Horror Movie Talk

Synopsis A small town lawyer Kevin Lomax is on a winning streak when he is recruited by a big New York City law firm. With significant wealth, and a beautiful place in the city on the horizon Kevin leaves with wife Mary Ann to pursue his dreams. It seems like he could really have it all, but beneath the glamour of his new life, Kevin discovers that winning comes at a price. His ambition grows into an obsession, and the more he indulges in his newfound wealth and power the further he drifts from the man he used to be. As Marry Ann’s mental health begins to deteriorate Kevin struggles to hang on to his humanity as he is tested by his biggest competitor yet, the devil himself. Review of The Devil’s Advocate The film definitely speaks to the times especially horror and suspense in cinema. Thematically it’s a reflection of our inner most struggles in humanity in a dark yet fun way. The acting teeters between spot on and over the top depending on the scene. But undoubtedly brings a star studded cast. Al Pacino is at his most Pacino bringing life and energy to every scene he is in. Keanu does his best but at times can come off a little cheesy losing points for me. Charlize puts her all into the role and you can really tell. I love the relationship Kevin and his wife have. It’s beautiful, loving, passionate and then the depiction of its deterioration packs a punch While the supernatural elements are eloquently sprinkled throughout the film it does not rely too heavily on it, it’s more implied and told in intentional small parts. The film does run long at a 2 hour and 20 minute run time. I feel like quite a bit could have been taken out and a different ending could have made the film better but overall it’s very enjoyable with great performances and a universal message that as a human is easy to connect with. Score 8/10

Synopsis A medical courier named Bryan accepts one last job to deliver to Raccoon City hospital. on his way he is beset by many misadventures involving zombies and monsters. Review of Resident Evil (2026) Zach Cregger was fingered to direct this after the wild success of Barbarian and Weapons. Here he enters the hollywood machine of rehashing tired IP, and in this instance comes out not just unscathed but triumphant. Resident Evil doesn’t have the complexity of his previous movies, but maintains his excellent timing and humor. He basically takes the junky character from weapons and gives him a job inside a video game and we watch the wacky high jinx. Bryan is a couple steps above simpleton and largely has single words as dialogue for the movie, but Austin Abrams gives a great performance as the everyman. I laughed out loud several times in the movie at the reactions of Brian as well as some of the absurd situations throughout. It also has some great jump scares that aren’t endlessly telegraphed like in most jump scares vehicles. The monsters and body horror are all well done and disturbing. It also is extremely well paced and comes in at a nearly extinct runtime of an hour and 30 minutes. Overall it’s a really fun movie and despite the nitpicks of Resident Evil fans it is objectively the best live action film in the franchise. Score 9/10

Synopsis Based on the Richard Bachman/Stephen King novel of the same name, Thinner tells the story of an overweight lawyer who is cursed by a Gypsy to lose weight at an alarming rate. Review It’s a simple premise that makes you wonder, huh what are they going to do with that! The answer is nothing. This is a big ol nothing burger of a movie. I remember seeing it when I was younger but I always assumed it was a made for tv movie, and now I understand why I thought that. The production quality and acting was so bad that it induced incredulity. The movie focuses so much on moving the plot forward that it fails to include a story with characters with clear motivations. It is so focused on getting to the next stage of thinness that it never takes a moment to really communicate what the characters think or feel about the situation. It ends up feeling as hollow as the protagonist’s former pants. Score 2/10

Synopsis When young couple Brad and Janet become stranded in the rain, In search of a phone they run into a mysterious castle run by the alien sweet transvestite Dr. Frank-N-Furter. In the midst of an outlandish experiment the couple is given shelter and introduced to a variety of eccentric characters. Through the course of the night, they are put in situations that challenge their sense of self, sexuality, and their relationship. Review of The Rocky Horror Picture Show With the recent passing of Tim Curry I wanted to review a movie this week that truly captured his presence as a person and an actor. Every production he was in commanded attention and showcased something special that not all actors have, but I think no role of his is as unforgettable as Dr. Frank N Furter The red lips, the corset …it’s giving Originating as a theatrical production the Rocky Horror Picture show has a rich history which is why it is still so huge in pop culture today Taking inspiration from the 70’s sexual liberation movement, british glam rock and THE David Bowie, this film is the definition of campy and comes through with stunning over the top performances Tim Curry is simply magic and this is a true testament to his range as an actor The music if fun, and the visuals chaotic yet cohesive at the same time and you are truly brought into their world of sex and exploration with nods to horror classics I have a deep appreciation for this film’s intent and execution although it’s not necessarily my cup of tea I think it transcends the need for a rating due to the cultural and historical impact, the safety it gave for the queer community at the time, the continued representation, and the balls to do something outlandish and fun. Score 8/10

Synopsis In this 2007 French film, a pregnant woman on Christmas Eve, the night before her induced labor is mourning the recent loss of her husband in a car crash when she is terrorized by a nameless woman in the dark. Review This movie is something else. it uses the equation of vulnerable person + unstoppable psychopath = dread to the maximum effect. It would be bad enough with just the pregnant woman as the protagonist, but we also the the In Utero POV showing the baby suffering from the trauma. It’s very rare that a horror movie makes me actually feel something. I’m a jaded horror movie reviewer. I’ve seen it all. This film gave me a visceral reaction so deeply that I regressed to childhood and was watching parts of this movie through my fingers. This movie goes hard. Even with the rather cheesy CGI of the early 2000s, you can’t help but still be disturbed by the ideas that said CGI is portraying. While I can’t say I enjoyed this film, I can say it is a good film and achieves what it sets out to do. Score 10/10