charliecoffell Reviews

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

Run to the theater. Holy Freaking Crap!

[10/10 · 27 May 2024]

#chompcrc here. This is the best movie I've seen in quite some time. George Miller is an absolute genius behind the camera. Everyone that he surrounds himself with are top notch. The writing is amazing. The acting is phenomenal. Chris Hemsworth is the best and most memorable villain since Heath Ledger's Joker. He deserves an Oscar for this one. I had no idea he could do this. The layers that unfold like a slowly rotting onion are a master class in filmmaking. There is so much being said about society, the human condition, and our willingness to pursue vengeance despite ourselves. The way the story unfolds is so fulfilling. I love that they spent time with Furiosa as a child instead of jumping right into her as a young adult. Seeing this makes her arc in Fury Road all the more tragic and satisfying at the same time. You must watch this in the theater. It deserves to be watched on the big screen. I cannot praise this film enough. I haven't seen anything this entertaining, exiting, epic, masterful, or downright amazing in so long that I can't even compare it to anything except for Fury Road. The difference is, that is the greatest action film of all time, and this is one of the greatest films of all time, while also being an action film. There's even a quick little cameo of Mad Max. Run to the theater and watch this.

The Day After Halloween (2022)

Watch it. You've seen worse.

[6/10 · 1 April 2023]

Chompcrc again. This movie is everything right about independent cinema. It has good dialogue, better than average acting, a unique storyline, and likable characters. The problem that I have with it is the film's structure. It uses time jumps to fill the narrative, and the ending is not typical or fulfilling. I was entertained throughout, and I like the overall feel of it. I dig the drive-in theatre setting, and love the John McClane costume. The two female leads are gorgeous and good at what they do. I couldn't decide which one I liked more. The two male leads did what they should of done for the most part, and carried the film nicely. The Jehovah's Witnesses angle was an afterthought, and should have been fleshed out more, but overall, I say it's a win for horror comedy. The good: the chicks are great, you have no idea where the story is going, and the characters are likable. The bad: too much time is spent in the past, whereas more time should have been spent making the present more coherent. The unclean: too much bj and masturbation talk. Overall, I say good job though, and I really hope this gang gets together and makes something else real soon.

Slumber Party Massacre (2021)

Better than it needed to be.

[5/10 · 29 March 2023]

Chompcrc, back at it. The tone is goofy and nonsensical. The plot is typical 80's slasher fodder. It doesn't take itself seriously, and you shouldn't either. The confusion between the girls and guys about who the killer is was good, and so was the extended ending . I appreciate horror that subverts expectations. Speaking of, I see what they did with making the male characters the "eye candy", going so far as to include a half naked pillow fight, and cheesy slow motion shower sequence. The movie needed an epilogue, and felt every bit like a $200,000 tv horror movie of the week, but for what it was, I have certainly seen way worse. The good: the kills were decent, despite the digital effects, and the girls staying dressed was a bold and fresh choice. The bad: it felt a bit too "tv movie" for my taste, and needed funnier dialogue to make the funny stuff actually funny. The unclean: I didn't need that dude's butt, but maybe the chicks will dig it. It's a flawed reboot, sure, but watch it anyways. You watched the latest Chainsaw Massacre, and they were serious about that.

Skinamarink (2022)

Tedious, uneventful, and hard to watch

[1/10 · 7 February 2023]

Chompcrc here. I give the filmmakers respect for taking chances, and boy did they take chances. This is completely experimental. There is no discernible plot, story or character arcs. It is completely unclear what the movie is actually about. Like much better films before it, there can be multiple interpretations of this movie. The problem is, you don't want to go through the trouble. The movie is so boring and unwatchable that the tedium of the experience leaves you feeling empty and unsatisfied. Rule number one in filmmaking: the movie needs to be fulfilling. It needs to be entertaining on some level. You need to want to sit through it. I couldn't wait for this to end. They blew an opportunity to make a decent short film, or even one of the best horror films of the year. All it really needed was some sort of action and clear direction. I don't mean action as in gunfights or car chases. I mean something more than a flashlight clicking on and off. When I say nothing happens in this movie, I mean NOTHING HAPPENS IN THIS MOVIE! Who knows, maybe I'm just not smart enough to get it, but like I said, I don't care to. Knowing what this movie is "really" about will not salvage it. The experience was far too miserable. I can honestly say that I have never been this bored and irritated with a movie in my life, and I've seen some crap.

All My Friends Hate Me (2021)

Showcases frustration, not much else.

[3/10 · 24 July 2022]

Chompcrc here. A lot of critics gave this movie high praises, calling out it's horror comedy or psychological horror aspects. It certainly showcases what it's like to be frustrated. To feel like everyone is out to get you. The problem is, there's not much else going on. I found myself just as frustrated as the main character. Waiting for something to happen. Waiting for it to become either a horror movie, or psychological thriller, or a full-blown comedy. The movie is basically about the main character feeling frustrated, or betrayed, or misunderstood over and over and over again over the course of the weekend. That's about it.

The good: the acting is great. The way in which they twist everything up so that the main character looks bad is fun, and frustrating.

The bad: it's slow, boring, and lacks any real direction or goal. Nobody changes, grows, or learns anything about themselves. They should.

The ugly: a male penis is shown, and for the life of me, I can't understand why it was needed to further the story.

The verdict: I certainly won't be watching this again. One and done.

X (II) (2022)

More of an homage to 70's porn than 70's horror.

[4/10 · 15 July 2022]

@chompcrc here again. I think Ti West just really wanted to pay tribute to 70's porn and porn culture in general with this one. It's not actually a bad movie, it's just not what I wanted it to be. The acting, cinematography, set design, and tone are all great. I wasn't actually expecting so much focus on the porn aspect, but that's on me... the title of the movie is "X" after all. I think the horror plot was a bit thin, and most of the kills were wasted. The two alligator scenes, while played for completely different affect, were equally great, and Mia Goth puts on an acting clinic. It was a bit creepy at times, but never actually scary. Maybe I'm desensitized? No matter the good or bad of it, I don't see myself ever watching this again. It's funny, because I've watched "The House of the Devil" a dozen times, and it basically relies on aesthetics, with an extremely slow burn, and only finds it's way into horror in the last 20 minutes. While "X" has a similar atmosphere, I still feel like his freshman outing is his best. Watch it if you're into atmosphere, slow burn, sex, vulgar language, and good acting. Skip it if you're offended by mature themes and lackluster horror.

Fresh (2022)

As fresh as the title suggests

[7/10 · 1 April 2022]

Chompcrc here. This is a breathe of fresh air. A true subversion of expectations. I had no idea where they were going, then they went there, and I was happy. Sebastian Stan has a ball, and everyone else belongs on the stage with him. I recommend Fresh for fans of horror, thriller, psychological drama, and subversive material that takes you on a winding journey through a world that you've never traversed before.

Deep Water (I) (2022)

The nagging questions distracted me

[2/10 · 1 April 2022]

@chompcrc here. There's not a lot to see here. Nothing new or remarkable. I actually can't believe it was funded, and attracted top tier talent. The big problem with it for me was the fact that nobody behaved realistically. There is no chance on planet Earth that Affleck's character would have stayed with his wife and allowed her to be unfaithful, or that she would want to be with someone who allowed it, or that her suitors would be so comfortable cohorting about with a married woman. I get that they were trying to make something subtextual, with a deep seated psychological explanation for everyone's behavior, but I spent the entire movie complaining about needing an explanation that never came. This is no Kubrick film, so just go ahead and spell it out. I fully understand that the male lead was made to seem like the victim at first, then became known to us to be the villainous, misogynistic sociopath that needs his wife to have affairs so that he can get off, and kill people, but I simply don't care. This was well made, well acted, well directed, but it was just not good. So much potential.

Hideout (2021)

Indie horror at its finest

[6/10 · 4 March 2022]

Chompcrc here. This film was shot during quarantine, with a camera that just about anyone could get their hands on, and I have to say... good job. Is it perfect? Of course not. Are Marvel movies perfect? Nope. The difference though, is by comparison, they should be. This film has an original idea, some good acting, and a palpable sense of love for film going for it. I want to go out and shoot my first feature now. I look forward to seeing what they do next.

I Blame Society (2020)

Why all the hate?

[7/10 · 9 February 2022]

Chompcrc here. This film does not deserve all the negative reviews. I have seen some garbage, and this is far from it. If you don't like found footage movies, steer clear, but otherwise, check it out. Of course the main character is not very likable. Hello, she's a narcissistic murderer. This film does a good job of showcasing denial, obsession, and psychopathy, in a manner not seen in a good while. I'm sure it's derivative, but isn't everything? If you like quirky, character driven psycho-comedy, this is the one for you.

Terror at Black Tree Forest (2021)

Please learn how to expose shots

[1/10 · 1 February 2022]

Chompcrc here. The technical specs state that a Blackmagic Cinema Camera was used to film this movie. The footage looks like it was shot on an RCA video camera circa 1987. Any dynamic range that this camera offers was completely wasted by the filmmaker's lack of preparation. This is some of the worst looking footage I have ever seen, and it completely takes you out of the movie. If you're gonna go through the trouble of making a movie, watch a video or two ahead of time.

Scream (I) (2022)

So many F bombs!

[6/10 · 26 January 2022]

Chompcrc here. If any of the filmmakers read this, I need you to know that this movie has way too many F bombs in it. All of the other films together don't even come close. These teenagers have the worst mouths in the franchise. Even the adults fall back on the language for dramatic affect. Nothing like a 16 year old girl yelling MFer to make your movie seem realistic. Cheap, lazy writing. I have watched all of the other Screams with my kids, but this one embarrassed me. ITS NOT NECESSARY TO TELL THE STORY! Otherwise, the movie was good. The killer's motives were realistic, and the next logical step in the progression of the series. I love Randy's niece, and like that they could move forward without any legacy cast members. If you do make another one, cool it on the language.

Nobody Gets Out Alive (2012)

Red One Camera? I doubt it.

[11 January 2022]

Chompcrc here. The technical specs state this was shot on a Red One. I've never seen such limited dynamic range in a movie. There's no way this was shot on anything other than an RCA vhs recorder. Having said that, low budget horror hardly hinges on picture quality, and the sound is up to par, so if you can get past the expected flaws concerning story, formula, motivations, etc, I say an indie horror fan should check it out. As for the camera, they are either lying, or shot the movie so morbidly exposed that there was no way to save it in post. My vote is for the former, because the latter would negate the built-in levels that the Red One possesses to deter such exposure issues.

Toad Road (2012)

Two penises in 5 minutes

[31 December 2021]

Chompcrc here. This is hardly art, but I think they were going for some sort of real to life, gritty college kids thing. Why that involves male genitalia is beyond me. Oh, and lighting a guys butt hair on fire. It's no surprise that one of the actresses actually died of a drug overdose. Just because you can make a movie, doesn't mean you should.

The Last Matinee (2020)

A great Giallo throwback.

[7/10 · 9 December 2021]

Chompcrc here. This movie is a great throwback to the French Giallo films. The old school vibes are strong. It has great camera work, and even better color grading. I loved the slow motion sequences, especially the eyeballs tumbling down the stairs. Overall, it has a lot more to like than most modern horror. Check it out.

And the Devil Makes Three (2016)

Here me out, filmmakers.

[3/10 · 8 June 2021]

Chompcrc here. Did they run out of money at the end? Who did they kill? I must have missed something early on that explains it, because I just don't get it. Having said that, kudos for making the film. I have seen worse. I just need a tighter bow on the present. Keep going though. Early films are like market research that you can potentially receive gains from.

Cosmos (I) (2019)

The epitome of independent film.

[7/10 · 28 April 2020]

Chompcrc here. What a marvel of filmmaking. The results achieved here with no money are extraordinary. The Good - Great script, great acting, great set design, great lighting, great tension, great story, great use of location, great use of resources.

The Bad - Too many dolly shots. Not every scene needs a dolly zoom. That shot needs to be used as an artistic choice, not as the go-to shot. The music was too loud in certain scenes. The sound design was good, but the dialogue was hard to hear at times. Lastly, the cheese. There were a few moments of laser focused cheese, reminiscent of Frodo and Sam, gazing affectionately into each others eyes.

The Ugly - Nothing about a $7000 movie that works so well is ugly. I highly recommend Cosmos. Someone give these guys a budget.

Horror Movie: A Low Budget Nightmare (2017)

A revelation

[7/10 · 13 September 2019]

Chompcrc here. What a great documentary. These people put their all into Red Christmas, which is a good horror movie. I can't believe the director was able to accomplish what he did. My hat's off to you, Mr. Anderson. I look forward to your next project, and am happy to continue supporting you by paying to watch your films. I think I'm gonna go and watch Red Christmas again now.

House of the Witchdoctor (2013)

Potentially good, made by people with no potential.

[1/10 · 12 August 2019]

Chompcrc here. Man this was not good. The two criminals were so overly portrayed that it was just annoying. The little religious boy storyline was useless, and the twist was cheap and poorly acted by Bill Moseley. I hate to be mean, but he simply cannot act. A cult dressed like they are attending a costume party? What? Not to mention the horribly awkward sex scene, completely unnecessary nudity from the two girls, and totally cliche "it worked after all" ending. Just because you can make a movie, doesn't mean you should.

The Devil's Ground (2009)

Ending ruined it

[4/10 · 4 April 2019]

Chompcrc here. Will someone in the horror genre please figure out how to end a movie? Seriously. The movie was ok, but it needed an ending. You know what it didn't need? The drool. The killer did not need to be drooling. We get it... he's deformed because of the bad water. He did not need the drool. Just end your next movie.

The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot (2018)

Too many movie genres at once.

[4/10 · 3 April 2019]

Chompcrc here. I really wanted to like this. I'm a Sam Elliot fan, and my wife is practically in love with him. The problem with this film, is that it is trying to be too many genres at once. Had it been a straight war story it would've been fine. The inclusion of the Bigfoot storyline was just stupid. It didn't work, and really threw the rest of the film off. I know that Bigfoot was an allegory for the Soviet Union, but it just didn't work. The tone was not consistent, and at times, it felt almost like a parody. I got the sense of a fantastical alternate universe, as opposed to a story that could have really happened in real life.

Night of the Living Deb (2015)

Better than it should have been

[7/10 · 14 March 2019]

Chompcrc here. This is actually a pretty good movie. It hits all the major plot points, and I laughed out loud on numerous occasions. The lead actress is a revelation, and should definitely be way more famous than she is. Sure, a bigger budget Hollywood production would have looked and felt better, but this is as good as anything Hollywood heavy hitters are doing in the genre. Good job folks.

Machine Head (2011)

The glaring flaw that ruins it all.

[2/10 · 12 March 2019]

Chompcrc here. Ok, so despite the weak, unexplained plot, there is a flaw that can't be overlooked... WHY IN THE NAME OF ZEUS' BUTTHOLE DIDN'T THE BLONDE SHOOT THE GUY? I swear these people do this stuff on purpose. She had ample opportunity, right down to having the killer grab her from underneath a bed, to shoot the freaking guy, and she didn't do it. The gun was in her hand. Couldn't the actors have questioned it? It's obvious that the director doesn't have the first clue as to what he's doing, but the freaking gaffer could have brought it up or something. Come on. How elementary of an effort. And by the way, the twist makes no sense, and doesn't work... at all. Please take your ball and go home.

Evolution of Evil (I) (2018)

What on Earth was that?

[1/10 · 13 February 2019]

Chompcrc here. I'm sure there is some bigger meaning behind this heap, but I just don't get it. Wow, that was bad. Bad execution, poor writing, undeveloped plot. No ending whatsoever. Just seriously not good.

The Haunting of the Suicide House (2019)

Over acting at its finest.

[1/10 · 9 February 2019]

Chompcrc here. It shouldn't seem like the actors are acting in a found footage style horror movie. Everyone from the aggravating hosts to the interviewees are trying so hard that it's almost comical. There's nothing natural about any of the performances. The writing is pretty subpar as well. Kudos to the people for actually following through and makIng their movie. Hopefully they learned a lot about what not to do on this go around, and they'll do better next time.