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simon-mackay
Reviews
Monster Mash (2024)
Take it for what it is and enjoy! 6.5/10
Set aside the negative reviews; this film is the quintessential late Sunday afternoon watch, perfect when you're in the mood for light-hearted entertainment without too much complexity.
It may not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it's unfair to disregard it entirely, especially with its quirky James Bond-like soundtrack opening and closing the film. There's a significant number of serious films out there; sometimes, a bit of fun is what's needed.
"Monster Mash" (2024) revitalises the legendary tales of Dracula, the Werewolf, the Mummy, and the Invisible Man, positioning them as unexpected champions against Dr. Frankenstein's new menace. This villain is a powerful concoction of the legends' strengths. The movie excels in character development, humour, and detailed visual storytelling, presenting these iconic characters in a new light while uncovering Dr. Frankenstein's deep-seated motivations.
The film is a standout piece, rejuvenating the lore of these ageless monsters with excellent pacing and a fresh, engaging plot that pays homage to the original myths while giving them a modern twist. It brings these creatures from the mid-20th century and pits them against a well-known foe: Dr. Frankenstein himself.
Assessing the film's elements:
- Story: 5/10 - Simple yet entertaining, capturing the essence of fun cinema.
- Acting: 6/10 - With Dracula as a highlight, the ensemble embraces their roles reminiscent of classic characters.
- Lighting/Grading: 6/10 - Deliberately dark to set the mood, with thoughtful nods to past styles, especially in Dracula's portrayal.
- Music & Audio: 7/10 - Despite the odd choice of a Bond-esque theme, the overall sound design is commendable and well-executed.
- Visuals: 5/10 - While not a blockbuster spectacle, it surpasses many B-movies, especially during the climactic battle scenes, echoing the charm of classic monster movies.
- Fun: 9/10 - The enjoyment factor is high, leaving a longing for more adventures with these characters.
Overall, "Monster Mash" proved to be a delightful surprise, drawing me into its narrative and leaving me eager for a potential sequel, possibly featuring a showdown with Van Helsing.
I truely want to see more from this world that was created.
Hounded (2022)
Wanting a sequel
Is this film a master piece? Its not far off.
I genuinely didn't know what i was walking into when I started watching this. Had they the budget this would have REALLY worked as a TV Short. If they had a bigger budget again I think the whole premise has a market.
The concept is quite basic, the acting from the lead hunt woman is high quality! There was just something missing and I feel this was in the establishment of relating to the hunted.
I wish we had more time exploring the characters and getting attached to them prior to the set up. The film did try and the cinematography and audio landscaping carried us flawlessly through the adventure.
Give it a watch! :)
The Stranger in Our Bed (2022)
Confused by the bad reviews
The film is a 15 there are no "gratuitous sex scenes" in fact the sex in this film is some of the least "risqué" i've seen in a long time. You see more in "Emily in paris" or "Sex education" on netflix.
The film itself is a really good British story, acted very well by the actors and delivered in a good pacing. There where a few moments where as a viewer you would yell in your head! "call the police" but these moments i guess are to help drive along the plot.
There is a trigger warning i must offer that if you are affected by domestic violence there are scenes in this that are very well done and realistic and although kept in as good a taste as possible, i can certainly see how someone may be triggered by it.
Over all it was well written, well acted, well edited, FANSTASTIC score and music on all scenes. The Pacing lost itself but the ending was strong with an almost "post credits" type ending.
I am recommending to friends to watch to discuss as its been a while in a sea of blockbusters to find a little gem to talk around the table with a glass of wine!