Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare
Cinematic Sommelier
5.9
I spent most of the runtime uttering one of two phrases: “That’s not how that works” or “she didn’t have to be naked for that.”
Enjoy this wannabe “Halloween 2” that unfortunately ends up being fairly forgettable, despite the valiant efforts of Barbi Benton.
7.3
An absolute masterclass in practical effects!
The most unabashedly brutal film this side of “Cannibal Holocaust.”
Possibly the most blood I’ve ever witnessed painted across the big screen.
Art the clown cements himself as a horror icon, in my opinion.
Definitely not for the faint of heart. If you enjoy the classic slashers of old, and don’t mind a loose storyline, this is the film for you this spooky season! What feels like a guerrilla film that no studio in its right mind would green light. One of my favorite scores of the past year. This fall has been phenomenal for original horror films!
7.1
I see what the did there… touché on the word play.
Anywho… a really solid exorcism film, “Exorcist” homage streetlight establishing shot and all!
The story got a little clunky in the bridge and could have benefitted from maybe 5 more minutes in the middle, but overall I really enjoyed this one. The characters were all well done, the Catholicism touched on just enough to establish the story but not Bible thump, and just enough originality on the formula. The jump scares definitely aren’t for the faint of heart, but aside from the cardiovascular risk, you’ll have a spooky good time with this one!
8.2
… or does it? Dun dun dun!
They finally nailed the theme of “Halloween 3: Season of the Witch!” After all, Michael Myers is ultimately “the shape.” Evil incarnate. What happens when that evil spreads beyond its original vessel? One of the essential overarching questions of the franchise, especially with this newest trilogy.
Carrying on the themes of the first two installments, this film dives into the psychological aspect behind the classic slasher much more than one would expect. Man in a mask stabs people – the end. Not for this film. We examine emotions spanning the entire spectrum of possibilities, from grief to violent eroticism, and everything in between.
That being said, we still get some of the best kills in the series by the time the credits roll to “Don’t Fear The Reaper.” Hilarious and surprising cameos by the original “Shape” Nick Castle and infamous Darcy the Mail Girl from Shudder’s “The Last Drive In” Diana Prince. Taking the trilogy in totality – a well done reboot and re-invigoration of the franchise!
6.2
Initially, it gave strong “Crimson Peak” vibes. Leaving the theater, I was left feeling I should have watched “Ready or Not.”
Few solid jump scares and creepy scenes, but overall an incredibly predictable and underwhelming story, brought to the screen by a cast who had moments of great, but we’re overall alright. Maybe with a few tweaks to the story, it would have worked better?
Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare 