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Dahbeed
Reviews
Mayfair Witches (2023)
American Horror Story
This Witching Hour would have been a perfect project for Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. They, and only they, have the talent to bring the story and the characters to the a screen format. Think of the book as an American Horror Story season...what a loss. If you've read the book you know. If not and you like AHS, then read it now. It's heartbreaking to think this will be the book's story - "Mayfair Witches" in no way reflects the characters given life by Anne Rice. Omitting Aaron Lightner and Michael would be like leaving Rhett Butler and Melanie Wilkes out of GWTW. Skip it and maybe another producer will come along.
The Black Phone (2021)
Ten stars for this genre and I would know
Went into this with high expectations and was not disappointed. For the genre, it's perfect.
First, the story and plot line is flawless. From the first scene to the last. And if you notice the damn palm tree then you're not into these kinds of movies.
There is no lull, no down time, and any warm fuzzies are at the - shall we say - dead end
Second, the casting is flawless. Real, everyone. The classmates, the dad, the stoners. Anyone who was over the age of 8 in 1978 is going to feel transported in time. Those that weren't will wish they had been. Ethan Hawke is so far outside himself he's like a different person altogether. And there's no sympathy for this devil. He's evil to the bone. Thames and McGraw spot on believable. Not snarky, not overly profane, age appropriate maturity and intelligence.
Finally, what I call the "angst" factor. What keeps you in your seat, riveted to the screen, thinking about the next thing, the next "act," the...next. This movie has it. Look, we know the kid's getting grabbed, so that's expected. It's what happens afterward that starts as a simmer, then a bubbling, then a rolling boil where you realize no matter how hard you try, it could very well be the last day of your puny life...
It's good. See it in a theater.
The Last Thing Mary Saw (2021)
Uniquely suspenseful; horrifying
Literally came across this film by accident. Watched it as a fan of period dramas and gothic tales. The description reminded me of The Witch and Lady Macbeth (British,2016.). This film sets the tone and atmosphere of 1840s puritan beliefs down to the last detail. The acting is subtle and all actors give stellar performances, particularly the "matriarch." This is where the horror comes into play. Is the matriarch truly evil in the demonic sense of the word, or a religious nutcase? Rory Culkin is phenomenal as a late arriving sinister stranger. And the ending! You will not see it coming. This I can promise you. No, this film does not have masses of death, blood or guts, no yawning gates of hell or walking dead. So pass on it if that is your style. If you are up for a well done entertaining independent film that will keep you interested to the end, it is worth the watch.
Alone (2020)
Realistic story of survival that holds to the end
I enjoy survival movies because I like to put myself in the situation - how would I react? What would I do? This movie is very believable, especially from a female perspective. The heroine, Jessica, is not a "superhero" nor is she a victim. She isn't "blond, buff & twenty" like most of victims portrayed these days. Instead, she is your sister, daughter, friend - just a regular youngish (30?) woman, moving from one place to another, pulling a U-haul behind her much used car. Same for the "man." Average looking, even a little common looking - exactly the kind of guy you see everyday at the store or gas station. Their "meeting", too, is an event that occurs a million times a day all over the world. As I watched this, I found myself thinking, "I've done that..." Don't get me wrong, this isn't a feminist film at all. The movie keeps your interest simply because it is so believably realistic - Jessica and the man act and react like one would expect - not like a character in a script. And the ending, though violent, dirty and degrading, was not how I expected this particular story to end. Definitely worth watching.
Absentia (2011)
Disturbing
I've watched this movie several times. The first time, I almost switched it off because I got the impression it was a really, really independent movie, very low budget. But I stayed with it and I'm glad I did. The story line is one that requires your attention - not just to dialogue, but the nuances of the characters. I can see why the ratings are so skewed with those who hated it and those who loved it. It's one of those movies. Give it a chance. There are no demons, slashers, or maniacal zombies, but you'll think twice before you walk through a pedestrian tunnel again.