Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare
Cinematic Sommelier
7.2
Don’t do coke with Pete Davidson – noted.
This movie perfectly balances tones that the “Black Christmas” remake butchered. The characters are just annoying enough that you kind of care about them, but can still root for their deaths. There’s just the right amount of self-awareness in the plot. And the characters are all portrayed to a T… and the soundtrack is an absolute banger. Don’t expect Oscar’s, and you’ll thoroughly enjoy this whodunnit thriller.
6.4
Unfortunately fell flat for me…a cross between “Stranger Things,” “Matilda,” and “Carrie.” It had some well-done scenes but failed to build consistent momentum and ultimately left me underwhelmed.
The one bright spot in this hot mess, aside from the brilliant score by John Carpenter, was the performance of the main lead Ryan Kiera Armstrong. She stole the focus in almost every scene and held down the fort while Efron overacted the likes of Jim Carrey.
Throughout the runtime, this film felt like a cheap attempt to play on tropes. Though brilliant in its own right, even the score was essentially the “Halloween” score in a different scale.
8.2
Why is it that Ben Affleck keeps getting caught in these toxic on-screen relationships? Between this and “Gone Girl,” his red flag detection is… well, it’s worse than mine.
This is a fantastic ride – a masterclass in suspense. I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen for the entire runtime and was sincerely surprised with every twist and turn. I found myself yelling at the screen more often than usual with this one. Everything from “… and now your dead” to “DUDE, RUN!” There’s not an innocent soul in the entire cast. Everyone’s secrets play a role in their demise and play off each other’s flaws to keep the story mysterious and drive the plot to its conclusion.
I’ve done some crazy things in the name of… love? Lust?… But never anything nearing this lunacy.
Content Warning – Hulu may be owned by Disney, but this is NOT a Disney movie.
7.7
It’s a far better film than “KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park.” I’ll give it that.
If you’re looking for Oscar bait, this ain’t it. If you’re looking for a hellaciously fun hour and a half with a genuinely fun group of guys, then this is what you’re looking for.
8.4
Ah… A return to the classic slasher. From A24, of all studios!
This one thankfully lived up to the hype, and then some. It’s just the right amount of story to hold it all together and just enough sex to justify the killing. A glorious return to the tried and true formula of the classic “Friday the 13th” franchise, among many others. Much better than the recent “Texas Chainsaw” installment. Just because they’re old doesn’t mean they can’t inflict some severe damage. The couple who owns the farm me flashbacks to “The Visit” from years ago.
All in all, the casting was pretty perfect. Speaking of perfect, I will never see “Pitch Perfect” the same after this one. Brittany Snow kills it as the co-lead, alongside wannabe Matthey McConaughey Martin Henderson.
The kills are beautifully directed and, as a result, incredibly impactful and effective. I especially loved a particular scene that turns progressively red as the blood is spilled. The lighting and resulting effect were unexpectedly brilliant.
I highly recommend this one, but caution those with a weak stomach.
Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare 