NancyLarned Reviews

Paranormal Activity (2007)

By far the scariest movie I have ever seen

[7/10 · 9 October 2009]

Of those in doubt about the hype, believe it. I just saw this movie with a few friends and I am still sore from shaking so much. Every time the film would fade in on the shot of the bedroom from the camera we would grab hands and our hearts would begin to pump.

The film is incredibly simple, but incredibly realistic. The characters seem very real and everything that happens seems frighteningly real, mainly because of the less is more technique. By the end of the film, such a simple thing as a light turning on or footsteps will make you want to scream. Me and my friends would start freaking out every time we heard a noise.

The director brilliantly brings you into an unbearable tension that does not let up until the film ends. And, at the beginning, you may be wondering when it will get scary. I know I did. But take my word for it, this film gets to the point of being too much to bear.

In a nutshell, 'Paranormal Activity' was an amazing horror film that brings a breath of very fresh air to the dying genre. Go see this film, but take my word for it, do NOT see it alone.

Diabolique (1955)

A chilling thriller

[8/10 · 14 April 2009]

I just saw this 50's mystery thriller, and I was surprised. Most movies made in the 50's don't scare me, but this film left me trembling.

The film tells the story of two women working for a cruel and abusive boarding school principal. Tired of being hurt, verbally and physically, the women plan and execute the man's murder during the holidays.

I don't want to give away too much, for it's vital you see it without knowing the ending. The last fifteen minutes of this film pack a strong and chilling punch with wonderful suspense and subtlety you don't see anymore. It is a masterful thriller with a twist ending matching that of "Psycho" and "The Sixth Sense". I recommend it to anyone who is able to watch older movies. Fans of slasher and killer films that get their scares from gore and shocks, stay away.

The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra (2001)

The Funniest Comedy I Have Seen

[10/10 · 20 February 2009]

This movie was a great surprise. I am a fan of old B-movies, and this film replicated them perfectly. The characters, the story, the setting, and the humor are all so clever and witty.

From the titles of this film, I was laughing my head off. There are so many quotable lines it's impossible to count them all! The Lost Skeleton is so sarcastic, Betty is so stupid.... Larry Blamire did a brilliant job on the script and on the skeleton's voice. The camera, the lighting, the sets, the audio, and even the trailer are all perfectly done to look and feel like a sci-fi movie of the 50's.

If only the "(fill in the blank) Movies" and other comedies were this funny and simple. This film was perfect in all ways and really made me laugh. I recommend it to anyone who loves an intelligent comedy; fans of the "fill in the blank Movies" are advised to stay away -- this is not a film for you.

Marley & Me (2008)

Surprisingly good

[7/10 · 28 December 2008]

I just saw this film tonight. I wasn't expecting anything great, since the trailers looked a little cliché and I don't care for Owen Wilson. What I got was a fun-filled, cute, and very realistic story about a man, his wife, and their dog!

The film can get long at times, and the middle is upsetting during the husband-wife fights... but it is a fun feel-good movie. Wilson and Aniston had good chemistry, and the puppy.... oh my. At the end, I couldn't help but crying. And it takes a lot to make me cry! I enjoyed myself and, after seeing several disturbing films in the past month, it made me feel whole - as it was supposed to. The film was well- done, realistic, and fun. I left feeling sad but full.

The Amityville Horror (1979)

They don't make them like this anymore.

[6/10 · 20 December 2008]

While a little campy, this film delivered some great creepy scenes that will truly scare you. The acting is pretty good, even from the kids (for a 70's movie). Sure, it's a little fake, but come on! It's the seventies!

In light of all the remakes of classic 80's films recently, I just want to say that they shouldn't be doing that. The subtlety and suspense has gone from movies. The atmosphere in this film is great, and it tells a story, another thing modern films has forgotten about.

Overall this is a good, fun horror film that you'll enjoy. Perhaps watch it alone so you can get drawn up in the atmosphere and story. It's good, it's scary, and it will give you a taste of what true horror is.

The Others (2001)

GOOD movie!

[9/10 · 20 December 2008]

The Others is one of two films I've seen in the past year that actually made me afraid to fall asleep. The film is a stylish thriller/horror with a well developed dramatic back story that is actually very powerful.

One of the great things about this film is its lack of effects. Much like The Changeling (1980), it delivers subtle chills without using a drop of blood. The writer backed it up with a mysterious and sad story about the family, and he spends much of the movie developing this - making the ghostly moments all the more frightening.

This film is proof that the film-making industry still makes subtle horror movies without blood, gore, teenagers getting mutilated, and without sex! Let us hope more films like this can be made.

9/10

The Changeling (1980)

An intense, frightening ghost story

[8/10 · 1 December 2008]

I just finished watching "The Changeling". I'm a huge fan of horrors and subtle ghost stories, and appreciate subtle scares. This film, though it was made like 30 years ago, was truly terrifying and (in my opinion) not dated at all.

The whole movie contains an eerie atmosphere. The house is really creepy looking, especially at night. And once the ghost comes into play, the movie takes a terrifying turn. It's complete with an eerie tone, creepy voices and tele-porting objects. This film is not for the faint of heart.

Sadly, films like this aren't made anymore. Except for a few films recently made (The Others, the Sixth Sense) horror movies have lost subtlety and are relying on cheap scares. Hopefully more films are made like this one. "The Changeling" was a very scary movie that is perfect for people who love a well-done ghost story.

I Am Legend (2007)

I Am Legend - yes you are!!!

[7/10 · 22 December 2007]

I just saw this movie today, and it blew me away! It is an intense, well acted, very intelligent horror movie. Yeah, it's a horror movie.

I went in expecting a wonderful film, and I am completely satisfied. The whole film I was feeling for Will Smith's character, and through the scary parts I was all over my seat. The monsters are frightening and disturbing, but so interesting.

How Will Smith reacted to his dog made me smile. He was one of the best parts of the film. His acting is great as usual, and is a treat to watch.

While watching this movie, I learned one very good lesson: DON'T GO OUT AFTER DARK!!!!