Horror/Thriller – Page 6 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Immaculate”

By Brett_G on March 24, 2024March 23, 2024

6.9

Spoiler Alert – There is no Glen Powell.

Now, on to the film… I’ll be damned, they turned the old pregnant nun jokes into a well crafted, tight hour and a half religious horror-thriller. Having heard some of the behind the scenes history on this one, a huge kudos to Sweeney for sticking with a story she believed in and playing the long game to get this project made on onto the big screen… just in time to play against the Christian fare for Easter.

The tension and jump scares were really well executed. The scenery was surprisingly well done. The acting was far better than expected for a movie of this genre at in this current day and age. Aside from the ending, which felt a little abrupt and stomach churning (which could have been a matter of taste on my part) I really enjoyed the film! Sydney Sweeney has more range than I think most give her credit for.

Horror/Thriller

“The Ward”

By Brett_G on February 20, 2024

6.7

Kind of “Shutter Island,” kind of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” I was digging it in the first half. It just missed sticking the landing in the second half for me. For a John Carpenter film, it was missing his signature strange. The ominous originality he’s known for. It was unexpectedly typical, which meant it was a letdown in this case. I’d recommend one of the aforementioned films instead. And not just because Amber Heard is playing lead in this one.

“Suitable Flesh”

By Brett_G on February 6, 2024February 6, 2024

6.9

I was bummed to have missed this one in theaters. Thank God for Shudder!

Somewhere between “Freaky Friday” and “It Follows” sits this film. In the wise words of the Sex Ed/P.E. teacher in the original “Mean Girls,” “Don’t have sex, or you will get pregnant and you will die.” Turns out to be partially true. But I mean, it is Heather Graham, so can we blame the demon? Well above “suitable.” Speaking of whom, you could tell that she reveled in this role, going all-in on the crazy and embracing the scenery chewing Elizabeth Derby when she has her Mrs. Hyde moments in the spotlight. As with anything H.P. Lovecraft, get ready to get weird, sit back, and enjoy!

Horror/Thriller Indie

“Founders Day”

By Brett_G on January 22, 2024January 21, 2024

6.2

I’m still so conflicted about this one. There were such beautifully done moments, but then a scene immediately following it that was so cringe that I found myself laughing at the absurdity. I didn’t hold the lack of character depth against them, it’s a slasher after all. That being said, “Thanksgiving” nailed what this movie was trying to do and fell short of consistently. There were some promising twists and turns, especially in the third act. The biggest downfall was the dialogue throughout. It took me out of multiple scenes and losing sympathy for multiple characters that I initially quite liked. Interestingly mixed bag here.

Horror/Thriller Indie Suspense/Thriller

“Night Swim”

By Brett_G on January 9, 2024January 13, 2024

7.9

What a way to kick off the theatrical releases for the year!

If this is a sign of things to come, 2024 is going to be an amazing year for horror films.

For all the folks who put in a pool because they never felt it safe to go back in the water after the events of “JAWS,” I have some bad news for you. It’s also not safe in your pool. Especially when it’s spring fed. Magic pools always have a catch. Look no further than “Hot Tub Time Machine.”

The story, the execution of the scares, and THE SOUNDTRACK… everything here brings its a-game until the credits roll. With every twist and turn, you’re drawn further and further into the depths of this one. There was a wonderful charm of originality with this one that I deeply appreciated. The wholesomeness of the family and America’s pastime (baseball) as a central theme made the turn into darkness all the more striking. A home run to start the year for Blumhouse!