ianzgreat Reviews

The Iron Claw (2023)

Too Broad and distant to connect

[6/10 · 2 January 2024]

I was so looking forward to having my heart tugged from this true story I previously knew nothing about. There is so much tragedy in this story, but sadly the script keeps the characters at arms length, that we never get to really know them enough to connect with them. Sure the story is naturally sad as is the nightly news, but like the news we don't get close enough to the subjects to truly feel their loss.

The acting is fine. It looks good, but it ultimately feels rather empty and too broad to leave any genuine impact. Maybe if I had known their story before and I had something to bring to the table I could have connected better. The father character was so broad and lacked any nuance. The mother we barely get to understand her motivations and while the sons are all likably performed, we never get to know what truly makes them tick.

Big letdown from A24.

Totally Killer (2023)

Totally Lame

[3/10 · 22 October 2023]

This horror fan struggled to get through this sluggish bore. I love a good slasher with a dash of humor, but this is not that. It's a film that thinks it's funny, but the writing is so obvious and clunky. The jokes are weak with the exception of the few that made the trailer. The horror is Scream lite and completely uninspired. Another recent film that also attempts to juggle horror and comedy is Sick. Now Sick delivers on its premise. The comedy is intelligent and the horror is rather thrilling. If you're debating a newer slasher then avoid Totally Killer at all costs and go for Sick - You won't regret it.

Totally Killer is wrought with pacing issues, an uninspired script and an overall feeling of meh. I can't recommend it.

Dark Harvest (2023)

The Outsiders meet Pumpkinhead

[7/10 · 14 October 2023]

I found this film to be an absolute blast of a mashup. It felt like The Outsiders meets Pumpkinhead. Is it perfect? Not at all. Is it fun and well made? Heck yes. It looks great, it's well acted with excellent special effects. A few parts are clunky, but luckily they're counter balanced by all the good stuff. It's a Halloween treat to behold. It's not scary in my opinion, but it's often tense and the action scenes are well choreographed and bloody. It feels like a throwback to the simpler storytelling of 80s genre pictures. I don't think it will ever make any top 100 horror lists, but it's destined to become a cult hit. Without overthinking it, I recommend it.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

An absolute nostalgic blast!

[8/10 · 4 July 2023]

First of all, it's worlds better than Crystal Skull (which was so bad). Dial Of Destiny captures the original vibe of adventure, the archeology, the humor and set pieces the first few films had, without going into "super hero" goofy action mode like the 4th film. There are plenty of surprises and great guest appearances from beloved characters of the previous films. I was super apprehensive going in and left with a smile on my face and a lil tear from that last scene. Go in with an open mind and remember these are family films - there'll all a bit goofy, but the quality of this one is up there right after 1 & 3. I'd say this is even better than Temple Of Doom. Enjoy the ride!

Vesper (2022)

Excellent film.

[9/10 · 22 January 2023]

Vesper deserves far more attention than it's gotten. What an excellent film from the filmmaking, production design, story and fantastic actors. I can't believe I waited this long to see it. I was apprehensive after reading other user reviews... Now I have no idea what movie they saw, cause Vesper is far better than their reviews.

I haven't been this immersed in a film for a while. The world building and the depth of the story is mesmerizing. The setting and locations are other worldly and the special effects are top notch, especially for a film of this budget. But what really matters when seeing a film like this is the acting. The performances are absolutely stellar.

Vesper is not to be missed for any film lover.

Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022)

I oddly had high hopes for this..

[5/10 · 11 December 2022]

I absolutely loved Begos' BLISS. I was a bit letdown by VFW, but still held out hope for whatever he had coming next.. When I saw a few weeks ago Begos had a holiday horror movie coming I was excited. I'll take the combination of fake blood and snow any day. I will admit the trailer for CHRISTMAS BLOODY CHRISTMAS made it look pretty weak, but I went anyway with bells on. I drove an hour to see it on the big screen, though I know it's on Shudder. The acting is fine and the playful dialogue and banter is fun, but it's sadly void of the ingenuity that made BLISS so fantastic and refreshing. I'm all for stealing inspiration from other films out of nostalgia, as long as you bring your own ideas and inventiveness to what we've already seen... But unfortunately all we get is an uninspired Terminator ripoff, with poorly choreographed, muddy action sequences and nonstop yelling. Yelling alone doesn't create intensity. I'm sorry to say BLISS may have just been a fluke. If you haven't seen BLISS, see that and don't bother with this. AND if you want an excellent Christmas horror film see the original BLACK CHRISTMAS.

Hellraiser (2022)

Painfully boring, one note and just blah

[4/10 · 26 October 2022]

This film is void of tension, scares and vision. The whole thing is one note, which is blah. I just didn't care about anything at all. It was ugly, shapeless and completely disengaging.

I remember enjoying the first two Hellraisers in their day. This installment will not be remembered at all. What movie were we talking about?

Also the setting pretending to be the States when it so obviously wasn't, was so strangely off putting. I understand for budget they have to film in various other locations, but then just set the story there. Though this film lacked any true sign of caring about story.

Overall the lead performances were good. I hope these actors are granted with more worthy opportunities in the future.

Lightyear (2022)

Wonderful film for the whole family!

[9/10 · 16 June 2022]

We had an absolute blast. It's pure escapism and a fun ride. Our kids thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended. It's so great to see a sci-fi film for kids. Excellent entry sci-fi with a ton of heart.

Mrs. Osbourne (2020)

As good as the best of Merchant Ivory!

[10/10 · 15 October 2020]

Grade A storytelling all the way. This poignant glimpse into these complicated lives brings all the elements you'd expect from the best films of James Ivory and Ismail Merchant. From the writing, scenery, constumes, cinematography, soundtrack and especially the performances Mrs. Osbourne is the kind of entertainment I wish Hollywood had the attention span and intelligence to make. I can't recommend this little gem enough.

Climax (I) (2018)

Repellent, listless, pointless and empty.

[1/10 · 1 February 2020]

I was in the mood for something different, something fresh and unpredictable.. With the current events in the world, I thought I could use some artful escapism.. I've been meaning to see this for a while and I remember enjoying Gaspard Noe's intense and disturbing Irreversible.. BUT unfortunately Noe's Climax is an absolute waste. A couple of interesting angles and talented dancers does not a good film make. The possible takeaway of a plot or a message might be drugs are bad...Beyond that there is no sign of a plot. It's mind boggling anyone backed this film.. A24 has made some of my favorite films in recent memory (Uncut Gems, Under The Skin, A Ghost Story, Eighth Grade, It Comes At Night..), all challenging and artful in their own way, but Climax is completely empty trash. The opening dance was enthralling, I thought it might get interesting but only spiraled from there.. Watching people freaking out on drugs is way less interesting than the filmmakers must have thought it was. I almost wish I had left on the ugly world news than watch this dreck. I cannot recommend this film on any level. It it quite possibly the worst film I've managed to sit through. 100% repellent and uninteresting.

Uncut Gems (2019)

A diamond in the rough.

[9/10 · 3 January 2020]

Suprising, original, enthralling and dizzyingly engaging. Like with their last film Good Time the Safdie Brothers take every opportunity to defy expectations and conquer movie tropes. I could see how average audiences might get turned off cause it doesn't hit all the familiar/pre-destined beats, but for an audience hungry for something fresh this is the film for you.

Vault (I) (2019)

A sleeper hit! Wow!

[17 June 2019]

I love a good heist movie, but this one was great. I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this ride. The cast was stellar and the filmmaking top-notch. I had never heard this story before and while familiar in the best ways it was also a fresh perspective for a genre staple. I highly recommend excellent caper.

Hereditary (2018)

It all comes down to opinion.. and mine is HEREDITARY was a towering disappointment.

[3/10 · 11 June 2018]

I have been anticipating Hereditary for months. From the first trailer to podcast interviews with the director and the incredible reviews I was amped up to fall in love with this film. I've seen others who dislike it say it's "too artsy"...that's lame. I've seen others who love it, say "mainstream audiences just don't get it and are dumb"..that too is lame. I adore films that try new things and/or don't answer all the questions. The slower the burn the better, but Hereditary had very little fire to burn. There just isn't much here. The title says it all, craziness runs in the family..it's hereditary. I get it. The film meandered until it just became limp and goofy. If you want to see a truly bizarre and creepy film, see last year's The Killing Of A Sacred Deer - It's not horror but it's often horrific and electrifying. Hereditary has a nice creepy start then dissipates into thin air. The acting is fine (especially the young male lead) and it looks great. Unfortunately, in my (experienced horror film connoisseur) opinion there was no ground broken here. If you're in the mood for a real slow burn chiller, see Peter Medak's 1980 film The Changeling.

Namaste (2017)

A timeless, ageless tale lovingly and beautifully woven through 5 phases of love

[9/10 · 26 October 2017]

Namaste is a seamlessly told dreamlike story of love in 5 phases, told through the intersecting relationships of five couples in different stages of their lives and loves. I was absolutely mesmerized first of all by the topnotch cinematography and editing, but foremost Christine Altan's script and direction. This first time writer-director presented a story that easily could have been overly complicated or melodramatic and boiled down to the natural simplicity of these 5 relationships at key moments we all can relate to. Altan allowed her actors to shine through her characters. I was especially moved by the fine performances and chemistry of the couple Camille and Charles played by real-life couple Terry Donahue and Steve Blackwood. All around the acting was utterly convincing, which not only served their fellow performers well, but augmented the natural beauty of the film. I can't recommend this gem enough. I'm so impressed and grateful I had the chance to catch it at the New Hampshire Film Festival recently. Namaste is a film to be sought after and cherished. Enjoy!

The Babysitter (I) (2017)

This horror fan says, Ugly, Charmless, Witless, but luckily not bloodless

[4/10 · 17 October 2017]

After seeing the trailer for McG's The Babysitter my interests peaked. From the warm and colorful production design, snarky dialogue and a clear glee for gore this looked like a fun entry into my favorite genre. To my dismay, this film was a big let down. While horror has an innate ugliness from the often dark subject matter, this film was just plain ugly from the start - every character is mean spirited and crude that I just didn't care for any of them. There is no-one to root for and very little story wise to build tension. It's so paper thin and really never gets going. While I did enjoy the gore and the acting was fine, I can't recommend this. For well done horror-comedies see Shaun Of The Dead, 1985's Fright Night, An American Werewolf In London and even the new horror-lite film Happy Death Day. Netflix can and will do better. Pass.

La La Land (2016)

A wonderful and loving ode to the dreamers and artists of the world.

[10/10 · 17 September 2016]

When I first saw the trailer for La La Land my expectations were set high. The excellent cast, the music and an exciting new director/writer were enough to get me in the door. I'm always a bit hesitant when it comes to filmed musicals.. Will it be stagy, stilted and awkward? Not in this case. Damien Chazelle has made a wonderfully cinematic and loving ode to the dreamers and artists of the world. Having lived in LA and worked on both sides of the camera I can relate to much of this film's endearing observations, trials and tribulations; but anyone who's ever yearned for what seems impossible and searched for true love will also easily connect with this film's gargantuan heart. I'm a self proclaimed total movie snob not easily pleased by much of what I see, but La La Land gave me all the feels and more. I cannot recommend this film enough. It's the kind of film you leave and you don't want the buzz, the tickle, the movie-high to end. I can't wait to see it again when it's in wide release. The artist in me is inspired again.

Wishin' and Hopin' (2014)

Wish and hope no more, a new holiday classic is born!

[9/10 · 24 November 2014]

To say I was pleasantly surprised by Wally Lamb's WISHIN' & HOPIN' would be a huge understatement. This movie is a total joy! As a male, the "Lifetime" label usually turns me off, but WISHIN' & HOPIN' elevates that label to new heights. Baited by the star names of Molly Ringwald, Chevy Chase and Annabella Sciorra, I was happily surprised to find out that the real stars of this delightful holiday yarn are the cast of mostly unknown child actors, who's obvious off screen summer camp chemistry spectacularly shines on screen. Wyatt Ralff as the lead Felix is an adorable charmer who's fresh faced innocence reminds me of other young stars in their heyday, Macauley Culkin in HOME ALONE and Peter Billingsley as Ralphie in A Christmas STORY. Quinn McColgan plays Felix's nemesis Rosalie with sassy conviction effortlessly carrying the film's conflict to outrageous heights. Then there's the new Russian student Zhenya played by Siobhan Cohen with confident playful glee. Felix's best friend Lonny is played with a Corey Feldman-in-his-GOONIES-glory-days zeal by the charming Shawn Ervin. I could just go on about the rest of the young cast, but you might as well just see for your self. Mark my words, in 20 years people will be watching WISHIN' & HOPIN' and saying they can't believe all of these A-listers got their start in this fabulous little film. WISHIN' & HOPIN" is a joyous laugh-out-loud treat to behold. You might as well start the family tradition this year, because there's no doubt this film will be a staple of the holiday season for years to come. A classic is born. ELF, A Christmas STORY, A MIRACLE ON 34th STREET, A Christmas CAROL and IT"S A WONDERFUL LIFE have new company to augment their ranks of holiday greats and so do we. Enjoy!

Stoker (2013)

A Not So Thrilling Thriller

[2/10 · 17 March 2013]

Given the cast and the director I (at the very least) thought I'd be in for a wild ride. I was wrong.

To begin with, the script written by PRISON BREAK's Wenworth Miller is obvious, clunky and weak. The dialog is stilted and stagy.

The film thinks it's thought provoking and daring, but we've seen it all done before and much better. The only reason these actors could have done this film is because of the usually exciting director - who clearly let his actors down this time. Maybe something was lost in translation...

This is a thriller done lite, boring and not in the least bit thrilling. I waited and waited for it to take off and it never did.

If this were a directorial debut, I might have thought that this director has a lot of potential given a better script.

Don't bother. Only loyalists could give this film a good review.

The Madman Chronicles (2012)

Raw, Tense, Visceral

[10/10 · 24 February 2013]

After getting over my initial doubts of the docu-style filmmaking, I was quite happily surprised by The Madman Chronicles' gripping whirlpool of tension that doesn't let up until the final frames.

This is not a horror film per say, this is a naturalistic thriller reminiscent of recent Euro-noir(Dead Man's Shoes) and the David Fincher classic SEVEN. No one is safe from this killer.

Madman is certainly rough around the edges, but that only adds to its' raw, tense and visceral cinematic experience. This is a film to seek out and delve into.

Given that The Madman Chronicles was made on a shoestring budget, Director Shawn Allen's instincts are right on the money. I was impressed by how these virtual unknowns gave Hollywood something to contend with. Can't wait to see what they come up with next.