d0wen Reviews

Werewolf by Night (2022 TV Movie)

Pointless - Should be titled 'By Night'

[1/10 · 7 October 2022]

I have no idea how this has such a high rating (at the time of me doing this)

I found it totally pointless, didn't like the characters, you don't see mr wolf until the final 15 minutes and because the film is noir and so dark, you barely see mr wolf once onscreen anyway. 'By Night' is a more appropriate title.

The unseen wolfman transformation is a bit of a cop out... but I suppose we all know trying to out-do the transformation from An American Werewolf In London is always going to be hard!!

I honestly feel the look of the Wolfman from the 1940's was much better than this Wolfman.

Groot's cousin (you'll see what I mean) is just pointless... Overall a missed opportunity really.

It (I) (2017)

A great watch - has it's flaws but I actually think it is better than the ORIGINAL!

[8/10 · 7 October 2022]

Yes... I said it, I do think this remake is better than the original.

Some movies should not be remade but, some should as standing the test of time can be hard, this is proof of that. The CGI is really good, the film does lose it's way at times and has some silly moments. I personally do not think it's scary, but it can be creepy and I love the atmosphere at times. I originally thought Pennywise sounded like Scooby Doo.... (I managed to get past that) however Pennywise is great in this remake and definitely has better on screen presence than the original. I would prefer to watch this version as it is less silly than the original and just feels better. Which is why I stand by stating it's better then the original.

The Conjuring (2013)

Easily one of the best horrors in recent times

[8/10 · 7 October 2022]

I come back to watching The Conjuring every Autumn. I would definitely recommend for anyone who likes a good haunting story. Obviously you can watch this film any time of the year, but if you're looking for an Autumn / Halloween horror I would go for this. It isn't a Halloween themed film with jack o' lanterns and all that but it is a great film for Fall. The atmosphere is great, the sacred are good, the story is good with no strange outta world twist or anything like that, the acting is fair.

If you are aware of the Warrens and the stories this will make it even better for you. The Conjuring universe has become classic horror watching. With this movie being the best of them all!

Joker (I) (2019)

Jokers Origin - a very good origin story.

[9/10 · 9 October 2019]

For those that aren't aware ... this is not a big comic book action film CGI fest... enjoy the story you are being told, the emotions are there. As a stand alone film, it's brilliant, for those that want references to you know who, it's has slim pickings and that's how it should be, this story is not about him. I did want a little more madness in regards to Joker kicking off but I think that's because of the hype the fainthearted have created. I've read people feeling uncomfortable and it's so violent. I think there's two moments of violence, that were acted out very well. You get pulled in, waiting to see where the story will take you. It's a very good portrayal as origin for the Joker, great acting and story line. You can end up with a number of interpretations to this movie. If you already know background and interpretations of Jokers origin, be it comics, animated, big screen previous, you will enjoy this for sure.

Stand Up Guys (2012)

Walken and Pacino - Just like bacon and eggs but even better

[9/10 · 17 January 2013]

The film has a nice genuine feel about it, great story, great acting and a great soundtrack that compliments the film and characters! I found myself getting sucked in to the characters and as much as I enjoy seeing Walken act and hearing his dialogue, Pacino was great in this film too. He's not an angry mobster but a likable criminal one of his best films I think. Walken doesn't give us the old stories that we are used to but his presence is just perfection.

Do not expect this film to be full of gangster violence and action, this is the other end of the career. Experience and heart goes a long way.

I have to say that if this film was made with a different cast I think it would have been slow and easy to miss, walken and pacino make the film as genuine as they come.

The Expendables 2 (2012)

Actually much better than the first + very enjoyable!

[8/10 · 23 October 2012]

I disagree with some people feeling that this film was no better than the first. It is easily better than the first, which is a very hard thing to do (normally). I thought the first movie wasn't brill but it was OK, it was kind of what I expected but I did expect a bit more in the fight scenes and I felt that Jet Lei just like the story wasn't up to much. Everything Stallone is doing here is a great idea and it has a great feel to it. Expendables 2 has finally got to where the first one should've been. This one is far more enjoyable, the action / fight scenes are better, which is mainly why we watch these sorts of films, but also the characters and their relationships with each other are better. Some of the scenes are pure genius. Some of the scenes are not but hey ho. I am really looking forward to a 3rd instalment but I do feel that they will take it too far and end up with some of the most annoying and worst ones appearing like Steven Seagal and Vin Deisel... I hope not! If they do then they might as well go the whole hog and get the Heather Small bird from M People on there to just totally annoy us all!!

Expendables 2... Anyone who is between the age of 30 and 60 that remembers the best 80's action flicks with the likes of Arnie, Stallone, Bruce Willis, van damme in will know that these films didn't ever really have great acting in, it was all about the action and the fight scenes. Expendables 2 has got it going on! Really enjoyable film.

Frankenweenie (2012)

Tim Burton at his best again - more animation please!

[8/10 · 23 October 2012]

I have just got back from watching this film with my oldest daughter (12yrs old). I would recommend this film to anybody but I do feel that it will be mostly enjoyed by kids over the age of 8 possibly even over 10. I reckon it's too dark for younger kids.It is a very typical Tim Burton animation, although I do wish he would do more more animations! They are so easy to watch and my kids love them so it's great for us all. I do think some of his 'films' are too weird but I have enjoyed every animation he has done. Frankenweenie as you can imagine is a play on the old Frankenstien movies but it has a great feel to it.

I am a horror fan and there aren't many good horrors these days (if any?). The good thing about Tim Burton's films like Frankenweenie, is that they blend horror into fun without the cheese that you get with most horror flicks. Tim Burton gets the eerie atmosphere and the scenery bang on with the animation. I really like the homage to the old films he uses too.