Category: Horror/Thriller

Horror/Thriller Science Fiction

“M3GAN”

By Brett_G on

7.9

Far better than expected, and I had high hopes. Another Blumhouse homerun.

The beauty of the horror genre is its ability to serve as a conversational vessel, presenting subject matter that we typically cannot stomach in a palatable manner to help spur further conversation. This film dive into child psychology, grief, love, loss, attachment theory, and the ethics of artificial intelligence in much more depth than any hour and a half academic lecture could ever dream of.

The storytelling is razor-sharp, and the actresses Jenna Davis and Amie Donald deserve Oscars for their portrayal of our favorite animatronic adolescent. Violet McGraw is also an amazing talent with a hopefully bright future in Hollywood. There were moments of terrorized laughter throughout the runtime with this one. It was either laughing at the absurdity or being terrified by how closely it resembles recent/current events. Similar to the “Terminator” franchise, this film forces the audience to question “should we really chase convenience at all costs?” and “should we really trust machines programmed by imperfect humans?” Ponder those existential questions while enjoying this excellent horror film.

P.S. This is my 500th review! It’s been one hell of a ride. I can’t wait to see where we go in the years to come! Thank you to everyone who entertains my ramblings.

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Comedy Horror/Thriller

“Deer Camp ‘86”

By Brett_G on

6.9

Living in Northern Michigan, I hadn’t been this excited for a hunting movie since “Escanaba in da Moonlight.” My excitement was rewarded with a thoroughly ridiculous, entertaining, funny, sometimes terrifying tale of our band of merry misfits in a Bronco here. I’m pretty sure I’ve met a version of every one of these guys, probably in the past month.

Technically speaking, this film felt very “Evil Dead” for me. Some fantastic camera work, and use of the surroundings in building tension and upping the creep factor. Just enough special effects to add to the experience, without getting silly. A well balanced horror film!

A perfect movie for the Shudder family, and I hope to be able to rewatch it on streaming soon. Shout-out to the Vogue Theater in Manistee for bringing this to the public, and for their film slate always having variety. Can’t wait for special event screenings to make a full comeback!

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Horror/Thriller Science Fiction Suspense/Thriller

“Nope”

By Brett_G on

8.2

Maybe not Jordan Peele’s best organized film, but definitely him at the height of his powers. There are 3 or 4 great storylines here. My only complaint is that a couple of the threads are left hanging. other than the narrative shortcomings, it somehow pulls off the sci-fi western!

That being said, this is, technically speaking, a masterpiece. Both small and large scale sets, dramatic scenes and suspenseful scenes that make you feel like you’re on the verge of a coronary. One of the best suspense sequences and one of the most unsettling opening scenes and side quests I’ve seen on the big screen in quite some time.

All tied together with the patented Jordan Peele grand lesson to be learned that effortlessly comes across and earns its impact, as opposed to feeling at all preachy. Bravo to all involved!

P.S. One of the best “nope” scenes I’ve ever seen in a horror movie.

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Horror/Thriller Suspense/Thriller

“Barbarian”

By Brett_G on

8.4

One of the year’s best. And that’s saying something in the horror genre of 2022.

What makes this clock tick and the tension tear through you as the viewer is how well developed and sympathetic the characters are.

The other thing that puts this film over the top is that it does a fantastic job of showing instead of telling the audience. The visuals are so well executed that they instill a sense of dread that is palpable in the air of the theater. Just when a glimmer of hope appears on the horizon, you soon realize that it’s a mirage in a desert of despair, and we’re in for another twist or turn in this wild ride.

Such originality and respect for the audience and for the craft… brilliantly done!

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