuine. The cinematography is also noticeably great. The story is gripping and keep’s it’s pace moving despite a rather long run-time. If you are a fan of movies about cults this will be up your alley. 

Thoughts on I Still Know What You Did Last Summer

 I Still Know What You Did Last Summer is a stupid sequel to a fun 90s teen horror movie. The script is ludicrous and cringe-worthy. The story is pedestrian but also insanely convoluted. Plus, there are some shots that border on tasteless exploitation. I don’t think this movie is worth the bandwidth of a watch.

Thoughts on The Eternals

 The Eternals is an MCU movie that is an anomaly. The cast is full of people who have extraordinary talent but it is in service of a story that is very hard to care about. The characters are poorly developed. The villains are worse. We have no reason to care for these characters and it makes very little sense that they live amongst other heroes of the MCU. See it if you must. I can’t imagine this movie being anyone’s favorite of the franchise.

Thoughts on An Evening with Beverly Luff Linn

 An Evening with Beverly Luff Linn is a strange movie. The acting is great and very over-the-top. The story is like the funny aspects of Twin Peaks and a Daniel Clownes comic. It is unique and strange, but worth checking out.

Thoughts on Game Over, Man!

 Game Over, Man is a comedy from the same guys that made Workaholics. The movie looks cheap. The effects are bad and most of the actors are bottom of the barrel. Still, there are some crudely funny moments that make it alright. The plot is a substandard Die Hard clone. If you enjoy schlock, it’ll do.