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.