Handsome Guys (2024) was such a cute movie. A delightful remake of the (ultimately forgettable) Tucker and Dale Versus Evil (2010), with a Korean and occult spin. The over the top CGI was enjoyable in context. No chills or thrills in this one, but lots of aws, mostly due to a cute pup, and a very adorable dynamic with big softie Park Sang-goo (Lee Hee-joon) and "kidnapped" student Kim Mi-na (Gong Seung-yeon). Would recommend.
Upgrade (2018) was fantastic! Really a sci-fi action thriller rather than horror, but of my favorite kind, CYBERPUNK! Revenge porn via cybernetic implants, starring Logan Marshall-Green, of The Invitation (2015).
I put off watching this one because I've seen it flagged for violence, but it was not the "bad kind,"* more like action movie violence where people (mostly bad guys) get knocked around.
As you all know by now, I'm really not big on CGI at all, but I thought these effects were excellent, very tastefully done.
The plot was pretty standard stuff for the genre, but it was well executed and enjoyable, so no complaints here. Definitely recommended!
* Most kinds of film violence are the "bad kind" in my humble opinion, but I hate and basically won't watch:
- sexual violence
- violence against children or animals
- torture porn, where someone is suffering and you are supposed to watch it happen
Arguably there could be exceptions, but in general, I think films that rely on cringey violence are the lowest form of horror -- there's nothing impressive about generating that kind of instinctual discomfort and revulsion, it's like tapping a knee for the patellar reflex. Cheap tricks. Anyway, end rant.
Nicolas Roeg directed Don't Look Now (1973) and The Witches (1990), two brilliant films, so I had hoped that Puffball: The Devil's Eyeball (2007) might be good -- maybe even awesome, with such a wild name! Unfortunately, it was frickin terrible. π€£π€£ The plot was rambling and incoherent, the characters dislikeable, and the production value low. If you want to watch a movie about witches who are after your baby, stick with Rosemary's Baby! (1968)
Daybreakers (2009) was amazing! Definitely sci-fi action rather than horror, but damn, I loved it. Incredible world building, vivid effects, Willem Dafoe, and thrilling story. Nailed it! π―π―
The Mist (2007, black and white version) fell flat for me. I'm rarely one for creature features* -- I swing between finding the critters ludicrous, and pitiable. That was pretty much my take on this movie. I also find the emotionally-stunted male action-hero trope realllly played out and boring. Even taking the genre for what it is, however, the film left a lot to be desired. The scoring was absurdly melodramatic and the dialogue was overacted, even maudlin. I can't really think of anything positive to say. If you want to watch a newer horror film in black and white, I would recommend The Lighthouse (2019).
* With a few notable exceptions, like Shivers (1975), Slither (2006), and of course Jaws (1975). I'm also a fan of Tremors (1990), though I don't really consider that horror.
I'm not an Eli Roth fan -- gory shock horror is not my style. But Cabin Fever (2002) was alright -- funny and disgusting. I do think it's interesting that Roth's fantasies revolve around entitled assholes getting their comeuppance. That's a motif I can get behind. And this particular film, about contagion, was especially skin-crawly during a pandemic year.
Nicole and I watched Byzantium (2012), which was great. A thrilling, atmospheric, moody, relationship-driven vampire drama. Strong vibes of Let the Right One In (2008), though not quite as good as its brilliant predecessor. Interesting dynamics due to the more limited interpretation of vampire powers, and a cool mythos. Another wonderful film from Neil Jordan, creator of Interview with the Vampire (1994) and The Company of Wolves (1984).
Megan, Mark and I watched Pulse (εθ·―, Kairo), a Japanese technology horror film directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. This movie had some truly freaky/creepy scenes, but the plot felt all over the place... maybe something was lost in translation. Enjoyed watching it though. And it's interesting to think of this film coming out in 2001 -- idk about yall, but that was pretty much the start of my personal computing, the days of AIM, etc.... so a movie about the horrors of the internet was ahead of the curve, and probably pretty electrifying at that time.
Terra and I watched Tusk (2014), which was a trip. Disgusting, but darkly humorous... although for me the "ick" factor was distracting haha. As Terra said, "I definitely don't regret watching it but I also can't think of anyone I would recommend it to off the top of my head." π€£π€£
There was also a lot of misogyny which didn't seem to drive the plot at all, it was just uncomfortable.
Featuring the Sixth Sense kid (Haley Joel Osmont), and randomly, Johnny Depp.
Definitely the weirdest Kevin Smith film (I've seen, anyway).
Nicole and I watched You're Next (2011), which was a (bloody, murderous) romp! Not the most inventive plot, but redeemed by good pacing, zany, dark, deadpan humor, and a badass female lead. This one had some similar vibes to Ready or Not (2019).
The Lodge (2019) was extremely dark. Tense and moody psychological thriller. Not my favorite film.
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
This film was sad -- what happens when you push an emotionally fragile person too hard, past their breaking point. Not really a horror movie though - just a depressing case of abusing a person who has already been traumatized, and watching as they crack under pressure.
Terra and I watched The Lure (2015) tonight, which was great! Not what I would term horror though -- a musical drama with some horror elements. Beautiful, great soundtrack, and very sad. π Too much stomping on my heart, not enough vicious man-eating! π
Nicole and I watched Bug (2006), and it was f'ing crazy!! It was not what I was expecting, that's for sure, which was a relief for me anyway, tho this was surely gnarly in its own way. Themes of paranoia, madness, conspiracy, loneliness, loss of self. A good movie but rough!
Thanks to Nicole for kicking off the top 100 countdown with me! First of the season was Hush (2016), a slasher with a strong female lead who is deaf and mute. This was interesting from a plot perspective (cf The Quiet Place), and I always enjoy seeing sign language represented in films (learned the sign for "bitch" haha), but unfortunately this was pretty much the only interesting part. As Nicole said, pretty standard cat-and-mouse stuff. And the gross violence/gore was frankly pretty gratuitous.
Must say, I'm not impressed with Mike Flanagan, who also did Gerald's Game, which sucked.
Jesse and I watched The Endless (2018). It was good! Sci-fi horror about two brothers who are drawn back to the UFO death cult they left 10 years ago. Atmospheric, innovative, some good creepy scares, and punchy dialogue. Good fun.
Damn. Suicide Circle aka Jisatsu sΓ’kuru (2001) was a brilliant but brutal watch.
** ❗Content warning, there was a scene at ~1:05:00 that was too horrible/disturbing for me, I had to stop watching and turn it off last night. The movie up to that point was really awesome and creative, so I came back to it today, just fast-forwarded through that scene. Truly awful subject matter and felt so real that it really disturbed me. On the balance, I still liked/respected the movie. But if you choose to watch, please be ready (I was not).❗**
Anyway, there were some super iconic moments, I'm really shocked I had never heard of or seen this movie before. (Mark said he saw it like 15 years ago.) I have seen a great deal of American horror by now, but one of my goals for this year is to expand my knowledge of international horror. HMU if you want in on that! π―π΅πΊπΉπ»
Mark and I watched Kamera o Tomeru na! (lit., don't stop the camera!), English title "One Cut of the Dead." It was great! π And fun meta take on zombie movie production. Altho solidly on the side of comedy, rather than horror.
Thanks Megan for braving I Am Legend (2007) with me! I'd heard mixed reviews about this film and after watching I guess that makes sense. It's an interesting concept, but with really inconsistent attention to detail, terrible CGI zombies, and a ludicrous ending. Mark says the book is way better and [[insert book plot spoilers]] which sounds way more interesting and was apparently just totally omitted from this movie?? So that's lame. I guess there's an alternate ending to this movie which hews a little more closely to the book, anyone seen it? Thoughts? Also, Megan discovered this cool website: http://paintingsinmovies.com/m/view/id/127 gotta bookmark that for future reference! :)
Jesse and I watched Cam (2018), a glitzy, sensual, cyberpunk thriller. Really smart and interesting, tho it left some key questions unexplored. (Also, it did not devolve into a morality play about the evils of sex work, which was a welcome surprise.) Themes of identity, reality, paranoia, guilt, suicide.
Recommended for fans of Satoshi Kon's masterpiece Perfect Blue, or William Gibson enthusiasts. Recommended!! ππ
