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Extortion (2017)
Starts strong but goes downhill
Last night, i saw Extortion (2017) with high hopes, because the reviews were good, and the plot seemed interesting.
And it starts off as a thrilling ride.
The first two-thirds of the film excel in building a sense of urgency and desperation, drawing us into a tale of survival against nature's and human greed.
The vacationing family, the doctor and his wife and son, become stranded on a remote island after a boating mishap and the escalating tension and moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist are portrayed remarkably well.
However, the promising buildup takes an unfortunate turn in the final act, where the narrative begins to falter due to implausible situations. The descent into absurdity becomes more and more apparent as the once-grounded storyline travels into overly dramatic and unrealistic scenarios.
One such instance occurs when this doctor suddenly transforms into an action hero, navigating through dangerous situations with unrealistic ease. The transition feels forced and really doesn't align with the established tone of the movie.
Furthermore, the resolution of the plot relies heavily on convenient coincidences and improbable occurrences, further straining our suspension of disbelief.
In conclusion, "Extortion" is a nice little thriller with its intense premise and compelling build-up. However, its downfall in the final act is marked by implausible situations and a departure from its initial realism. Despite its flaws, the film remains a decent watch for those who can overlook its shortcomings in favor of its thrilling early sequences.
The Puppetman (2023)
An average entry to the 2023 horror genre.
The Puppetman is a horror movie directed by Brandon Christensen. The movie tells the story of Michal, the daughter of a convicted killer on death row who always maintained his innocence and claimed that an evil force controlled his body as he slaughtered his victims. Michal begins to suspect that there may be some truth to her father's claim when those around her begin to die in brutal ways. She must try and break the curse of The Puppetman before all her loved ones are killed.
Well, the Puppetman is a 2023 horror flick with a decent story, some blood and gore, decent acting, a few twists, nice photo and music/ambience and with a new spin on the occult and possession horror. But it falls short and fails to stand out, mainly because of the many clichés and its disjointed narrative. The plot holes are many, and towards the end the movie becomes even more nonsensical.
However the effects are well made, and some of the story line feels fresh. In my opinion, this one is just a little bit above average.
It's worth watching if you're into new entries in horror movies with some blood and gore, but don't expect too much.
Final score: 5.5.
The Nun II (2023)
One of the few movies, where the sequel is slightly better than the original
The Nun II is a sequel to the 2018 horror film The Nun, which was a spin-off of The Conjuring 2. The film follows Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga), who returns to France to investigate a series of mysterious deaths linked to the demonic nun Valak (Bonnie Aarons). Along the way, she reunites with Maurice (Jonas Bloquet), who was possessed by Valak in the first movie, and meets new allies and enemies.
The film is directed by Michael Chaves, who also helmed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. And perhaps that's why Chaves manages to create an atmosphere more in line with what he had done in the Conjuring series, thus promoting continuity not only in terms of history but also in terms of cinematography. He proves that he knows how to create atmospheric and suspenseful horror scenes, especially in the dark and eerie church where most of the action takes place. He also makes good use of the gothic and religious imagery, such as the paintings of saints, the crucifixes, and the stained-glass windows.
The cast does a decent job of portraying their characters, with Farmiga being the standout. Oddly I didn't know that she was Vera Farmiga's youger sibling, which I found interesting since Vera is the main protagonist in the movie where this spin-off was made. Well, but Taissa does a good job of bringing emotion and conviction to her role as Irene, who struggles with her faith and her destiny. Aarons is also fantastic as Valak, who is more menacing than in the first movie.
However, the Nun II has some flaws, as expected. This sequel, well, a bit like the first one, relies too much on jump scares and loud noises that get repetitive and predictable after a while and also does not explore much of the mythology or history of Valak, which could have added more depth.
Overall, The Nun II is in my opinion, an overall better film than its predecessor specially in terms of photography and cinematography.
It is not a masterpiece of modern horror, but it is a decent and entertaining entry in The Conjuring franchise.
6/10.
The Boogeyman (2023)
Uninspired and forgettable
"Boogeyman," a 2023 horror film directed by Rob Savage, is as forgettable, clichéd, and completely generic movie. The movie follows the standard formula of two young girls, who lost their mom, and must confront their fears in order to overcome a supernatural entity.
The film's forgettable nature stems from its lack of originality. It adheres closely to the tropes and conventions of the horror genre without bringing any new or innovative elements to the table and it fails to offer a fresh perspective or unique twists that would make it stand out.
Clichés are abundant throughout the movie. From jump scares triggered by sudden loud noises to the eerie and dimly lit atmosphere, the film relies heavily on tried-and-tested horror movie techniques that have been used in countless other films. Every standard horror movie trick is here.
The cinematography is well done, the acting is not bad, the movie itself is not awful, the but it's so uninspired that it becomes ultra boring. Also their decisions are absolutely mind-blowing, as no one remembers of keeping the lights on.
The Devil's Advocate (1997)
A brilliant devilish thriller
Devil's Advocate is an exceptional film that blends various genres, combining elements of psychological thriller, supernatural horror, and legal drama to create a truly mesmerizing movie. With its amazing performances and thought-provoking exploration of morality, this film stands as a masterclass in storytelling.
The film regards around Kevin Lomax, played flawlessly by Keanu Reeves, a young and truly ambitious lawyer who finds himself drawn into a world of seduction, corruption, and unimaginable temptation when he joins a prestigious law firm led by the enigmatic John Milton, portrayed with devilish charm by Al Pacino. The movie travels Lomax character's transformation from an idealistic attorney to a man grappling with his own moral compass. Pacino's performance is nothing short of amazing, infusing Milton with an irresistible charisma and sinister allure that dominates every scene he graces.
The movie explores themes of ambition, desire, and the price one is willing to pay for success. It runs into the darkest corners of human nature, forcing us to challenge the nature of good and evil, and even the choices we would make when faced with temptation. The screenplay, penned by Jonathan Lemkin and Tony Gilroy, is embed with sharp dialogue and intriguing twists that keep the us guessing while dwelling in a rich and atmospheric world that mirrors the moral ambiguity of the narrative. The cinematography is striking, utilizing shadows and dark hues to accentuate the film's sinister undertones. The production design impeccably captures the opulence and decadence of the legal world, providing a backdrop for the moral dilemmas.
Its supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances by Charlize Theron as Kevin Lomax's conflicted wife, Mary Ann, and Judith Ivey as Kevin's insightful mother, Alice. Theron brings a raw vulnerability, portraying Mary Ann's descent into madness with heartbreaking authenticity.
Devil's Advocate also benefits from an outstanding score, composed by James Newton Howard.
But this movie's impact extends beyond its thrilling narrative and stellar performances. It serves as a life tale, prompting us to examine our own moral compasses and question the price of success and power. It challenges our preconceived notions of right and wrong.
In every aspect, Devil's Advocate excels. From the performances to the thought-provoking exploration of morality, this movie is a triumph. If you seek this kind of experience, Devil's Advocate is a cinematic gem.
For me, one of the best movies of all time.
Strange Days (1995)
A masterpiece of modern cinema
From mind of James Cameron comes Strange Days, a groundbreaking film that transcends conventional storytelling and immerses us in a sensory journey like no other. It has an intricate narrative, captivating performances, and cutting-edge technical achievements, it stands as a testament to the power of cinema to push the boundaries of imagination and provoke profound introspection.
It takes place in the tumultuous final days of the 20th century, presenting a dystopian LA on the brink of chaos. It explores a future where technology blurs the line between reality and virtual reality, allowing people to experience the recorded memories and emotions of others. This concept, realized through the SQUID device, serves as a catalyst for a riveting exploration of identity, voyeurism, and the consequences of unbridled technological advancement. The lack of regulation and supervising of this new virtual reality also gives birth to an black-market where almost "snuff" movies are commercialized.
It's here that appears the character of Lenny Nero, portrayed with exceptional depth and nuance by Ralph Fiennes. Nero, a former cop turned black-market SQUID dealer, is an anti-hero whose journey of redemption and self-discovery serves as the emotional core of the narrative. Fiennes' magnetic performance captures the essence of Nero's desperate struggle, making us empathize with his flaws and root for his redemption. The supporting cast, led by Angela Bassett as the fierce and resilient Mace, delivers performances that complement Fiennes' brilliance.
Technically, Strange Days is a tour de force. With Kathryn Bigelow's impeccable direction, the film seamlessly blends stunning cinematography, visceral action sequences, and an electrifying soundtrack to create a sensory feast. Each frame is meticulously composed, capturing the gritty beauty of a decaying Los Angeles while juxtaposing it with the seductive allure of the SQUID-induced virtual reality. The immersive visuals and expert use of handheld cameras create a raw and kinetic energy that intensifies its emotional impact.
But what sets Strange Days apart is its profound exploration of themes and its ability to provoke thought and introspection. In true Cameron fashion, the film tackles pressing societal issues head-on. It fearlessly examines themes of police brutality, racial tensions, and the dangers of media saturation, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths about our own society. It serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to question the ethical implications of advancing technology and the potential consequences of unchecked power.
The movie strikes a perfect balance between character-driven moments of introspection and heart-pounding action sequences. With each twist and turn, the stakes heighten.
Despite its initial under-appreciation, Strange Days has rightfully been earning its place as a cult classic. For me, Strange Days is an absolute must-watch.
Wai dor lei ah yat ho (2010)
Thought provoking
Dream Home is a captivating movie that delves into the depths of human desperation and the lengths one might go to achieve their dreams. With its compelling narrative and powerful performances, this one manages to engage and leave a lasting impact.
The film centers around Cheng Lai-sheung, portrayed by Josie Ho, as she embarks on a quest to secure her dream home. What sets Dream Home apart is its exploration of the dark underbelly of the housing market and the societal pressures that drive individuals to extreme measures. The story strikes a delicate balance between suspense, drama, horror, and social commentary, creating a multifaceted narrative that keep us invested from start to finish.
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its ability to immerse in the protagonist's emotional journey. Josie Ho delivers a standout performance, showcasing the complex layers of Cheng Lai-sheung's character. Ho effortlessly conveys the character's determination, vulnerability, and the mounting desperation that drives her actions. Her portrayal allows us to empathize with Cheng Lai-sheung, despite the morally ambiguous choices she makes.
The storytelling is well executed. The film employs a non-linear narrative structure that adds depth and intrigue to the plot. Through flashbacks and cleverly interwoven timelines, we gain insight into the character's motivations and the events that shaped her. This nonlinear approach pieces together the puzzle of Cheng Lai-sheung's past while maintaining a sense of tension and unpredictability.
Visually, Dream Home is great. The cinematography captures the contrasting worlds of opulence and squalor, highlighting the vast divide between the rich and the struggling. It juxtaposes lavish high-rise apartments with the gritty reality of slums, creating a contrast that mirrors the themes of social inequality and the pursuit of the elusive dream.
In addition to its captivating narrative and strong performances, Dream Home also deserves praise for its social commentary. It sheds light on the harsh reality faced by many individuals in their pursuit of housing security, exposing the flaws and injustices in the system. The film prompts thought-provoking discussions about the lengths people are willing to go to achieve their dreams and the ethical implications of such actions.
While Dream Home succeeds in many aspects, it does have its flaws. The pacing, at times, feels uneven, with certain scenes dragging on longer than necessary. Additionally, a few subplots could have been further developed to enhance the overall cohesiveness of the story. It can also be too visceral for some sensitive people. Although it wasn't necessary to get the message across, I think it adds something different, which shocks us for being so grotesque and at the same time gives more impact to the narrative that it intends to build. This artistic direction is a matter of taste, but I liked it.
Despite these minor shortcomings, Dream Home remains a compelling film that tackles relevant social issues with nuance and depth. With its powerful performances and gripping narrative, it manages to leave a lasting impression. For those seeking a thought-provoking exploration of human desperation and the consequences of pursuing one's dreams, Dream Home is a great movie to watch.
The Boy Behind the Door (2020)
Promising premise derailed by poor execution
First of all, this movie had all the elements to be a tense and gripping thriller, but unfortunately, it failed to capitalize on its potential. What could have been an intriguing and suspenseful story ultimately fell flat, leaving a sense of disappointment and frustration.
The film begins with a compelling premise: two young boys, Bobby and Kevin, find themselves trapped in a horrifying situation when they are kidnapped and held captive in a seemingly abandoned house. This setup promised a nerve-wracking cat-and-mouse game that would keep us on the edge. However, the execution of this premise was lacking in several key areas.
One of the major issues with this movie is the lack of character development. Bobby and Kevin, the central characters, were never given enough depth or backstory to truly invest in their plight. Their motivations and personalities remained vague, making it difficult to empathize with their struggle or become emotionally invested in their survival. As a result, their actions and decisions often felt forced and unrealistic, undermining the tension and believability of the narrative.
Another problem was the film's pacing. Instead of maintaining a consistent rhythm that would build suspense, it stumbled with uneven pacing that hindered its ability to create and sustain tension. There were prolonged periods of stagnation and slow development, punctuated by brief bursts of action that felt rushed and poorly choreographed. This inconsistent pacing made it challenging to stay engaged and invested in the story, leading to a sense of detachment from the characters and their predicament.
Furthermore, the film suffered from a lack of originality in its execution. The narrative relied heavily on overused thriller tropes and clichés, making the overall experience feel derivative and predictable. The twists and turns, which should have been shocking and unexpected, were instead telegraphed and lacked impact. The lack of innovation and fresh ideas left us feeling like we had seen it all before.
The cinematography lacked creativity and failed to capture the claustrophobic atmosphere that should have permeated the film. The dimly lit scenes often obscured the action. Additionally, the production design of the house lacked attention to detail, further diminishing the sense of realism and immersion.
I had high hopes for this one, but the movie clearly failed to stay up to them.
Escape Room: Tournament of Champions (2021)
A disappointing Sequel that fails to deliver
Escape Room: Tournament of Champions had all the ingredients to be a thrilling follow-up to its predecessor, but unfortunately, it fell short in almost every aspect. As a fan of the original Escape Room, I was genuinely excited to see where the story would go and how the challenges would intensify. However, this sequel left me feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied.
One of the biggest letdowns was the lack of character development. The protagonists, who were already thinly written in the first film, failed to grow or show any depth in this installment. It felt like the writers simply threw them back into the game without exploring their backstories or motivations further. This made it difficult to care about their fate, and their survival ultimately felt inconsequential.
Another major flaw was the predictable and formulaic plot. The initial concept of an elaborate series of interconnected escape rooms was intriguing in the first movie, but in Tournament of Champions, it felt repetitive and uninspired. The challenges, despite being visually stunning, lacked the creativity and originality that made the original film engaging. Each room had no innovative or mind-bending twists to keep the audience on their toes.
The pacing was also a major issue. Rather than building tension gradually, the film jumped without allowing any room for suspense or anticipation to build. It felt rushed and disjointed, with characters screaming all over the place, preventing any real sense of immersion in the game. As a result, the impact of the life-or-death situations was greatly diminished.
Furthermore, the performances of the cast were mediocre at best. While the actors did their best with the material they were given, the dialogue felt clunky and forced. The chemistry between the characters was practically non-existent, making it hard to root for them or engage emotionally with their struggles.
Visually, the movie delivers. Beside lacking the creativity and attention to detail that the first movie gave, they are visually stunning. The cinematography is good but uninspired, failing to capture the tension and excitement that should have been present.
In the end, Escape Room: Tournament of Champions failed to capture the magic of its predecessor. It lacked originality, character development, and suspense, leaving me feeling disappointed and unfulfilled. While there were a few moments that managed to hold my attention, they were far too few and fleeting. As a fan of the original film, I had hoped for an exciting and innovative sequel, but instead, I was met with a lackluster and forgettable experience.
Resolution (2012)
Almost good
The film begins with the story of two friends. Michael wants to help his friend Chris solve his drug addiction problem, and then, in the face of his refusal to go to rehab, forces him to stay chained to a bed for 7 days to do it cold-turkey style.
It is an interesting premise, and it is precisely in the iteration between these two characters that the film is brilliant, since it manages to reproduce the chemistry in the middle of a credible drama quite well.
However, while the rehabilitation process is going on, there are a number of external factors that appear, from a mysterious lady at the window, to two addicted friends of Chris who want the product back, or a native who wants them to leave the house.
In the midst of this, some recordings start to appear in different types of media, which record the situations that are being experienced, in an increasingly closer perspective, both in physical and temporal terms.
Until the recordings go beyond the timeline itself, and start showing future events, to which Michael and Chris respond with altering the present in order to change the course of things.
It is here that the film fails to make the connection, it is great to show alternative paths and to hold the viewer's attention with the mystery and tension, but fails to connect the dots. In the meantime it ends up in suspension and with too many questions.
It is a film that brings a fresh and different story, in the middle of so many titles that are more of the same, but it still ends to fail short and not delivering, leaving a bitter taste of those who liked the build up but not the conclusion.
Martyrs (2015)
Not that bad
I went to see this movie last night with the lowest expectations possible. I've seen (and really liked) the original, and at the same time I've read so many horrible reviews that I thought I was going to see the worst movie ever.
Well, it stays miles from the original, but I don't understand all the bashing in the rating and reviews. Yes, I doesn't add anything new to the genre, and yes, It was way less inspiring than the original, but it stands itself like a regular movie. The interpretations are competent, the score also, and it has a coherent storyline.
I understand that most people are comparing it to the original one, but it's like comparing the last Evil Dead with Sam Raimi's work, or comparing the original Oldboy with the American version. They stand apart like two separate movies that share the same basis.
I don't regret seeing it, it doesn't have the "soul" the original had, but it's a 5/10 movie, it's not that bad.
La casa del fin de los tiempos (2013)
Not that clever
I generally don't write reviews but the high rating of this movie compelled me to do it.
This isn't a 7/10 movie, not even close, nor the premise is "so clever" as many users said. In fact the movie's closure opens so many plot holes that it seems almost like a Swiss cheese.
There are more movies in the same line, The Caller (for instance) is one of them, one which I didn't like also.
The performances are good, really, specially by the mother, but the story isn't that original, and when we see a movie that plays with time it has to be well done, because plot holes are easy to unfold. That's not the case, nor this is an horror movie as proclaimed, it defrauds the viewers expectations. This is a family drama with some thriller appointments. The mothers make up (when she is old) is not credible also.
I would give this movie a 5/10 for the great effort with a low budget and the actors performances, but the expectations delivered from the high ratings here had obliged me to give a 4/10 for the disappointment.
It Follows (2014)
Terrible Movie
I attended to this movie in MotelX festival, and I was really excited about this one. Haven't seen the trailer (i suppose there isn't one), but the reviews were all pretty positive, so I thought I was going for a nice little indie movie.
I was so wrong... the movie opens up pretty well, but from there on it's a downhill. We have an entity with sinister purposes that is passed by sexual intercourse. If it kills the "host" than it will follow the previous one, and the only way to pass the "curse" is to have sex with another person.
It's not a very intelligent premise at all, and all the "hosts" could have passed it to a hooker or something and none (perhaps only the last one) does it. We don't know how the "curse" appeared, what motive does it have... the movie makes absolutely no sense. And it's not even scary, it relies on cheap jump scares, and it gets to be ridiculous at times.
The performances and photography aren't bad, but the script is so poor that gives me chills.
Really one of the WORST movies I've seen at a Film Festival, and I have seen many.
The Caller (2011)
Nice concept... but poorly executed.
I saw this movie last night with high expectations since I had read some interesting reviews about it.
But i was disappointed. The movie starts with a nice build up... a young girl (Mary Kee) is on a divorce and moves to a new apartment to start a new life, and that's where some strange calls begin.
A woman, Rose, insistently calls, we realize that she is depressed and with some problems. Mary begins to think that something is wrong ... and that there is a connection of those calls with something that happened earlier in that house.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
So far so good, the problem starts when we begin to understand the relationship between calls, Rose and Mary. And the repercussions of the actions that take place are ridiculous because they cause several continuity problems, making the story completely absurd.
At the end we realize that nothing makes sense, because some actions should impact others... and well, they do, but only sometimes. The present of the main character (her choices, and even her state of mind) should be altered by Rose's previous actions, and that doesn't happen.
Ie, being burned while young, she would certainly develop a lot of complexes during youth, probably would not even be with the same man. Surely her life would have taken a completely different direction, moreover after the trauma of having killed someone. Her storyline would have been completely redefined.
The premise is interesting, but the script is so poorly developed...