Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare
Cinematic Sommelier
6.6
So… this one’s kind of dumb. I want to say “points for originality,” but it’s ripping off “Happy Death Day,” and 400 Christmas movies. It at least keeps the runtime tight, the kills bloody, and the hero’s relationship with her sidekick genuine and fulfilling. If you don’t expect too much, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. I’m glad smaller films like this are getting a shot at the multiplex while the studios grapple with the fallout from the writers and actors strikes.
8.3
I’ll be damned, this was the best slasher I’ve seen since “Terrifier 2!”
The story may have been a little cheesy, but everyone bought into the bit and plays their parts to perfection. The killer has the perfect mix of flair, originality, and humor. There’s a twist ending. The kills are magnificent. I really have no notes. I had high expectations with Eli Roth at the helm, but even I couldn’t have expected this. I laughed until I cried, I almost spilled my popcorn jumping with fright. Wow. Just a seal of approval and suggestion you enjoy this one if you dare (and have the stomach for some good ol’ fashioned gore)!
7.1
I didn’t expect this much Freddy Krueger in my Freddy Fazbear.
The PG-13 rating only really took away from the gore factor with this one. The kills and the tension were still there. The story was stronger and had more depth to it than I expected. Even more-so if you’re a fan of the video games, as the gentlemen behind me were. It drops a lot of Easter eggs and deepens a great deal of the lore behind the (even more) twisted version of Chuck E Cheese.
A perfect cast and a strong story made for a strong outing by Blumhouse. Unlike the recent “Exorcist” reboot attempt, I found this one much more within their wheelhouse. With the perfect song choice. 🤌🏻
8.2
Answer? Damn near everywhere.
There is not a single frame of safety in this entire runtime, as you’re left in the dark alongside the cast as we take the dark turns together, venturing further and further into the darkness enveloping the evil at the center of this rosebud.
It’s not often my stomach is tested by a film, but this one had me almost gagging three separate times, on par or even exceeding “Terrifier 2,” so be warned. Its pervasive sense of dread and general discomfort is well earned, as it cemented itself as the best exorcist movie of the year, if not of the 2020s thus far. Highly recommended if the current/recent slate of horror films has seemed to safe for you.
6.2
Dude trusted a stripper, what did he think was going to happen?
An odd twist on the found footage horror genre that gave me flashbacks to “Censor” and “Broadcast Signal Intrusion,” that eventually went full “Hostel.” the deeper psychological horror and mystery gives way to a gore fest in the third act. The premise had promise, but ended up a little more middle of the road mediocre than I anticipated. A fun watch nonetheless.
Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare 