HOPSQUIAT Reviews

Candyman (2021)

Visually stunning

[7/10 · 1 January 2022]

Nia DaCosta is going to be a star. This is a beautifully directed movie. I'm excited to see where her career goes. The cast is great. Everyone looks beautiful on screen. The acting is awesome. The biggest issue I had was the ending felt rushed, the villain's master plan is confusing, and I'm mixed on the multiple Candyman idea. Also, you can see the twist from a mile away. Other than that it's a great social thriller with a body horror element. I just wish they stuck the landing better.

Some people complain about the social commentary, and it can be heavy handed at times, but I watch movies to see the world as the characters see it. Right or wrong it's how they feel. They may be more blunt in their feelings, but sometimes when you church things up and make it easily digestible, people miss the point or shape it to fit how they think. I liked that the movie didn't pull any punches.

I would love to see a sequel and see where Anthony's character goes.

Unhinged (I) (2020)

I don't even get a courtesy tap first..................

[6/10 · 19 December 2020]

This movie is fun. It gets straight to the point. It knows what it is, and it is entertaining from beginning to end. It isn't the best movie in the world, but I was locked in from beginning to end.

A lady is rude to Russell Crowe and he goes crazy. That's pretty much the plot. Russell Crowe is angry the whole movie and he is crazy good in the movie. This movie makes you think about how you treat others on the road.

The car crashes are over the time and I found myself a lot of times saying WHOAAAA which is a plus.

Check out the movie. Its fun and very entertaining. Too much cell phone usage though.

Child's Play (2019)

One of my the best horror remakes I have ever seen.

[7/10 · 19 December 2020]

I had LOW expectations for this movie. I didn't like Chucky's new look from the trailers, and I am a big fan of the original series (1-Bride of Chucky). But I will say this movie was great. I loved Mark Hamill's Chucky and I think at its core its a movie about friendship and the crazy way we perceive violence in our society.

The story is pretty much the same, but they take out the whole voodoo curse element and the body swapping concept. Its really Chucky for the tech age. I really liked the changes. I think even back to the original, if the audience is given doubt as to whether it is Chucky or Andy doing the killing, it would be a more interesting movie. This movie kind of hints at that idea, but we know its Chucky so it is what it is. Andy gets the doll, he likes the doll, doll goes crazy, havoc ensues...Thats the plot.

The cast is amazing. Gabriel Bateman is a great actor. He really holds this movie together. If he isn't effective, the movie doesn't work. I love Mark Hamill's Chucky, he is completely different and just as scary. Aubrey Plaza is great and my guy Paper Boi (Brian Tyree Henry) is great in the movie too.

As a horror movie, it does have a couple jump scares and it isn't really scary, but its still suspenseful, funny, and fun. Also the Buddi song is amazing. LOVE IT.

Check this movie out. I think it is on par with Child's Play 2.

Series ranked best to worst Child's Play Child's Play 2 Child's Play (2019) Child's Play 3 Curse of Chucky Bride of Chucky Cult of Chucky Seed of Chucky

Knock Knock (I) (2015)

IT WAS FREE PIZZA!!!!!!!!!! Entertaining Movie

[6/10 · 26 November 2020]

No this isn't a great movie, but it is entertaining from beginning to end. I was fully invested. It made me ask myself a lot of questions as great art should. Just take the movie for what it is and don't take it too seriously. Just be faithful even if two beautiful women just show up at your door. Stay faithful and be loyal. That's what I got from the movie. The cast is amazing and I really felt for the characters. Eli Roth has a very weird filmography, but I've never seen a boring Eli Roth movie.

Check the movie out. I was surprised to seeing people finally find it. Its a fun erotic thriller, not the best and certainly not the worst, but its worth checking out. Louis is the best character in the movie though. HAD ME WEAK!

The Invisible Man (I) (2020)

Liked it the first time I saw it, LOVED IT the second time.

[8/10 · 26 November 2020]

This is a great movie that only really works because of one person. ELIZABETH MOSS. She carries this movie and she is amazing in it. The rest of the cast is great too but she is amazing. It portrays a toxic and abusive relationship very well and Moss gets across the pain she went through without us even seeing it. The Invisible Suit thing can be slightly cheesy, but it doesn't hurt the message of the movie. It is very well made. The production design is amazing and the action is pretty intense as well. It does raise a lot of questions, but I think its a good thing.

Check it out. I really like this movie.

Dead Presidents (1995)

A flawed yet great movie.

[7/10 · 26 November 2020]

This is a powerful movie. Its about Anthony Curtis (Larenz Tate) and his journey from wide eyed teenager/Marine recruit to a broken down, battered, broke and struggling black man during the 60s-70s. He's been abandoned by the country that he loves but doesn't really love him. He has to resort to a scatterbrained bank robbery with his friends just to make it.

POSTIVES Larenz Tate and the whole cast is amazing. It is star studded with black movie royalty. Keith David, N'Bushe Wright, Chris Tucker, Terrance Howard mane, Bookeem Woodbine and many many more. Larenz Tate carries the movie though. He is a very underrated actor. He can turn the switch on from happy to angry in a split second. The subject matter is also excellent with the backdrop of the Vietnam War and how black and brown soldiers were treated once they returned home. It often gets overlooked in Hollywood movies.

NEGATIVES The first half is amazing, the climax/ending is kind of rushed. Also the Vietnam section goes on a little too long. I appreciate the ambition though. It just feels like a completely different movie. They go from planning a bank robbery to just doing it. Nobody questions it, and it just happens. N'Bushe Wright's character should have been in the movie more. The Vietnam scene while effective, is a little bit too overly violent, not saying that War isn't hell, but it gets to the point of being overly grewsome.

Overall, I still like the movie. Its is entertaining from beginning to the end. It has problems but boy is it ambitious.

Bad Hair (2020)

First half was great.................

[6/10 · 28 October 2020]

I really wanted to love this movie. I love social horror and I think its very important that those stories are told. Horror is often told through the perspective of a "it couldn't happen here" vibe, but expressing that horror affects everybody, not just kids and rich folks in the suburbs is important. I think its fine overall. If it were like a Tales from the Crypt episode or a Twilight Zone episode, I would think it was great. As a movie, its uneven. The first half is great. The second half gets messy.

PROS I loved the main character Anna. I thought she was beautiful and she commanded the screen. Perms are no joke. The natural hair movement is crucial. I felt for her character trying to fit in. I've felt the same way. The whole idea of wanting to be yourself and express yourself freely but people trying to mold you and shape you into being something you aren't for the sake of getting ahead. I loved that element. You really feel for her. I liked the 80s-early 90s setting of the film. I liked the characters. I really like Lena Waithe. The scene where Laverne Cox does her hair..SHEEEEESH. That was tough. Best scene in the movie.

CONS The second half? The backstory? The origin? The message? What really happened? All of it, just seemed rushed. The special effects even take a step down. It really wasn't even necessary.

Final Verdict Check it out if you want. Its not much to do otherwise. I wish it was more complete. I'm excited for Justin Simeon's future work. I think he is talented and he will get better with each film. Keep winning.

Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991)

DON'T FALL ASLEEP TO DREAM!

[6/10 · 25 October 2020]

Rachel Talalay really gives it her all with this movie. She gets her chance to direct and she goes for it. It is very entertaining and off the wall. It isn't really scary at all and its very cheesy, but I think the filmmakers are aware that Freddy had pretty much wore out his welcome at that point.

I can't really explain the plot. I just know it has something to do with Freddy's daughter. Its one of those movies you really don't take too seriously.

I really liked the characters. I thought Lisa Zane had an awesome performance and the kids all had unique and interesting backgrounds. The subject matter gets really intense at times. You wouldn't really expect it in a Freddy movie. Freddy is great as usual. His look isn't the best. He's like light pink in the movie.

The best part of the movie is the montage at the end. Also the soundtrack is awesome. The Goo Goo Dolls have a great opening track for the movie.

Check it out! Its supposed to be the end of the series....It isn't.

Lovecraft Country: Strange Case (2020) Season 1, Episode 5

INCREDIBLE EFFECTS! BODY HORROR WITH A MESSAGE!

[10/10 · 24 October 2020]

This episode is beautiful and terrifying at the same time. I love body horror so this episode was absolutely for me. However, the best thing about this episode is that we can see how oppressed people can easily become the oppressor if we they don't check their power. Ruby shapeshifts into a white woman and she begins to see the world differently in terms of her opportunities and how others are treated around her.

Ruby's challenge is what she chooses to do with this power and privilege. Will she use it for good or will she become the very people who treat her like she is worthless? This is an amazing question and it expands her character wonderfully.

Great episode. Very weird, yet beautiful.

Lovecraft Country: Sundown (2020) Season 1, Episode 1

One of the best series premieres I have ever seen!

[10/10 · 24 October 2020]

The episode feels like a movie. We are introduced to Atticus, Leti, and Uncle George as they go to look for Atticus' father. On their journey they run into some pretty wild stuff. WEIRD stuff. I enjoyed this episode because it keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

I had no clue what a sundown town was. That in itself is terrifying! There are still some parts of America that still have sundown towns. Some people aren't going to believe that because they want a rosy picture of the world, but....if you know, you know.

The monsters look awesome! The horror is on 10, but the scariest thing about the episode is not the monsters or the magic. It is being in an area and a world where you are hated for no reason other than the color of your skin. That is terrifying.

I just finished the show. I loved it. I wanted to come back and show love to the first episode which is the best episode to me. Leti is BEAUTIFUL and strong!!!

Lovecraft Country: Full Circle (2020) Season 1, Episode 10

A truly groundbreaking show! So excited for the future!

[9/10 · 24 October 2020]

One of the best things about film and television before the internet was that there was this little thing called mystery. Mystery is what makes entertainment enjoyable. EVERYTHING DOES NOT HAVE TO BE ANSWERED. THE GOAL IS TO KEEP YOU ON THE JOURNEY! We only got a piece of Lovecraft Country!

I loved the ending of Season 1. It left a lot of questions unanswered but thats the point of a cliffhanger. We don't know what is going to happen next. Some characters we don't know if they are going to come back at all. That excites me!

I have been stuck on this show since the first episode. I have never seen anything like it. A show with a predominantly African American cast that has magic in it. That is awesome to me. I loved all of the characters. Atticus commands the lead role and Leti is a powerhouse. Even the supporting characters like Montrose, Hippolyta, Ji-Ah, Diana, Ruby, and Christina are amazing on the show.

Yes it does jump around at times and it can be a little cheesy at times, but its one of my favorite shows out right now.

The final scene is very important and the subtext is very powerful. There are so many directions they can go. The scariest thing about the show isn't the monsters or the magic. It is America's dark history that continues to linger to this day. CAN'T WAIT FOR SEASON 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Dream Child (1989)

Very Well Made...But not for me...

[5/10 · 11 October 2020]

I never really liked this movie. I probably watch it the least out of the series outside of Part 2 and the remake. It is very well made and inventive, but it just feels overly dark and Freddy just becomes overly mean-spirited and the kills just make you feel uncomfortable more than anything. In Nightmare 4, he is mean but he has a charm to him. He was even wearing glasses and cracking jokes. In this one, the deaths just go on too long, he isn't very funny, and it just feels excessive. The eating dinner scene and the motorcycle scene still make me feel uncomfortable. Its just overdone.

One thing I hate about the series is how it flip flops on Freddy's character. He goes from despicable and pure evil, to a full fledge comedian between movies. Just keep him evil so the threat is always there.

Check the movie out if you want to. I've seen it maybe 5 times in full in my lifetime, alot less than the other movies, but if you are a fan of the series, check it out.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988)

RUNNIN FROM THIS NIGHTMARE!!!!!!

[7/10 · 11 October 2020]

This is one of the most 80s horror movies ever to come out in the 80s....I hope that makes sense. I enjoy this movie despite its flaws. I grew up on it. Its one of those movies that I like to call a "beginning of the end movie" where its not that good, but it isn't as bad as the series is going to get in the future.

This movie is far from perfect, but Robert Englund, Alice, and the horror set pieces really hold the movie together. The cast is almost completely different minus a few people left over from Nightmare 3. Tuesday Knight replaces Patricia Arquette as Kristen.

As far as the plot, Freddy is back.... thats pretty much it and he has to batt,e Alice because she's the dream master or something.... I can't really explain it.

All of the Nightmare on Elmstreet movies are very well made and innovative and this one is no different. The movie is very inventive and Freddy's world always expands and he never disappoints.

As far as flaws, there are way too many characters in the movie for no reason and it feels like no one is in the movie for that long. It gets to the point where it becomes Freddy's movie and you don't really care about the characters like we did with Nancy.

The soundtrack is dope. I will say that. The Fat Boys song is amazing and I love the Sinead O' Connor and Mc Lyte song that plays over the credits.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)

Kincaid is my hero!

[8/10 · 11 October 2020]

This movie is easily the best Nightmare on Elm street sequel. In fact, it is very close to the original in my opinion. It builds on the mythology of Freddy, it opens up the world, its very scary, and Freddy comes into his own as a character. He has one liners, but he's still scary at this point in the series.

As far as the plot, Nancy returns to help kids in an asylum become dream warriors and defeat Freddy. I thought he was only on Elmstreet, but....who cares. I guess every town has an Elm Street.....................

This movie is also innovative and well made. The set pieces are amazing. When he makes the kid a puppet..My goodness, it still makes my stomach churn. Uggggh, it is nasty, but so cool. The characters are great. Patricia Arquette, you could kind of tell that she was going to become a star. She is a powerhouse. Its great to see Nancy back and all of the characters are unique. Kincaid is my hero! I loved him in this movie. He is funny, but you can see the pain in his performance as well.

Definitely see this movie. It is amazing.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985)

I have mixed feelings about it.

[5/10 · 11 October 2020]

Its not a terrible movie. It is very well made and well acted. However, the movie feels like it was trying to reboot the first movie. Freddy's mythology, powers, and even the rules of the dream world all seems different in this movie. It doesn't really feel like a sequel. Freddy leaving the dream world and trying to get in someone's body? Really? Its so not like him....

It feels more like a spin-off of the Nightmare on Elmstreet series in all honesty. When you watch the movies together, it doesn't fit at all. It isn't even really mentioned in the other movies. Its like it never happened.

If you watch the movie as it own movie about a boy who is struggling with his sexuality, its a pretty good movie. As a Nightmare movie, it just doesn't work.

Still check it out if you are a horror fan, there are some really cool set pieces. Maybe not the bird scene or the pool party scene, but when Freddy goes through the guy's body, its pretty cool.

I hope that helps.

The People Under the Stairs (1991)

FOOL IS ONE OF MY FILM HEROES

[10/10 · 11 October 2020]

This movie meant so much to me growing up. Seeing Fool (Brandon Adams) saving people in captivity, supporting his community, and becoming a hero was so inspirational to me growing up.

The People Under the Stairs has its flaws, but its one of my favorite movies of all time. It not extremely scary, but its super creepy at times. I think it is a very important movie about poverty, gentrification, and abuse.

Fool, Ving Rhames, and Spencer decide to rob their landlords house to get some gold coins. Fool's family is about to get evicted, his mom is sick, and Ruby got babies. He has to do what he has to do to support his family. He ends up discovering some scary things are going on at his landlords house and he has to survive. Thats pretty much the plot.

The acting in this movie is incredible. Brandon Adams and AJ Langer are great in the movie and you are scared for them the whole time. Roach is also awesome. Wendy Robie and Everrett McGill from Twin Peaks are very creepy and super weird in this movie. Everyone really delivers amazing performances.

This movie will scare you, make you laugh and even cry at times. One of my all time favorites.

Check it out.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Don't SLEEP on this masterpiece.

[10/10 · 11 October 2020]

This is one of the greatest horror movies of all time. It holds up extremely well. I remember seeing this for the first time and not sleeping the night I saw it because I was afraid Freddy would get me. The cast is great. Everyone is amazing in the movie. Freddy Krueger is scarier than ever. He is still mysterious and creepy, and he isn't doing his signature jokes and one-liners yet at this point in the series.

Freddy Krueger is getting revenge on the parents that killed him by invading their children's dreams. Die in the dream and you die in real life. Thats essentially the plot. Very simple, yet very terrifying. When are we most vulnerable....when we sleep!

As I've gotten older, the idea that Freddy can't exist unless you give him the power of being afraid of him has really resonated with me. Freddy can't exist if you are not scared of him. I think that message is beautiful and relates to any monsters we feed in our lives.

The score is amazing and the kills are innovative. Tina's death is still terrifying and I am still amazed they pulled it off. Wes Craven crafted a masterpiece.

THE ONLY THING THAT HURTS THIS MOVIE AND STOPS IT FROM BEING PERFECT IS when the mother gets pulled through the door at the end. Without that scene, I would say the movie is perfect. It looks silly.

Great movie, you should definitely see it. Rest in peace to the legend Wes Craven.

A Low Down Dirty Shame (1994)

Love this movie.

[7/10 · 11 October 2020]

This movie is far from perfect, but it holds a special place in my heart. I grew up with it and it always makes me laugh. It is essentially a comedic version of Shaft with noir elements to it. The cast is amazing. Keenan Ivory Wayans, Charles S. Dutton, and Andrew Divoff are great as a always. Jada Pinkett and Salli Richardson are just gorgeous and they both deliver very strong performances. Corwin Hawkins, may he rest in peace, is easily my favorite character in the movie. He is HILARIOUS in the movie and steals every scene he is in. "Good morning shaaaaaaame." He is hysterical in the movie. The movie is also action packed and entertaining from beginning to end. The soundtrack is also pretty dope too. Yes the movie has flaws, but its a funny, fun, hangout, Friday night movie. Sit back and enjoy.

Check it out.

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)

The most fun Friday the 13th Movie!

[7/10 · 4 October 2020]

This movie is pure fun. It doesn't take itself seriously and it blends comedy and horror seamlessly. From the opening credits with the whole James Bond reference, you know what the movie is going to be. The cast is great. You actually care about the characters this time. Jason is amazing as always. There are great kills and a couple of decent scares.

Easily one of the best sequels. I recommend it highly. Its a fun movie. Check it out.

Menace II Society (1993)

Incredible movie

[10/10 · 1 October 2020]

This is an excellent movie that definitely hit you emotionally. The movie really allows you to see the perspective of a kid in the hood who is deemed a "menace to society" by people who know nothing about him or where he comes from. You see Caine's full character. You see his crazy childhood, his friends, his mistakes, and even his good nature. It gives him a sense of humanity that he wouldn't have been afforded otherwise. You are truly rooting for him despite his mistakes. Caine is far from perfect, but in a weird way he is just figuring out who he is and whether he actually cares about living.

O-Dog is the stand out. He steals every scene he is in. Larenz Tate is one of the greatest actors of all time. His acting range is phenomenal. The directing, cinematography and acting is amazing. This movie is structured a lot like Goodfellas. I think the directors did that on purpose.

This movie is NOT easy to watch. It is very violent and very heavy at times, but the movie is very authentic. It grabs you as soon as it comes on. It almost doesn't feel like a movie at times. You feel like you are watching a documentary.

Highly recommended. It definitely had a strong impact on me when I first saw it. I've seen it many many many times since then.

Friday (1995)

One of the greatest movies ever.

[10/10 · 1 October 2020]

This movie is a classic. Sure it doesn't really have a plot or a real story, but its just entertaining from beginning to end. Its just a movie about a day of the week and what goes on in their neighborhood. Its so refreshing because its a hood movie that isn't depressing and about struggle and pain. Everyday in the hood isn't doom and gloom.

Its very simple, don't overthink it. Just hang out and watch it. So many iconic characters: Craig, Smokey, Felicia, Ezale, Big Worm, Debbie from down the street, Joi, Mr. Jones, a ton of characters that are very quotable. You feel like you are in that world and you live on that street. I can't say much for the sequels, but definitely check out Friday if you haven't seen it. Oh and the soundtrack is crazy.

The Players Club (1998)

DOLLA BILL IS AN ICON.

[7/10 · 1 October 2020]

This isn't the greatest movie in the world, but it is a definitely a hood classic. If you watch this movie for any reason at all, do it because of Bernie Mac. Dolla Bill is one of the funniest, most entertaining characters I've ever seen. So many great one-liners. "If I raise out this chair, its gone be trouble.....trouble." The movie actually could have been about him. That would have probably been a better movie.

The movie is star studded. The cast of Friday is pretty much in the movie. Lisa Rae is very beautiful and she carries the movie pretty well. Bernie Mac is still the stand out, but I think Diamond's story is pretty entertaining. I was entertained the whole movie despite the flaws. Ice Cube is an excellent writer. I think he could have directed more movies and he would have gotten better. I try to support artists instead of putting them down.

Check it out.

Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)

I see what you were going for, but......

[6/10 · 1 October 2020]

This movie is very weird. I'm very mixed on it. Some aspects of it I love, some aspects I don't. As far as the plot, its pretty much the same minus a few shakeups.

Positives It is a by the book, Friday the 13th movie. It is as Friday the 13th as you can be. Very true to brand. The kills are great. The movie is very violent. Reggie the Reckless is an icon to me. Very inspirational and he held his own. Why was he screaming like that though?

Negatives Jason feels very off. If you've seen the movie, you know why.. Alot of the characters were just weird to me. It was almost too many weird characters. I guess they are supposed to be weird, but I don't know. The ending is weird. I see what they were going for...wait nevermind...I didn't get it. I respect them trying something different, but it just doesn't work.

Overall, it is a unique movie while also being formulaic. I respect the effort, but it doesn't really mesh well with the series when watching the movies in order.

I hope that helps...

Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)

Very well made movie.

[7/10 · 1 October 2020]

Most of the Friday the 13th movies are pretty much the same movie, but the earlier ones definitely have an 80s charm to them that makes them fun. This movie is well made and very well cast. Crispin Glover and Corey Feldman were my favorite characters. The gore and practical effects were very well done. Jason again is amazing. He's menacing and still terrifying. If the series ended here, I would have been happy, but money talks...

Joy Ride (2001)

HIGHLY UNDERRATED

[9/10 · 10 September 2020]

It is crazy how underrated this movie is. It is one of the best thrillers I have ever seen. It is an excellent movie. I highly recommend it. I feel nervous every time I watch the movie.

Paul Walker picks up his brother Steve Zahn from jail and they end up pranking a truck driver named Rusty Nail, he finds out, they reveal it was a prank, he doesn't take it too well, and mayhem ensues.

The performances are great across the board but my guy Ted Levine's voice role is terrifying. He makes this movie terrifying. The tension is crazy throughout.

Check this movie out. I'm a little mixed on the ending, but I will let you all decide for yourselves. Be well.