Horror/Thriller – Page 23 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It”

By Brett_G on June 6, 2021June 6, 2021

8.9

Upfront, I’m a sucker for this franchise. Spinoffs and all.

The anchor of this film and one of the best parts of the tentpole films in The Conjuring universe is the relationship between Ed and Lorraine Warren. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson are perfect together. The investment in these two characters takes these films to another level and keeps them above the typical studio horror film status. This film dives much deeper into the chemistry between the dynamic duo and a bit more of their backstory, as they are both tested in ways they haven’t been before. Vera, especially, shines as she takes the lead in this film after Patrick’s character is somewhat sidelined in this round.

Story-wise, it’s pretty straightforward. More of a detective story and a much broader scope than the other two prominent films in the franchise. The cinematography is again off the charts. The camera work is perfectly executed to give the audience all they need, framed just the way it needs to be, and timed for maximum impact. Even when the film leans on topes, they’re so well done that you won’t care.

I get a little worried every time they add to this cinematic universe, and each time my fears have been alleviated by the finished product. The balance is always there with just enough new set upon a foundation of familiarity, with strong enough characters that we follow them to hell and back. Extremely well done. Highly recommend.

Blockbuster Horror/Thriller

“Spiral”

By Brett_G on May 16, 2021

5.8

I was really looking forward to this one… so much for wishful thinking.

It tried to straddle the psychological thriller aspect of the original and the bloodlustful, senseless gore of the next 7 films. These don’t go together, apparently. It failed on both. Jerky editing, horrific pacing, and a storyline that confuses the audience instead of intriguing them

That being said, no one in the world says “muthafucka” quite like Samuel L. Jackson.

They kept it tight, at an hour and a half runtime, which was great. Any longer, and I would have been even more harsh. The theme of hating cops was timely, but got lost with a throwaway villain out past their skis. And… STOP trying to redo the puppet! It’s not going to happen. Get ready to feel underwhelmed walking out of the theater.

Horror/Thriller

“Separation”

By Brett_G on May 10, 2021May 9, 2021

4.5

Take it from the gentleman snoring behind me in the theater two-thirds of the way through… save your time and money. This one is rough. It’s too slow, hard to understand, and never really makes much sense. This is why the feature length tale of “the crooked man” stumbled trying to make its way into the Conjuring universe.

The special effects were well done, but there was nothing tying the scenes together or moving the story forward. Very meh…

Comedy Horror/Thriller Shudder

“Psycho Goreman”

By Brett_G on May 9, 2021

7.5

Much better than expected!

Definitely not Oscar bait. Definite Shudder film.

I couldn’t tell if they were being serious or joking at times, but chose to see it as deadpan humor at its finest. Similar to “The Dead Don’t Die.” Satirical horror at the height of its powers. A fantastic cast. Special effects that mix incredible technology with “this looks like the claymation from Pee-Wee’s Playhouse.” Either way, you will depart thoroughly entertained and asking yourself “how in the hell does this have a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes?!?!”