The Mouse Trap is an intriguing attempt to blend horror with nostalgic elements, but it ultimately delivers a mixed bag of results. The film's arcade setting is visually appealing, capturing the essence of 90s nostalgia, and it’s clear that the production team put significant effort into creating an authentic backdrop. However, despite this strong visual foundation, the movie struggles with execution in several areas.
Read More#AMFAD: All My Friends Are Dead (2024)
SAW for the streaming generation is an apt description for Marcus Dunstan's #AMFAD: All My Friends Are Dead, a horror flick that attempts to capture the attention of Gen Z with a blend of gore, mystery, and pop culture references. While the film has its moments of fun, it often borders on corny, lacking the inspiration and innovation needed to stand out in a crowded genre. The plot revolves around a group of college friends, each fitting into the stereotypical molds familiar from early 2000s horror films.
Read MoreCrumb Catcher (2023)
Crumb Catcher, directed by Chris Skotchdopole, thrusts the viewer into a world of dread and unease from the very beginning. The film's score amplifies this feeling, adding a layer of tension that permeates every scene. The location, dripping with seclusion, perfectly encapsulates the film's eerie atmosphere, making the audience feel as trapped as the characters.
Read MoreThe Neverending Story (1984) #RetroReview
I was six when I saw Wolfgang Petersen’s The Neverending Story in the mall movie theater in Springfield, Ohio. I can remember asking my parents if we could get some toys from the film as we filed out of the auditorium. I bet the Kay-Bee location down the way would’ve made a mint had they had Falcor plushies on hand during that initial theatrical run.
Read MoreThe Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (1974) #RetroReview
I love a good genre mashup. Their success might be gauged by how well they blend, or subvert, each genre’s respective rules. The results are usually quirky and interesting, due to this process.
Read MoreThe Inheritance (2024)
"The Inheritance," directed by Alejandro Brugués, presents a familiar yet intriguing premise that feels reminiscent of a high-end "Goosebumps" episode or a demonic twist on "Ready or Not." The film delivers a sense of dread, bolstered by a haunting score that keeps viewers on edge throughout its concise 84-minute runtime. Bob Gunton, looking older than ever, anchors the film with a solid performance as the paranoid billionaire.
Read MoreMaXXXine (2024)
Ti West's MaXXXine, the final installment in the trilogy that began with X and Pearl, takes us to the glitzy, perilous world of 1980s Hollywood. Following the harrowing events at the farmhouse in X, Maxine Minx, portrayed by Mia Goth, is now a successful adult film star with dreams of mainstream stardom. As she navigates her career in Hollywood, a shadowy killer reminiscent of the infamous Night Stalker begins targeting starlets, intertwining her ascent to fame with a trail of blood.
Read MoreDear Kelly (2024)
Director Andrew Callaghan opens Dear Kelly by challenging Maslow's hierarchy of needs, proposing that humans only require three essentials: security, significance, and connection. This unconventional theory sets the stage for a profound exploration of what happens when these needs are stripped away. Dear Kelly delves into the life of Kelly Johnson, also known as "Kelly J. Patriot," a figure familiar to fans of Callaghan's All Gas No Brakes and Channel 5.
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