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jarose0301
Reviews
American Horror Stories: Daphne (2023)
Predictable, cliched and boring
This story has been done to death at this point. The dangers of the evolution of technology. While it's on point with the current issues surrounding AI, that alone cannot compensate for the overly-cliched plot. Adding in isolation, echoes of the pandemic, and romantic loneliness, does nothing to create any real interest or intrigue. While American Horror Stories has been a mixed bag (personal favorite: 'Aura,' least favorite: 'Milkmaids'), this travesty is right down at the bottom rung of the ladder for me. So far, it is the first episode in three seasons that was so boring and uninspired, I found myself pulling out my phone to do other things. Too on the nose. Predictable. Cliched. Extremely boring from start to finish. Couldn't care less that Gwyneth Paltrow was the voice of the virtual assistant. It made no difference whatsoever.
Heartstopper (2022)
A Breath of Fresh Air
I agree with many other reviewers regarding 'Heartstopper,' in that it is a story we've seen a great many times and cliches are present throughout. But, when trying to relate to viewers with a plot that has been experienced by so many, predictability is bound to be the norm. It is how the film is handled and the nuances that make a predictable storyline more cogent and worthwhile and this little show does so well with those nuances it is like a breath of fresh air in a time when so much is taken so seriously and the world can seem like a grim place.
The acting has its ups and downs but, for the most part, it is pretty good. I really enjoy both leads and the core group of 'social outcasts.' Yasmin Finney is beautiful and Kit Connor is such a cutie. I was also happy to see Olivia Colman.
The show is paced well and is not pretentious at all. Even when things seem bad, you never really feel it will get worse. Each character (minus the rugby kids) seems to genuinely care for the others.
My main critique is some of the relationship points, which do occur rather swiftly at times. But that's a minor gripe. And, what was up with that house where the party took place in (I believe) the third episode? It was never-ending and had what looked to be, a ballroom!
Overall, as a man in his early forties, I found 'Heartstopper' to be an adorable show that I could relate to. While the thought of the gay nerd relating to and then dating the jock is a film-making cliche for the most part, what these two represent is deeper than that superficiality and harkens to the growth of most of us in some way. This show offers nostalgia to those who lived this life long ago and inspiration to current and future youth who may feel or be perceived as 'different.' This show, done in this way, is needed in today's world. I can't wait for the next two seasons!!
Firebird (2021)
Well-Acted and Endearing Film
Having just viewed 'Firebird,' a film centering on the love between two male military officers in Estonia and Russia during the Cold War years from 1977-1983, I was left with the feeling that it was a story that needed to be told, however the impact level is lacking.
THE GOOD:
-It is based on a true story, so there is already a deeper human element and inspiration.
-Its subject matter and filming locations make it a daring endeavor, which shows how far true diversity in film has come.
-The acting, for the most part, is quite good, especially that of the actress portraying Luisa.
-Oleg Zagorodnii (Roman) is so good-looking, I found myself stating so out loud each time he was in a scene or picture!
-The visuals are really good. The cinematography was able to highlight emotion based on circumstance with great location shots and lighting effects.
-The pacing is good.
-Tender moments, such as the initial kissing scene in the woods, and the hesitantly passionate way Sergey and Roman kiss and embrace at times, are beautiful.
THE BAD:
-Though based on a true story, it is handled deftly, but not very enterprisingly. I do not feel films need to 'reinvent the wheel' in order to be effective. It's all in the nuances and something should be brought to the table that gives it that extra or special 'oomph.' This film never quite got there. The ending was so predictable, I found I couldn't even muster a single emotional response to the events that unfolded. I believe it is because similar actions have happened in many LGBTQIA+ films, in much better ways. 'Burning Blue,' an American film with similar ideas, characters and scenes, had a much more effective denouement, as the acting was great, the element of surprise caused devastation and we are left truly wondering, 'what could have been...?' (I rarely applaud an American indie film over a foreign one!)
-The comrade major character was cliched and ineffective as a true villain.
-Sergey's revelation about his childhood friend seemed unnecessary and I don't understand the placement or how it had much of an effect on anything.
THE UGLY:
-That wig!!!!!! Hey look, I get we graduated into the early 1980s and Sergey's clean-cut look was a thing of the past after his tenure in the service was up. But, honestly, why did they choose to put something on his head that looked like it would crawl away at any given moment? It seriously was a major distraction during the latter half of the film.
My bottom line is, 'Firebird' is a good film, but could have been so much better. It was, at times beautiful and endearing. But, it never seemed truly heart wrenching, which would have made it a grander movie. It was essentially a well-handled cliche which deserves a wider audience as it is worth a watch.
Folks - please stop comparing every gay film to 'Brokeback Mountain!' Every tissue is not a Kleenex, and every gay movie is not Ang Lee's breakthrough hit!
Marrowbone (2017)
Good family mystery
There are parts of this film that create tension and suspense. But overall, the movie harkens more to a psychological thriller or dramatic story than anything else.
First and foremost, the acting is superb all around. The pacing, while slow at times, is necessary to the story and shouldn't disappoint. The 'twist' ending is not all that revelatory, but sad nonetheless. Leading up to it, I found myself hoping it wouldn't turn out the way I thought it might. The cinematography is great as well.
In my eyes, there are a few issues with the film.
1. Place in time. The movie takes place in 1969, though there are parts, especially near the beginning that seemed to depict a time that could've been up to ten years earlier.
2. Sound editing. This is one of those films where certain actors' monologues can be quite low in sound. This is unfortunate and such a distraction.
3. Animal death. I lose appeal for a horror/thriller film the minute the killing of an animal takes place. It rarely does anything to further a story and I find it in bad taste. Plus, the way it happened in this movie was terrible. It's all I keep thinking about and I want to like the overall picture more, instead. But, I can't.
4. Surprise, surprise! What kills most cannot kill me! It is absurd to think a man can be stabbed through the throat and, not only survive without medical treatment. But to also be able to carry out the deeds that occurred afterward, AND survive with no issue, for months without said medical care? Preposterous!
5. Casting. I believe the three eldest children were in their twenties during filming and it shows on at least the guys, especially Billy. That actor, sad to say, looked about 30.
Aside from the small issues I raised above, the movie is pretty good. Devastating. Worth a watch for sure.
Enter Nowhere (2011)
More of a time-bending mystery than smything
Ok, anyone who cites this as a horror film is grossly misleading the truth. It is actually a decent little flick that is engrossing, but it isn't quite as spell-binding as other reviews make it out to be. The characters are really the whole movie and they all do well in their roles. The pacing can be slow at times and the 'payoff' at the end is a tad lackluster due to an under-exciting buildup. However, the ending scene with the gas station attendant really made me think...
We Go On (2016)
Interesting concept
While it was a slow film in terms of overall pacing, it held my attention throughout. This could partly be due to the fact the wonderful Annette O'Toole has a prominent role.
I felt it got off yo a shaky, almost tongue-in-cheek start. Clark Freeman is endearing at the outset as Miles. But, his portrayal begins to grate a bit after a while, even though I understood the undercurrents of the character.
There really isn't much more to say about the film, which is the good and bad of it. 'We Go On' is not very memorable and it can only loosely be called 'horror.' To me, it's like the Hallmark Hall of Fame version of a scary movie.
Frágiles (2005)
The setting is gorgeous
The location shots and overall setting on the Isle of Wight are wonderful. The movie also has several eerie moments and likable characters (all the kids, Helen, the old ladies). But, it's a formulaic paranormal tale seen time and time again. While a horror film, some aspects were so implausible (the reason for shutting off the second floor without even explaining the other floors above it as well...) I couldn't get passed them. The acting was pretty good. Even Calista Flockhart did well, even though a different actress would have been more suitable in my eyes (cue Julianne Moore please). Through most of the film, Ms. Flockhart maintained her waifish, 'I'd rather be anywhere else in the world right now' appeal. The paranormal antagonist was interesting. But, why was she nude? That was definitely unneeded.
The Power (2021)
Ok paranormal horror
Great atmosphere is the best part about this otherwise run-of-the-mill paranormal horror film. All of the actors do their jobs and I liked the way the main character was affected by the circumstances overall. She was wonderful. But there wasn't anything truly special here. It is better than many other similar movies set in hospitals. But the moral relays a highly-cliched story we've seen too many times.
I couldn't stand the Neville character!
The Void (2016)
Decent elements in a rushed and cliched flick
What more is there to say? Conceptually, it was intriguing from the start. But it all went downhill after the initial hospital scenes. There was too much of a reliance on blood and guts. The story was vapid. The creatures lacked substance (why are so many just either gelatinous globs, hodgepodge things made up of indiscernible attributes, or snaky protrusions these days?), and the whole thing felt incomplete. Oh, you can definitely see the inspiration from other films like 'The Thing.' The end reminded me of the other dimension in the 'Phantasm' films. Well, besides the great pyramids, which I don't think The Tall Man visited much!!
I wanted so much for this film. But it was an annoying mess (and so were the actors).
The Cleansing Hour (2019)
Pretty good for modern hortor
I think we can all agree that the horror genre has, for the most part, been in the can lately. But everything is cyclical and thematic. Lately, smart and sophisticated psychological and slow-burn horror seems to be quite popular, as the slasher genre was decades ago. But, this was downright fun in an age when many horror flicks have absurd endings (when they have true endings at all), rely too much on CGI, or rehash the same storylines over and over again.
This one is unique. Sure, characters make stupid decisions. It is entertainment after all. But the special effects and make up are done well and all of the actors are definitely invested. Too many horror fans expect 'the holy grail' again - those flicks that made them love the horror genre. Take it for what it is: a modern-day, clever exorcism film that leaves similar ones in the dust. Oh, and, for the record, there are some tongue-in-cheek moments here and there. But I would hardly call 'The Cleansing Hour' a horror comedy. It's pretty good and deserving of a watch!
The Cellar (2022)
Not a bad film
This was not really a horror film per se. But, it does have atmosphere and unique parts. While I'm not always worried about cliches in 'horror' films, I have to say those of this type irritate me when it comes to one thing: the need for the main character to consult a university instructor who may teach folklore, history, psychology, etc. In this film, it's a mathematician. Also, why is there debris, crumbs, etc. Always on the floor in front of the cellar door?! Isn't that a tell-tale sign family? How about cleaning it up?! Drove me nuts.
The film isn't bad. The pacing was a little slow. I also like that the end left me wanting more rather than ruining the film with an ambiguous or vapid way of tying everything into a nice neat bow.