Goosebumps

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Goosebumps was a big part of my childhood, both the books and the television show. Naturally, I was interested in seeing this movie. The final result was a pretty enjoyable Halloween guilty pleasure. It has several fun elements to it, especially Jack Black who plays three characters, each fairly fun and memorable. R.L. Stine is an uptight stick-in-the-mud, very different from the lovable loser Jack Black is known for playing. The Invisible Boy wasn't much more than a throw-away part with Black's voice. But, the absolute scene stealer is Jack Black's portrayal of Slappy the Dummy. The three main teenagers are pretty good in the movie, and the actors have decent chemistry together. On the more negative side of things, the effects can be hit-and-miss. Slappy looks fantastic, and the effects on a specific character that I won't give away are pretty solid too. The lawn gnomes look pretty good too. On the flip side, characters like the Werewolf of Fever Swamp and the Abominable Snowman of Pasadena look downright terrible. Some of the twists are pretty predictable, and can be seen coming from a mile away. Ken Marino plays the gym teacher at the high school. He is a pretty funny actor, but I don't think he was utilized to his full potential. The final twist ending was pretty bad in my opinion, and puts small holes in the plot. As much as I may have torn this movie apart, I do enjoy it. Not everything works. It definitely has its flaws, but it's like a fun family Halloween guilty pleasure movie, similar to The Monster Squad or Hocus Pocus.

6 / 10   

Top 10 Horror Movie Villains

Honorable Mentions:

Chucky - Child's Play, Candyman - Candyman, Jason Voorhees - Friday the 13th, Leatherface - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Death - Final Destination, Stripe - Gremlins, Pinhead - Hellraiser  

#10: Jack Torrance - The Shining: Jack Torrance's slow descent into madness is still really well-handled by master of direction Stanley Kubrick. One of the best elements of this movie is the idea that Jack Torrance is a just a regular guy who is driven insane by the Overlook hotel, and attempting to kill his family.

#9: The Shark - Jaws: The shark from Jaws does need to be mentioned because it is an animal. This creature bases its villainous activities on how hungry it is, and picking off the people of Amity Island in New York. There's a reason some people are scared to go in the ocean, and it's this shark. In fact, I might just be talking about the shark again in a series I'm planning to do eventually.

#8: Damien - The Omen: Damien is a pretty scary horror movie baddie for a very specific reason. If you take one look at him, he looks adorable and innocent. There's just one catch. He's the spawn of Satan, destined to bring about the end of the world, and this is a movie where evil triumphs.

#7: Samara - The Ring: Samara actually does frighten me a little bit. I am a huge movie fanatic. So, the idea of a little girl that crawls out of a T.V. to kill you seven days after watching a specific video tape does frighten me. Granted, I can't put her any higher because she probably would've scared me a lot more had I actually seen The Ring on VHS.

#6: Sam - Trick 'r Treat: There's not a whole lot to really say about Sam. He is a trick-or-treater that kills the people who don't observe the rules of Halloween. Best yet, his murder weapon of choice is a lollipop.

#5: Norman Bates - Psycho: What really makes Norman Bates a compelling horror movie villain (and as frightening as he is) is that, for most of the most movie, you never really know what he is. Is he the tragic hero, the terrifying monster, or is he a little bit of both?

#4: Jigsaw - Saw: Jigsaw is actually one of the most complex horror movie villains to come out of the past decade. He is very much seen as the villain of the series, but he also has the mannerisms you probably find in your typical anti-hero. He's offering his victims a choice, live or die, and he does all of it without ever laying a hand on his victims.

#3: Hannibal Lecter - The Hannibal Lecter franchise - There is a large possibility that Hannibal Lecter could be a real person. You actually could find this cannibal waiting for you in a dark alley. One of the horrifying things about him is how calm he is when he eats his victims, and how nonchalant he is about the idea of killing his victims.

#2: Freddy Krueger - A Nightmare on Elm Street: Freddy had to be as high on the list as he is for a simple reason. He attacks you in your dreams, the one place you can't really escape from, because you have no control over your subconscious. What's even more frightening is just how much despicable glee he takes in killing his victims

#1: Michael Myers - Halloween: For the longest time, Michael has been my personal favorite horror movie maniac. He doesn't speak. He feels nothing towards his victims, and for all intents and purposes, he is dead inside. The bleached Shatner mask really sells that because of the dark black holes in his eye-sockets. This works because the eyes are considered the windows to the soul. Staring into those blank, dead eyes show that he is truly soulless.

Were there any I missed? Any I should have left off? Let me know

Top 10 Halloween Guilty Pleasures

I wanted to do this since it's October and Halloween is right around the corner.

Before I really dig into my top 10, here are some honorable mentions. These are a few movies that I guiltily enjoy, but they just didn't quite make the cut.

Idle Hands, Leprechaun 4: In Space, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters, Hocus Pocus, Planet Terror, Doom, the Resident Evil movies, the Final Destination movies, the Goosebumps tv series

#10: Deep Blue Sea: Deep Blue Sea is about a team of scientific researchers (plus a professional shark hunter, a cook, and Samuel L. Jackson) who get stranded in an underwater lab along with some genetically modified man-eating sharks. Is it stupid? Yes. Do I love it? Hells Yes!

#9: The Wicker Man: I've already posted a review on this movie, so I won't go to into detail. However, it should be said, that you are definitely going to have a huge amount of fun with this movie if you watch it on Halloween with some friends because it is unintentionally hilarious.

#8: The Monster Squad: The Monster Squad is, more or less, on this list because it is a total product of its time. The best way I can describe this movie is that it's what would happen if the goonies fought the Universal Movie Monsters. I think it might objectively be the best movie on the list, but still easily deserves a spot on the list.

#7: The Happening: The Happening is very similar to The Wicker Man. It's just a great unintentional comedy to watch and tear apart with some friends during the Halloween season. It kind of helps when you realize that the big baddies are the trees. It's an incredibly stupid movie, but it's so worth the watch.

#6: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Buffy movie absolutely pales in comparison to the much better, darker TV series. The movie isn't without its moments, however. Paul Reubens steals the whole thing, but I also did like Kristy Swanson and Luke Perry. It's campy and cheesy, but that is where a lot of the fun lies in the movie.

#5: Sleepy Hollow: Sleepy Hollow is another movie that could be argued as to whether or not it deserves to be on this list. In the end, there is one thing that secures its guilty pleasure status. Christopher Walken. The man is in the movie for a grand total of about five minutes, and is easily the most memorable thing about the movie.

#4: Freddy's Dead: Objectively, Freddy's Dead is possibly the weakest of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies (I personally like the second one the least, though). Freddy does have some pretty strong kills in what is a mostly stupid movie that I feel equally deserves all of the love and hate it gets from fans.

#3: Army of Darkness: By today's standards, Army of Darkness is definitely dated, and honestly holds up the least out of the Evil Dead franchise. But, I'd be lying if I said this movie wasn't an absolute ball. Its effects aren't the best, and the tone can be inconsistent. All of the flaws are eclipsed by the memorable dialogue, and the ever-present charisma of Bruce Campbell.

#2: Bride of Chucky: I completely understand why there are so many people out there who don't like this movie, especially with what comes next. For me, as stupid as this movie is, there is plenty that it does well for me. First, this movie is the reason I heard Rob Zombie's Living Dead Girl (a personal favorite). Second, and most importantly, I was able to tolerate Katherine Heigl, which isn't very easy.

#1: Jason X: What else can I say, but Jason Voorhees IN SPACE!!!!!!!! 

Agree? Disagree? Were there any I missed? Any recommendations? Let me know.

Memento (2000)

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Memento is probably one of the most uniquely-filmed movies ever made (and that I have ever seen). This is the movie that really launched Christopher Nolan onto screen in a very big way. I really have to admire the use of storytelling that Christopher and Johnathon Nolan used to get the point across. There are two portions of the film. The smaller black and white portion plays out in chronological order, while the larger colored portion plays out in reverse. For those who have seen the movie and don't know the story, Memento is about a man who is unable to create short-term memories that is searching for his wife's killer, while you never really know what the main character's level of reliability really is. As far as I'm concerned, the character of Leonard Shelby remains Guy Pearce's best performance. The supporting cast includes Joe Pantoliano and Carrie-Ann Moss, and they do a great job. However, I do feel this is Guy Pearce's movie. The man steals the show. The movie's ending is, in my opinion, one of the absolute best I have ever seen. I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen it. This movie definitely gets a recommendation from me, and it is one of my absolute favorites.

10 / 10 

Back to the Future Part II (1989)

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I figured it was time to review this movie since yesterday was October 21st, 2015 (Back to the Future Day). The funny thing is, there were so many things that the predicted future got wrong (flying cars and hover boards anyone?) When I think about it, though, I realized that the movie somehow did manage to correctly predict the large amount of 3D sequels that are now released on a yearly basis. The movie does have an interesting-looking future, even if it doesn't look this way in 2015 in real life. Once again, the chemistry between Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Doc Brown is damn flawless. The cliffhanger at the end of the movie actually does work, especially when you watch it as a companion piece with the third movie. There are only a couple real flaws I feel this movie has working against it. The first is how big it feels compared to the other two movies. There is a lit going on in terms of the time-travel. I don't necessarily think the time travel stuff is bad, but it does stray at times. The only other problem I have is the new actor playing Marty's father George McFly. He isn't bad or anything, he just doesn't have the memorability and screen presence that Crispin Glover had in the first film. Those couple little nitpicks aside, I do think Back to the Future Part II is a solid flick, and absolutely worth watching. I do have to admit it is a bit sad realizing that the entire franchise officially takes place in the past now.

8 / 10   

The Martian

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The Martian stars Matt Damon as an astronaut who is left behind on Mars by his crew after he seemingly dies in an accident caused by a storm on the planet's surface. In my opinion, this is the best film Ridley Scott has made since, probably, American Gangster. The movie has an awesome supporting cast, that includes Jeff Daniels, Sean Bean, Kate Mara, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Donald Glover (aka Childish Gambino), and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The movie really is anchored by Matt Damon's incredible lead performance. Something I didn't really expect was how funny the movie was. I mean that in a good way too, you laugh at Matt Damon's sarcastic, deadpan delivery because you're supposed to. Ridley Scott's direction really works, and the script is incredibly tight. At points the movie does drag on a little, and some things probably could've been whittled down a touch. The plus side to this is that it never got to the point I lost interest. I would say the last five minutes could've easily been cut out. The whole movie kept me interested in what was going on, and I liked the talks of how these scientists were coming up with plans to save the main character. I also liked the explanations the main character gives for how he can survive, and how he goes about surviving for as long as he possibly can. Despite a couple minor issues I had with the movie, I really liked it, and I would definitely recommend The Martian to anybody who may be interested.

9 / 10     

You're Next (2011)

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You’re Next was a movie I genuinely liked. It harkened back to the slasher flicks of the 70s and 80s, while also doing what The Purge tried and failed to do, that being create a fun, frightening home invasion movie. The main protagonist is one of the most likable in recent years. The gore factor was highly elevated, and handled really well. The isolated location looked great, and there were some pretty cool twists and turns offered throughout the movie. The opening scene doesn’t mess around. It shows you exactly what you’re in for. That should please hardcore slasher fans. The characters really don’t fall into your typical slasher flick categories. There isn’t really a virgin, or a jock, or stoner. Changing the character dynamic isn’t generally something studios play around with, and that ultimately helps this movie. All that said, that doesn’t necessarily free the movie of it’s problems. The film isn’t especially well acted, save for Sharni Vinson. The performances don’t really make you care for any of the characters within the movie. Sharni Vinson, the movie’s leading lady, is actually really good. It’s a big plus when the main character (and main star) really can carry a movie. It’s nice to get a brutal, fun ride that’s perfect for Halloween, especially in an era where straightforward slasher flicks are dominated by torture porn. 

9 / 10   

Alien (1979)

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Alien is a far cry from the mega action films the sequels were. Alien may not have had the blazing guns and action sequences Aliens did, but the film was able to provide a chilling atmosphere, and remains one of the most frightening movies about space travel you can find. The alien itself was rarely seen for most of the film, allowing the unseen and the unknown to drive the majority of the movie. The actors all know what they’re doing. As always, Sigourney Weaver is absolutely incredible as Ellen Ripley. Praise, however, has to be given to Ian Holm, who played Ash. Ash himself is an interesting and layered character, a character you can sympathize with, but to extent, you fear him too. When you really see the alien for the first time, it comes at just the right time in the movie. It manages to shock you, and makes you realize that, at this point, nobody’s truly safe. The scene sticks with you in every way possible, which is, in large part, what makes it the most memorable scene in the movie. The set of the spaceship looks incredible too. The shadows in every corner of the ship add to the atmosphere. It may not seem like it if you’ve never seen an Alien movie, but this first entry is a straight up horror film, and definitely worth watching. 

10 / 10  

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

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Compared to the rest of the reviews written so far this month, Sleepy Hollow is the guiltiest of the bunch. Here is a movie that showed when Tim Burton and Johnny Depp were still in top form. The best part of this movie is the dark sense of humor that Burton layers beneath the dark, gothic imagery. Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci have a chemistry that one can so rarely find in a horror film. It’s one the rare times where a director takes an existing source material, makes it his own, and it actually works in his favor. I feel this is because Tim Burton understands that the original Irving story still had a sense of fun in the middle of a bizarre mystery. Elements of the story are added to the film, very much in a way that pays homage to the original Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The movie is a fun time as part of a Halloween marathon if you can buy into the overall silliness of the movie.

6 / 10 

The Thing (1982)

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The Thing is one of John Carpenter’s most famous films of all time, and remains my absolute favorite. There’s an air of mystery and paranoia within the film that mirror several of the period conflicts. I love the isolated location in the arctic cold, and how horrifying it can be to never really know who your enemy is. The practical effects on the Thing itself are incredible, even by today’s standards. Kurt Russell and Keith David give off incredible performances. Out of all the films on the list, The Thing is the one you absolutely want to get into blind, because that is truly the best way to see this movie, and so you can watch it, having no idea what turns the plot will throw you for. The only downside is, aside from Kurt Russell and Keith David, the rest of the characters (and performances) aren’t particularly memorable. That just makes you feel like the characters are just kind of there to die. John Carpenter’s direction is pretty masterful, allowing him to build spectacular tension, and leaving off with a brilliant, ambiguous ending that few other films could ever match. There are elements left unknown, which works in the movies favor, such as what happened beforehand. Despite some minor flaws within the movie, it’s still a fun, tense, thrill-ride that masterfully left its mark in science fiction and horror cinema. 

9 / 10  

Final Destination (2000)

Final Destination is another fun guilty pleasure movie, easy to enjoy around Halloween. It’s good, dumb fun if you are willing to look past certain inconsistencies, such as how the protagonist gets the premonition that saves himself and his friends. When Death comes back to reclaim what he feels is his, that’s when the fun really starts. The deaths in this first film are simple, but effective. The funniest of which involves a bus. The actors aren’t the best, and the characters are paper thin, for the most part. The character of Clear, played by Ali Larter stands out as my favorite. She was the best-acted, which isn’t saying much, and she has the most backstory to her. Kudos should also be given to the only other good actor in the movie, Tony Todd. He relishes the cameo appearance he’s given in the film, which allows him to really stand out. The plane crash looked amazing. The concept for this movie was unique at the time as Final Destination was the first movie to utilize the idea. It’s a really fun movie to watch that’s decently directed, even with a weak script, and one-note characters. The cut to black ending works in the movie’s favor, even if it doesn’t leave much to the imagination. It’s fun every once in a while. Around Halloween, pop it in and give it a watch. 

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My Bloody Valentine (2009)

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My Bloody Valentine is a rare breed of horror film. This one of the rare cases I have seen where the remake is, all in all, a much better movie than its original. The twist at the end of the movie throws you through a loop in a good way. The killer’s brutality streak feels as though it has been upped to a new level. Jensen Ackles stands out in a role that feels very different from his character on Supernatural. The body count is bigger in this movie. Kerr Smith is half-way decent, allowing you to question his motives as the film progresses. Jamie King doesn’t play up to her full talent, and just comes off as though she’s there for a paycheck. The dialogue isn’t especially strong, and some of it just feels corny. The story isn’t half-bad. It’s fun enough to give a decent, fairly memorable slasher flick. As I stated before, My Bloody Valentine 3D does manage to outdo the original 1980s cult classic in almost every way. The movie can’t live up in terms of the gore factor because the CGI blood just looks silly, and feels very out of place. Other than some bad dialogue and the use of CG blood, the movie’s a pretty fun time. 

7 / 10 

Idle Hands (1999)

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One might normally balk at the idea that Idle Hands offers up. Admittedly, a movie about a serial killer hand sounds incredibly stupid, and it is. The movie, for the most part though, doesn’t really try to play the concept straight. Idle Hands is a horror-comedy hybrid with a dark, twisted sense of humor. The tone can be consistent, but occasionally strays. The beginning feels like straight horror, and up till the hand actually reveals itself, the movie seems to shift into a stoner comedy. The acting, for the most part is pretty good. Even Jessica Alba isn’t terrible. The characters in the film never seem particularly smart, which actually works in the film’s favor. Seth Green and Elden Henson steal the movie as two lazy, undead stoners. Props should be given to the film’s prosthetics and makeup effects, which look incredible. Idle Hands isn’t going to be for everyone, but there’s plenty for a lot of people to like. Horror nuts will most likely love seeing what I think is intended to be an homage to Evil Dead 2, the original horror-comedy, though they may not like the general lack of gore. Comedy fans and horror fans alike will no doubt laugh their asses off. As for everyone else, this probably isn’t your movie. Idle Hands knows what it is, and takes off from there. 

7 / 10   

Urban Legend (1998)

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In my opinion, Urban Legend is a very underrated slasher flick. The film builds this great atmosphere, especially with the first two acts really showing the possibility that the protagonist may or may not be going crazy. I like the creative ideas for how the killers takes their victims (i.e. urban legends). The film also features cameos from genre veterans Robert Englund and Danielle Harris. Ultimately, the third act somewhat rushed. It’s not bad in my opinion, but it kind of lets the atmosphere from the first two acts down. The acting is pretty good, which is very rare for a slasher flick. That said, the end of the film also manages to go bat-s**t insane. It might go on a little long. The scene in the car probably could have been completely cut out of the film. I wish I could’ve seen a little more of Robert Englund than I did. The look of the killer is really cool, especially considering the fact that this movie takes place in Maine in the fall, so fur lined coats are pretty common. All in all, the atmosphere was well-done, but did taper off at the very end, but in my eyes, Urban Legend is still worth the watch around Halloween.

8 / 10      

Child's Play (1988)

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Child’s Play has become a classic in the horror genre for a reason. None of these movies are truly great, but the first film stands out as the best of the bunch. The acting is really good. I especially have to give props to Alex Vincent, who plays the little boy, Andy. Child actors can be hard to watch because they aren’t usually that great. At times, the movie feels a little uneven. The first half of the film builds up terrific atmosphere and doesn’t outright tell you whether the killer is Andy or Chucky. The last half of the movie isn’t bad per se, but it does let the atmospheric feel down by revealing Chucky as the killer. I will admit the first time you see Chucky come alive in the mom’s hands is a little freaky. There’s an inherent goofiness to the film, but that’s sort of what they were going for with the movie. Chucky is one of the rare horror villains that seems to divide horror fans right down the middle. Some people either love the character, and are a little scared of him. Others can’t stand him, and find too silly. Me personally, I don’t find that scary, but I do love Chucky. I think a lot of that has to do with Brad Dourif, the man who voices Chucky. He always seems to walk this fine edge in his performance, and strikes the right balance. I personally really like Child’s Play, but I can understand if some people are turned off by it. 

8 / 10   

Blade II (2002)

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Blade II is yet another sequel that manages to, not only mash two genres together, but improve upon the original as well. Once again, Wesley Snipes owns the role of Blade. One thing that separates Blade II out as the best of the bunch is that with Guillermo del Toro being brought on board as director was that the movie leaned closer to straight horror. While Snipes is awesome in the role of the character, the supporting cast is able to stand out as well. Ron Perlman, Luke Goss, Donnie Yen, Kris Kristofferson, Thomas Kretschmann, and a pre-fame Norman Reedus all step up to the plate. The story is a pretty cool idea for the Blade franchise. A well-written script, some truly fantastic performances by genre actors and non-genre actors alike, and Guillermo del Toro’s amazing direction make Blade II the best action movie to keep with any Halloween watchlist. This definitely gets a huge recommendation from both the comic geek in me, and the horror geek too. 

10 / 10 

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

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Shaun of the Dead remains the definitive horror comedy of the naughties. The film is unrelentingly funny. The gore also hits at just the right moment. Shaun of the Dead never lets you forget what it is, as well as keeping a consistent tone. Simon Pegg is hilariously good as Shaun, an english slacker who must rise up when his small town becomes overrun by zombies. Edgar Wright brilliantly directs the film, showing the man knows how to mix genres. Not once does he beat you over the head with everything he does. The writing is funny and clever. This movie isn’t for everyone admittedly. The high amount of gore may turn some viewers off. Hardcore horror fans will appreciate Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost’s tongue-in-cheek approach. The comedy is smart, and the pop-culture references are so cleverly placed, it requires an extensive knowledge of the genre and multiple views to catch them. Shaun of the Dead introduced the world to two geniuses, and has become a modern staple of Halloween.

10 / 10 

The Wicker Man (2006)

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The Wicker Man is quite possibly scary for all the wrong reasons. The film is a passion project of star Nicolas Cage, who wanted to create a genuinely creepy atmosphere. The film is unintentionally hilarious. When you watch the movie, it does make you wonder what was going through the mind of everyone involved. There are certain scenes that actually make you wonder how anyone could have thought that could be taken seriously. Nicolas Cage is absolutely at his crazy, shouting best in this movie, His over-the-top performance makes for a large part of this hilariously bad film. The writing is cliched. The characters are stupid, especially Nicolas Cage’s protagonist. He is haunted throughout the film by an event that has absolutely no significance to the story whatsoever. The film is a confusing mess, where you get left unsure of what you’re witnessing on-screen, and who director Neil LaBute wanted you to root for through the movie, mostly due to the attitudes and motivations of the film’s characters. You may think I’m crazy, but if you’re looking what could be the mother of all comedies, check it out. You won’t be disappointed. 

6 / 10 

Gremlins (1984)

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Gremlins is a truly a rare film you will find. The movie ended being, basically, a horror movie for children. Gremlins also happens to be the most disturbing children’s Christmas movie you will ever see. The only reason it was even made for children was, quite simply, the movie going over-budget. The gremlin puppets are fantastic-looking, and they still manage to hold up. The gremlins are hilarious to watch in all the manic evil they cause. The human characters do come off as pretty bland, however, aside from Mr. Wang. The old asian guy who runs the shop is memorable, and kind of fun. The rest of the humans seem to have no characteristics. The fact that the humans have no character is more than made up for by the fact that each of the gremlins and mogwai each have their own personality, so that you can tell them apart. There’s not too much more to say. It’s a fun horror film that you can both on Halloween and on Christmas. It’s a fun movie that definitely deserves at least a watch. 

9 / 10 

The Social Network (2010)

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The Social Network might just be David Fincher’s best ensemble piece. The score is almost haunting. Every actor manages to make a good impression. Jesse Eisenberg shows that he is more than just a one-trick pony. Andrew Garfield seems to come out of nowhere, completely stealing the show. Justin Timberlake manages to bring out an incredible performance, and I would like to note the irony of a famous musician playing the founder of Napster. Armie Hammer gives an underrated performance, perhaps due to later work. This, for me, was the first movie that really showcased just how talented Rooney Mara was, indicating to me that working with David Fincher might be a good thing for this young woman. This is a movie for this generation. I say this because I am definitely part of the Facebook generation. I was in middle school when it really started to blow up, and was a freshman in high school when this movie first came to theaters. This isn't Fincher's darkest movie, but it definitely carries some of those elements that Mr. Fincher is known for. Mark Zuckerberg isn't exactly shown in the best light in this movie, but you can't really help but like him because of his cocky attitude. At least, that's the way I looked at it when I watched the movie. This has quickly become an absolute favorite for me. It never really drags, and always manages to keep my interest.   

10 / 10 

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

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If there’s one thing I know about David Fincher, it’s the fact that nobody does dark, gritty crime thrillers better than he does. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is a film that, when you watch it, you feel disgusting, dirty, and all-around unclean. Fortunately, that is the feeling you are supposed to get when you watch this film. Rooney Mara delivers a career-defining performance as the titular anti-heroine. Every character seems to hide a dark secret, and you feel as though you’re there trying to peel back all the layers. The cast is pretty stacked, too. Aside from Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig in the leads, the supporting cast includes Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgaard, and Robin Wright. The locations for the film are perfectly chosen, adding to the movie’s overall creepy tone. The film’s score adds an ominous feel to the generally unsettling mood that the film creates. It’s a horrible film in the best way possible. Fincher fully understands the world he is bringing to life, makes a film that is gorgeous to look at, and stands out as possibly one of his best films, as well as one of my personal favorites, and for good reason. If it sounds like your movie, I highly recommend checking it out. 

10 / 10 

Trick 'r Treat (2007)

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Trick ‘r Treat may just be the most original horror film I have ever seen. There isn’t one flowing narrative, so much as there are four or five. Yet, when you watch the movie unfold, you realize just how well all these narratives flow together to make one unforgettable Halloween night. The film is very well-acted. The film always manages to keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next. It doesn’t hurt that are plenty of twists and turns you never see coming, but somehow manage to make sense in the end. I am not someone who scares easily. In fact, I rarely get scared when I watch a horror movie. So, ask yourself what it means when I personally say that this movie genuinely creeped me out. Most of the scares in the film come through a building tension and suspense, with these scares actually paying off in the end. The film rarely relies on jump scares, though when a jump scare does come up, it actually fits with the movie.  Dylan Baker is amazing, giving off a slightly funny, mostly disturbing performance. The best character in this bizarre, messed up film is the character of Sam. Anyone who wants to know who Sam is, I’m not going to spoil that. The movie gives off the essence of the Halloween holiday, and that’s really all it needs to do.  

10 / 10 

The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

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Cabin in the Woods is one of those rare horror films, where very little can and should be said, for fear of ruining the plot of the movie. This is one of the most original, unique horror films I have ever seen. One thing to keep in mind is that this movie isn’t scary, because it’s not meant to be. That’s part of the fun, though. Cabin in the Woods explores the cliches of horror films, especially the Evil Dead franchise. Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard are a dynamic writing / directing team, and they really understand the genre and world they are delving into. The actors are all really good, particularly Kristen Connolly and Fran Kranz. If I were to nitpick, I would say that I wish Amy Acker had a little more to do, but that should in no way be considered a hinderance in regards to the movie, and as far as I’m concerned, doesn’t really knock the movie down in any way, or take away from it.. There’s some great cameos that I don’t want to spoil, suffice it to say, they will make any hardcore horror fan go crazy. The movie shows little hints as to what’s happening, and the payoff is completely worth it. The movie carries a dark, twisted sense of humor. There are parts that make you laugh, and you might wonder why. This is a fun movie that requires multiple viewings to really dig deep into what’s going on. The best part is, you never get tired of it. 

10 / 10  

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

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This was easily, my most anticipated movie of 2014, I had high hopes for Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Thankfully, the movie more than delivered what I was hoping for. The action wasn’t CG’ed beyond belief. It actually was very well-grounded. There were some elements of CGI, but the movie also struck a good balance with some pretty impressive practical effects, as well. Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson have an undeniable spark in their chemistry. Johansson’s Black Widow is essentially the female lead, and she’s not the love interest, something that doesn’t happen very often. I also have to admit, it is kind of refreshing, too. Anthony Mackie as Falcon was a welcomed addition to the cast. His continued performances make me believe he may just be the next Will Smith. The man is never lacking in charisma, and is one of those actors I can walk away from a movie saying he was good in it. The chemistry Anthony Mackie shared with Chris Evans was just as good as Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson. It was also nice to see Cobie Smulders and Samuel L. Jackson get a little more to do, especially because before they felt shoved to the side. Sebastian Stan is also incredible in the movie.  The movie took some twists and turns I didn’t see coming, which I will always respect from a story-telling standpoint. The Russo Brothers really handled the material they given well, which should be commended because they come from a comedic background, and handled their first major action blockbuster (which also happened to be a Marvel movie) like champs, and I cannot wait to see what they can do with Civil War. 

10 / 10 

How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

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I was a huge fan of the first How to Train Your Dragon. So, I was eagerly excited to see where they could take the awesome world they had created. How to Train Your Dragon 2 builds upon and improves everything that was great in the first movie. One thing I loved seeing was the fact that this second one took many more risks than its predecessor. The characters were aged now. One of the things I was actually glad to see them tackle was the idea of forcing the main character to grow up, become a man, and have to eventually take on the responsibility of becoming chief of his village. if they were to play things safe with this movie, then he probably would have stayed a kid. I also have to commend the way they go about forcing him to take on these new responsibilities, as it was something I felt was both heartbreaking and realistic. The battle scenes were breathtaking. There was this grand attention to detail put into the backgrounds, people, dragons, and weapons. It gave each of them an epic look and feel. The 3D in the movie was also some of the best I think I have ever seen. It really does feel like you are flying on the dragons. I liked the idea of building a mother-son relationship, something animated films rarely do. The family aspect of the movie was great, too. The characters are fantastic, on the whole. They feel fleshed out, and continue to grow from their places in the first movie. They don't really get stuck in rehash land either, as the story does feel like something of its own. This was more than just one of my favorite movies of 2014, but it quickly became one of my all-time favorites. It really does feel like this series is becoming the Lord of the Rings of animated movie franchises. It will attract the crowd it intends to attract, but there are so many more people who will easily find something to enjoy.    

10 / 10 

Gone Girl (2014)

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Once again, David Fincher doesn’t disappoint. Gone Girl is a harrrowing, realistic, and unpredictable movie. I may even sound a lot like a broken record at this point, but David Fincher is my favorite director working today, and this movie does provide extreme evidence as to why. Every time you think you know where the film is going, a new twist is thrown in. Ben Affleck is an actor that, I’ll admit, I’ve never really been a big fan of. This movie, and his performance in the film, have made me completely rethink my opinion of him as an actor. Another actor who delivers an awesome performance in the film that has never really impressed me before is Tyler Perry. The actors are all-around spectacular. The entire cast shines. But, I have to be honest, this is Rosamund Pike’s movie. Pike delivers a career best performance. Fincher is the only director I am convinced could have even pulled this movie off. It really carries that dark, twisted, almost uncomfortably funny tone that a lot of the movies from his past filmography tend to carry in spades. The movie mocks the people who only ever accept one side of the story, as well as those who try to convince you that there is only one side to the story. It feels like what happens if you were to mash up Seven, Fight Club, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and Zodiac all into one movie, but still find a way to keep it fresh and new. I can't really compare this movie to the book it's based on because, unfortunately, I never read it. The movie does stand on its own very well though, and that's one of the biggest compliments I can give it. I also have to compliment the movie's music, because Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross deliver a truly haunting score. Gone Girl is a film that sticks with you, and you will find yourself thinking about the movie after you’ve finished. In short, it will leave you speechless, and even questioning the person you are sitting with.  

10 / 10 

Fight Club (1999)

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Fight Club may be that movie that critics just got wrong. Early on, the movie failed to find its footing at the box office. Many critics (at the time) slammed it for being surface-deep, overly violent, and too pro-anarchy. In more recent years, the movie has earned much more praise, even earning a well-deserved cult status. There are layers to the movie. To me, initial criticism of the movie just being about guys who fight and punch each other sounds like something that would come out of the mouth of someone who had never seen the movie before. There is an extra layer to the pro anarchy and fascism ideas that is, more than anything, darkly funny and mocking satirization of our consumerist culture of the late 1990s. David Fincher's direction works, shining as some of the best of his career. Fincher expertly manages to bring attention to little details that you might not expect. For example, nearly every shot of the movie has a Starbucks cup somewhere. The movie also sparkles with outstanding performances, particularly from Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter. Brad Pitt and Edward Norton have an excellent back and forth. Yes, the characters may be morally reprehensible people, but this is an area where I feel the direction, writing, and performances all blend together. You actually find yourself rooting for these characters, even though you know you probably shouldn't. One reason why I feel the screenplay in Fight Club is so strong is the movie's quotability. This is one of my absolute favorite movies. It flows really well in ways a lot of other movies don't, at least for me. It's pretty slick in its editing, splicing in little elements that you don't really notice unless you've seen it many, many times. This is a movie that really has stood the test of time. It's something that I myself constantly hear and see referenced in pop culture. I love this movie, and have absolutely no issues with it. I'd go on, but I've probably broken the rules enough as it is.

10 / 10