matdog321 Reviews

The Outwaters (2022)

Concept is scary on paper, what we get however...

[2/10 · 19 February 2023]

I want to preface this review by saying I did not finish the final 40 minutes of this film. Take my review with a grain of credibility, but I think I saw enough warning signs to know this wasn't for me.

The Outwaters has to be one of the biggest disappointments in my life and that is not an understatement, i had been waiting to see this film since it's initial buzz and can't help but feel disconnected to cosmic and body horror, i was completely let down with the actual contents of the film despite having about 45 minutes left, i did not care. Maybe this is my fault for intentionally trying to keep the plot elements vague from finding out what happens.

The basic gist of the film is that a group of friends are going to help each other shoot some stuff in the desert because of them is an artist. I'm seeing a lot of reviews saying the initial set up is a tedious bore, but that was my favorite part of it all to be honest. Being a musician myself I just really loved seeing this group of friends DIY the hell out of a music video for their little indie singer friend. I even loved the volleying and (i'm guessing improvisational) banter, it's when we get to the third card that film completely goes in a direction I immediately lost interest.

I was intrigued for the first couple minutes of this sequence, unsettled even. The film opens strong and the third card was starting to show hints of that exact tension-building fear, and then *fart noise* ... it pooped the bed. Ultimately my interest and fear were evaporated as soon we see the leading events, I hate that I feel I could take this concept and do something better, I hate that I'm writing that in this review as if I know frick all about the hard work and ambition it took to make this, still, as a viewer I just did not vibe. I knew the mundane shots of curtains were a red flag but I kept going, my mistake.

The sound mix is also disappointing, there are several scenes where the group are spooked at night because of the sound of odd thunder, it sounds like a canon exploding. This isnt the problem, the problem is that it's supposed to be coming from outside of a tent in the middle of a desert and yet it sounds like the most flat, pasted on FX mp3 file in Post. I'm not sure how the sound was actually made, but I did not feel immersed and the atmosphere was just not there. It wasn't like the creepy baby crying in the Blair Witch Project, where it sounded so faint and coming from any direction. I just feel if half of the "scary" moments are coming from a pitch black screen and creepy noises, have those noises be the best noises ive ever heard, or at LEAST above the quality grade of a youtube video.

I guess while I'm talking bad about how cheap this feels I think one of the worst parts about the beginning of the film was showing me these earthquake scenes where the director is clearly just shaking the camera and then swinging a lamp before pressing record again to make it look like those lamps are reeling back and forth from these pesky LA tectonic plates. These types of mundane filmmaking ideas really bothered me because I don't want to feel smarter than the movie I am watching. I want to watch a movie completely puzzled and unnerved by how they pulled something off, so thank you The Outwaters for making me feel like a prick for thinking my imagination for this movie was better than what I got.

So at the beginning of the film we learn these "3 cards" were picked up and edited chronologically as raw evidence/footage for us to view right? Adding experimental shots and ominous background music does not make any sense and completely takes me out of that immersion. Like is that my fault that I wore such good headphones? Maybe this will work better for me on my busted 2014 Smart Tv? I hope one day I come around because I did see potential and that was the entire reason I had so much hype in the first place, it wasnt so much the word of mouth but how much i've been craving a found footage film that feels found.

Probably won't give this another chance even if a friend of mine absolutely insisted i watch the final 40-ish minutes, i just feel like I could see behind the curtain too many times. The weaknesses weren't hidden as well as i had hoped.

Brightburn (2019)

Don't go in expecting "Superman as Horror," think more "Orphan With Super Powers"

[7/10 · 25 May 2019]

I just got home from the movie, and I decided to write a review based solely on how satisfied I found myself with the movie. It rarely happens that I am pleased with a slasher-type horror: pacing can be off, characters can be unlikable, and the kills are off-screen or boring. I think Brightburn hit the mark on all 3 of these things. They even have infamous tropes from horror movie cliches, but it works because of this unique spin on them.

I say that this movie is more like Orphan because while it is heavily focused on the "What If" situation of Superman becoming bad, it follows the familiar formula of a psychological thriller with a killer kid. Having said that, that is not necessarily a bad thing when you add superpowers to the mix, instead, you walk away with something fresh and fun. I'm not even the biggest fan of superhero films, the horror aspect was what got me to buy a ticket, and I have to say even the origin of Brandon Breyers was impressive.

I have always been a fan of Elizabeth Banks, but I think she is especially likable in this film as the mother who doesn't want to believe that her son is actually evil. You feel that she is clinging onto anything to believe her son still has good in him and feel for her character. The father is also empathetic but I didn't think he stood out as much as Banks. The kid playing Brandon was also just okay, but I have to say the way they shot him staring at people from far away was very effective and creepy.

Overall, I was very pleased with this film because I treated it like a low budget slasher flick, I didn't watch any of the commercials so I didn't really know what I was getting into besides the basic plot premise, and I wasn't let down. And I am so glad they take advantage of the R rating, I missed a good amount of gore being sprinkled throughout Hollywood horror. I would say don't expect anything game changing, this is simply a unique spin on a by-th- numbers killer kid thriller.

Happy Death Day 2U (2019)

Awesome Follow Up for Fans of The Original.

[8/10 · 14 February 2019]

I am a huge fan of the first film. In a wave of cashgrab horror movies that spill out every year the first film felt like a lot of care was put into it. The characters were likable, the suspense scenes were excellent, and the comedy aspect didn't sour the movie. Moving on to the sequel though, audiences can expect a much more comedic tone than the first with the who-dun-it aspect being thrown to the backseat and the character's relationships being put in the forefront. That doesn't necessarily make the movie boring or without suspense. With it's sequel, our protagonist Tree finds herself in another dimension where not only she is targeted but her friends as well, and if she wants to get out of the loop again she must figure out a way to survive the day along with her friends or they will be gone forever. This change in plot causes a lot of suicide in Tree's limitless lives, more so than an actual killer getting the job done. This might sour some viewers that are expecting another campy slasher that the first film executed well for a PG-13 film, but personally, I saw it as a huge character arc that Tree is now capable of handling the killer by herself, but uses her loop as an advantage to save others from being dead forever. It was impressive to see even minor characters return for this film just for the sake of skipping plotholes since the day resets to the day we are familiar with in part 1 towards the second act. Without spoilers, just to name a few returning minor characters there are scenes with the asian sorority sister, the doctor Tree was having an affair with along with is wife, and even Tim, the boy interested in Tree that has a secret revealed in part 1 that I won't spoil if you haven't seen. Which brings me to another point, I strongly suggest renting the first if you haven't seen it, and would also recommend for a rewatch just to recap everything. The movie does a fine job of doing that in a small scene, but when the day resets in THIS movie, some things are different. And you might not catch them if you don't remember the movie that well! I thought they were fun, dedicated twists that kept loyal fans of the movie intrigued. And with this amount of detail put into the sequel, I can safely say the movie was handled with just as much care as the first. The makers of this movie, including Director Christopher Landon, clearly have these characters and this world stored in a place in their heart. The secondary characters like bitchy Danielle, Nerdy friend Ryan, and even new characters that are crucial to Tree's storyline, all are handled perfectly with it's script and development from the first that make it a somewhat nice reunion to see them again, like a good season 2 of any show. And this goes without saying that Jessica Rothe AKA Tree is brilliant here. Jessica carries Tree's character and the rest of this movie on her back with her level of emotion and comedic timing. There are quite a few heart tugging scenes that would definitely fall flat if it wasn't for Jessica Rothe displaying such raw emotion for a campy Rom Com Horror. Having said that, Happy Death Day 2U is short on scares, but that's not to say there aren't suspenseful scenes, because there are (the hospital chase scene with Tree and Lori for instance is one of the films best scenes) but if you walk in expecting a thriller/horror comedy, you will be disappointed to see that the movie plays out like a Sci-Fi comedy, masked as a horror film. Which, is why I have to give it 8 stars instead of 10. I think the movie would have benefitted if it had left science out of the franchise all together. Because of the scientific aspect, the film asks the audience to believe certain things that just make things too far fetched to handle. And once the film unravels as a sort of Back To The Future knockoff rather than a Groundhog Day one, this shoves the potentially iconic babymask killer to the back for Tree and her multi-dimension subplot to fully take over. But, overall, having these Back to the Future comparisons doesn't hurt the film. This movie did what any good sequel should, and that's to tell an original story without jumping the shark, and I think the film managed to make use of it's 1 Hr and 40 min run time perfectly, because not once was I bored. In fact, I had a blast seeing it. But I might be biased because some people in fact, did not like the original at all where as I helmed it as a favorite of that year. So with that I say, if you didn't like the first Happy Death Day, Happy Death Day 2U won't leave you feeling happy.

Assassination Nation (2018)

What are you doing on IMDB?

[9/10 · 22 September 2018]

Assassination Nation is a "modern" take on the Salem witch trials, which, coincidentally takes place in Salem. Once a hacker starts exposing deep secrets from the townspeople ranging from the mayor to the principal to the students, all hell breaks loose. And when main protagonist Lily along with her 3 girlfriends are blamed, they find themselves fighting for their lives. I loved every minute of this film, the cinematography was not only stylish but necessary, avoiding borderline pretentious arthouse that leaves you feeling robbed. If you are going in for the violence, you won't get much of til half way into the film, but when it does come, it is a very satisfying and adrenaline filled rush. That's not to say I didn't feel exhausted from this film by the time we reached the last 5 minutes, but only because this story took quite a bit to spiral out of control that by the time sh*t hits the fan, you are left feeling quite full with what you are fed in the final act. I say this because if you are expecting those 4 girls to absolutely obliterate a whole mob of angry people, you will be disappointed to hear that the film ends before we see that carnage, but what you do see is fulfilling enough to forgive that cliche copout, which is why I take one star away from an otherwise perfect film. If you are the type of person that thinks 4 girls talking about male genitals and whose nude pictures they have on their phones, you might be a bit annoyed with our leads. But as for me, I loved every second they were on screen. Not to mention the polarizing use of modern trap music and the booming bass constantly playing in-between scenes and in the background that compliments the 4 girls aesthetics, whether they are simply walking down the school halls or doing something mischievous that will ultimately have consequences by the time things start going south. I ask you why you are on iMDB because, it's not that this movie is some "snowflake" SJW horror film trying to bombard you with the words "trigger warning" but that it is very political and seeing how the Purge movies are received, I highly doubt this movie won't take a beating from a few bothered people. Enjoy this movie for the hilarious and disturbing outcome of what happens when a paranoid town resorts to gory violence. You may walk away feeling pleasantly surprised

Support the Girls (2018)

Well, I liked it

[7/10 · 30 August 2018]

Support The Girls was an odd one. It started off promising as an offbeat comedy drama, then steered completely into drama territory. Regina Hall as an always-positive-strict-and-firm-manager was charming to watch as she desperately tried to weave through multiple problems at once during the early morning, stealing almost every scene she's in, and the supporting characters (mostly the girls employed by Regina's character) carry the film well too, especially during scenes of Regina intereacting with these girls almost like a surrogate. For the most part it was interesting to see the work relations of these characters, becoming more evident as the movie went on that the supposed "sisterhood" of these employees that is mentioned early in the film isn't just work motivation but what feels like an actual family. If you like independent dramas then check this out, but if you are expecting an easy string along plot with a feel good vibe avoid this one. I'm not sure what the complete message of it was, but admittedly in the end I was left wanting more. That's not to discredit the touching ending of how a manager and her employees share a thick as blood bond even after the chaos that ensues, which is what pushed me to write this review because I thought at least that deserved some praise, but the climax leading up to the final scenes just felt very rushed and hard to process exactly what it was all for. Some might say this was a boring film but it worked for me, it kept me interested to see how it would all unfold, eagerly waiting for an either positive or negative outcome for each little problem our protagonist dealt with, if you stumbled across this movie and were intrigued enough to look at the reviews, just see it for yourself. It's by no means terrible.

The Babysitter (I) (2017)

If you find this film mediocre you probably haven't seen many horror movies lately

[7/10 · 14 October 2017]

Going into The Babysitter, (having just got back from the Happy Death Day premiere) I can say I had no clue of what was to come besides the beginning (thanks to the spoiler-ly trailer, avoid it at all costs!) so i was pleasantly surprised with it. Netflix has a reputation of creating rather good original movies, this probably won't be considered one of them judging from the harsh reviews on here. But can i just say, the idiot that rated this 1 star and said it was "so bad" that he had to cancel his Netflix subscription is the reason I decided to write up this review. For one, this is a Friday the 13th release, revving up audiences for a splendid Halloween this year with decent horror movies. With that, how do you not expect some clichés and classic horror tropes? The one movie that finally decided you should cancel your subscription was an almost-parody of slasher films, well I guess the joke is on you. Your payment or lack there of, is not affecting anyone. Netflix doesn't care, the director of this film doesn't care, and we sure as hell don't. The film is fine, the acting is sub-par from the leads (with the exception of the always terrible Bella Thorne & King Bach) but what do you expect? There are plenty of award winning drama's on Netflix that might suit you more than "The Babysitter". My second point is, the film is far from mediocre in my opinion. I have seen many horror movies, many home invasion movies, many slashers, and many horror comedies. If were talking 2010's, almost none of them are more than 1 dimensional cash grabs and shock value filled snooze-fests. This film has heart, and while it does have a few cringe lines you can tell the cast and crew had a lot of fun with this. I couldn't have guessed the movie unfolding like it did, let alone the final act (I think there is a line in the end that also states how surprised they were) and I'm glad to have been treated to this movie which was sort of like a weird mix of Home Alone meets The Loved Ones meets Scream. I also read that the film was shelved for a couple years before release, and I can see why. It's very hard to sell this movie idea with such taboo topics such as a kid being the protagonist from a devil worshiping cult hellbent on murdering him. But if you're still down to see this movie then you won't be disappointed. Fans of slasher movies and gore are sure to love this film more than the average viewer, but to say this film is mediocre and Netflix-cancel-worthy, please shut up. You're opinion is you're opinion but being outraged over this film is laughable and I would hate to be that boring.

Carnage Park (2016)

Doesn't deserve this low rating

[8/10 · 9 July 2016]

Carnage Park is one of those thrillers that will probably disgust the regular audience, but will leave horror buffs completely unbothered. As soon as this film started I knew it was one of the good ones. This movie is balls to the wall suspense.The crazy flashing images were just a plus. Ashley Bell is a fantastic actress, Im not one to study movement or expressions but she really shined through in a movie that really just is a typical game of Cat & Mouse. The formula has been done before, but it works for me because of its stylish feel. I appreciate some of the shots of the film, such as a ditch being in the middle of our focus from birds eye view, and our main actress walking around it. The acting from the others are a bit cringe worthy but despite them the suspense and tension still never wears off. I went into this with high expectations (expecting a popcorn type of thriller of course,) and for the most part it was worth while. Check it out when it comes to Redbox or possibly Netflix.

Most Likely to Die (2015)

A fun mess

[8/10 · 24 May 2016]

The movie took awhile to get going, meaning we had to sit through about 20 minutes of mindless talking before any suspense happens. The characters were all likable, some made dumb decisions, but the ones that didn't shine through. The film also breaks some stereotypes in the slasher sub-genre such as the black man not dying first or the final girl having more substance like an expert poker playing history. The death scenes are creative yet silly. One in particular really surprised me and fulfilled my gore-hound needs. The others, not so much. The effects are pretty decent though, compared to some slashers that murder their victims off screen, this one isn't afraid to use practical effects. The acting is so-so, the worst being from the supermodel typecast. The chase scenes are also noteworthy, I was surprised at how into them i was due to its tense atmosphere. Its not great, but I've seen some pretty lousy slasher films these past few years. And this one was like a light at the end of the tunnel. Oh, and i don't care how good Perez Hiltons acting was, F*ck him.

Emelie (2015)

Gripping. Goes into territories far too uncomfortable

[10/10 · 11 March 2016]

I might be a little biased for this review, but i loved it personally. As a big brother, i have an overly protective sense when it comes to my younger siblings. That feeling was kept with me from the last shot of this film. Emelie focuses on a twisted babysitter terrorizing the children with sadistic games. What i liked about Emelie is that the content in this film is never shoved in your face. The violence and nudity are almost absent. But that doesn't mean Emelie plays it safe. There are many hard-to-watch moments in this film. The fact that the film is not overly explicit gives you sense that you are watching something of a PG-13/Tv Movie, until a bizarre act totally catches you off guard. You can never feel safe watching, you don't know what the sitter has planned next, or what her motives are. You just know from the get go she's not who she says she is. Which is another thing i loved about this film, it doesn't have a subtle approach to the audience about the villain being revealed. It is already obvious within the first 5 minutes of the movie. The children are fantastic and honestly adorable, so you don't have to worry about any annoying child actors or obnoxious behavior. The youngest of the group is the real star of the film, without him it wouldn't be as sympathetic, and raw. The ultimate fear is that something will happen to these kids who are so innocent, and they completely follow Emelie's rules because of their trust in her. It can be truly heartbreaking especially in about 2 scenes in this film. I recommend it to anyone looking for a thriller that will stick with you, but i advise caution to any parent who frequently hires a sitter or even has a child at all.

Trainwreck (2015)

Amazingly impressive and never goes dull.

[9/10 · 18 July 2015]

Heres my problem with Bridesmaids,This is 40, The Five Year Engagement or any other comedy along the lines of those. They run about for 2 hours, and almost drains me. Trainwreck, is not the case. It follows Amy (Schumer), a magazine writer who is assigned an interview for a sports doctor(Hader). As soon as the movie started, i was pretty much sold on the acting. I've seen about one Amy Schumer stand-up and i own an audio show from itunes. Shes not exactly under rated, but i just appeal to her humor more.Bill Hader on the other hand, was my personal favorite of SNL beside Kristin Wiig. He usually played goofy characters so i was pleasantly surprised at his character structure, kind of a serious but not-so-serious attitude which i thought blended well against Amy's personality, who literally seems to make a joke about everything. Now I've never seen her show, so leaving the theater i was shocked at how well she portrayed her role. Well given the fact that her character is Amy, i expected the same sarcastic attitude she does in her comedy. I don't mind that, as a i said before I'm a fan of it. Which i think is a good approach for a breakout role, this was a personal role and she nailed it. It could almost be based on her entire life but i don't know that for sure. i wouldn't be surprised if it was. As for the romance, it just felt so real to me, rather than authentic. All thanks to Bill Hader, his dorky attitude and sense of humor really grew onto me. His whole friendship with Lebron James is side splitting. I also enjoyed John Cenas role, for what he was given he nailed the lines, years of WWE acting experience and he can still pull a punchline. "You know what i do to *ssholes? i lick em'!" There's plenty of one liners in this film that me and my friends were repeating as we walked out the theater. As i said before, 2 hour comedies really drag and wear me out but this did not. It has its drama in there, but it was solid. I almost didn't want it to end. Of course there were minor (minor) flaws. Such as the Matthew Broderick cameo along with the other people i didn't know in the intervention scene. But thats nit-picking. Watching Amy's character develop throughout was a pleaser in itself. I'd recommend this to anyone with a joy for smart-asses and romantic comedy.

Also! The whole scene where the girls are telling stories at the bridal shower was a bit from her stand up that i watched, it was even more hilarious hearing it the second time.

Edit: I went on other reviews to troll but i was surprised at how many people found her humor insane and sinful. One user pointed out that we should all see Paul Blart 2, just because Amy Schumer compliments her dead mothers Breasts and then makes fun of her. I gagged a little, if that isn't your sense of humor please don't recommend a PG comedy full of fart jokes and slapstick humor. From the trailer, you must read Sex comedy? Right?

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (2012)

wasn't what i expected

[7/10 · 18 November 2012]

wow, if there's any definition of surprise. its that a twilight movie was actually good. before i get into this movie i wanna point out that in one part of the movie, i was completely shocked at what had happened. i was wondering if my friends saw the same movie i did, because this part of the movie had screwed me over in a way that i loved! everyone had been tricked and went "AWWWW." i was pleasantly surprised that this scene saved the film. i hated every single movie except eclipse. but the weather was always breath taking, and made me feel at ease, I'm one for gloomy weather because thats when i think most. the movies color is captured so perfect i could practically feel the temperature. and we all know Bella is now a vampire, i don't know if she knew this herself but there has never been more expression in her face than in this film. i guess she played dead for a teenager, and looked alive and happy when she was a dead bloodsucker. because forget logic. besides that, every character gets enough screen time, the whole movie consists of gathering a group of vampires to witness a problem that the lead vampires wont believe. all the vampires that are recruited get enough detail to know they are there, so your not left wondering who the hell died. Jacob also made fun of himself in this film, he is SO sensitive and pouty, i don't see why girls like him. i went to see this with three of my twi-hard cousins, and 2 of my cousins that hated these films. I'm in the middle, i find something interesting in these films that people don't. all in all, for a twilight movie it was really good, starts cheesy, goes hardcore in the climax, and then goes cheesy for the last 3 minutes, and for the 40 year olds crying that its the end. calm down, because with the money they make i wouldn't be surprised if they made a prequel or had the author write another book. i give it a 7/10 for pulling a trick on the audience, and wowing us for a last film. if you think about it, the climax is the only true amazing thing in the film, they could have made the film with only 1 part, but expand it to 3 hours and cut out the crap Bella had to go through when she was pregnant. and for the last note, the baby is obviously CGI, but it is the cutest little thing i have ever seen in computer graphics. give it a shot if your thinking about giving these movies 1 more chance.

Paranormal Activity 4 (2012)

it was actually good, well maybe it wasn't?

[8/10 · 27 October 2012]

OK, i made an account just to save this movie from bad reviews, i actually thought it was OK, i didn't even get the whole package, i watched the studio copy at my house, and thought it was creepy, at the least. the movie is a huge step back-wards from the others like everyone said, but i don't remember the 3rd one wow-ing me like this one. the ending once again leaves puzzles unsolved but thats what leaves you wanting more, i guess everyone who dislikes these kind of movies can call these their guilty pleasure, because you know its going to be bad, but you want to see what happens, but this film feels almost fake, if you ask me. the parents never believe the young girl, even when the paranormal attack her. the inevitable almost doesn't exist to the parents, even when there kitchen objects disappear. there are also two kids in this movie, you don't know which one might be 'hunter,' when they could have just used one kid, to make you suspect he was hunter all along. but i wont reveal if he is or not, i don't think the movie even reveals it. but what i liked was the change of scares, there were less slamming of doors and more violent activity, i guess the reason i liked this one is because i expected it to be bad, not that is was, but i had high hopes for 3 and was extremely disappointed, mostly because of the false commercials that didn't show any of it in the actual film. my advice is to go in, expecting a bad sequel, ignore the previews, and enjoy the film. the boyfriend is what saves the movie by the way, he will make you giggle at least once, but he also takes away the creepiness of all the stuff happening, i also do like the kinect feature, i just wish they could have done more with that

Mother's Day (I) (2010)

very tensing!

[10/10 · 27 October 2012]

this movie gave me such a pound in my heart, i am a fan of briana evigan, and since these victims in the film have to go through many deadly risks, ill say it kept me on the edge of my seat, hoping she or the other characters i liked wouldn't die, i give this a ten, because not a lot of movies give me that. i say you try to like a character, and hope they don't get killed by these criminals, i usually don't have high hopes for these kind of straight to DVD movies, but this was just WOW. i had no expectations and no idea what this was about, and the fact that some characters were shown not dead yet, made you root for them once more, and for the first time i have seen, the slutty extra lasts up to the final 10 minutes of the film, they usually don't stick around that long, i give her character and writer props, for keeping the kill order un- expected.