susank-15735 Reviews

Thanksgiving (I) (2023)

Instant seasonal must watch!

[8/10 · 19 November 2023]

As a fan of Eli Roth's work, I was super excited for Thanksgiving and it absolutely did not disappoint! This film will definitely become an instant seasonal must watch. It's filled with with laughs, suspense, horror and mystery all rolled into an exciting film.

In a way, Thanksgiving is reminiscent of 80s slashers. It includes some twists and iconic scenes. The mystery keeps you guessing right up to the end. If you like lHalloween, Happy Birthday To Me, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and Scream you will enjoy Thanksgiving.

For a more fulfilling experience, I recommend viewing Thanksgiving in a theater with a nice size crowd.

The Bear (2022– )

I cannot say enough

[9/10 · 27 January 2023]

I cannot say enough about The Bear. It immediately draws you in and hooks you.

The acting....omg Jeremy Allen White...such a true talent (looong overdue recognition by the way!) The cast.....every single actor is on point here, and it definitely shows.

The writing....super next level, drama with comedy done right. You care about these characters and want to know their stories.

The cinematography.....creative angles and some beautiful shots.

The location...real, perfect, genuine.

The pacing....30-ish minute episodes definitely works here. Fast paced and never boring.

Patiently awaiting season 2!

Highly, highly recommend!

Halloween Ends (2022)

Well, maybe go in with low expectations....

[6/10 · 14 October 2022]

Did I hate this series in the franchise? No. Was it the best they could do? Also no. This trio may have started out as a good idea at the time, but the follow through just wasn't there. John Carpenter produced so I can't complain too much, he must've approved this. This one was definitely different, a bit long, and with quite a few unnecessary scenes. So many times I thought these scenes were going to fulfill some importance, but no luck. It started fairly well, with decent cinematography, then went downhill with some quick, choppy edits and senseless dialogue/character decisions. If anything, Kills and Ends both seem a bit sad to me. I can't comment much more without spoilers. Watch it, but with low expectations.

Smile (V) (2022)

Smile is not horrible, but it's also really nothing new

[6/10 · 2 October 2022]

It was a decent idea, but we've definitely seen this before (It Follows, The Ring, The Grudge). Sosie Bacon was definitely the standout, her performance was strong enough to carry this film. There are jump scares galore, some work and some just feel redundant and overused. Nice cinematography, but creative camera shots/angles don't help a lacking story. And the pacing did seem to drag a bit in parts. The music/soundtrack is what I really enjoyed. Imaginative use of interesting sounds here, especially during the end credits!! I would recommend viewing it in a theater just for the sound quality alone.

Don't Worry Darling (I) (2022)

Don't Worry about poor reviews....LOVED it!!

[8/10 · 25 September 2022]

I LOVED this film! Even though I saw the twist coming in the first 15 minutes, it was still very much worth watching. Florence Pugh embodied her character Alice so perfectly, she carried the film and bought so much to the story. Olivia Wilde's directing was impressive, some of her ideas/angles were really interesting. The soundtrack and wardrobe were perfect, wonderfully representing a timeless, beautiful era. The cinematography was spot on, there are many iconic shots in there. The story itself was thought provoking, and while not completely original, it did have its own originality to it. SPOILER ALERT......... There is familiarity to this film. Mostly with similarities to M. Night Shyamalan's The Village and Bryan Forbes's The Stepford Wives.

Pearl (2022)

An absolute wild and familiar ride!

[8/10 · 23 September 2022]

Wow....just wow. I am going as far as to say this is now one of my absolute favorite films in the horror genre. Ti West nailed it in every which way possible. Mia Goth is an absolute FORCE! (OMG that 9 minute monologue!) The two of them together scripted a winner. The cinematography...so many iconic scenes, and with such a familiarity. The music...love the bassoons! This film without a doubt transports you back to the timeframe. Total nods to The Wizard of Oz, Psycho, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane and Inglourious Basterds (for me anyway). There's so much to unpack here, but I will leave it spoiler free....seriously just see it in the theater.

Orphan: First Kill (2022)

Esther's back....more of a comedy??

[6/10 · 19 August 2022]

Well first let me say it wasn't bad. But it wasn't fantastic either. Orphan had much more mystery, and that surprising twist. Since we already know the secret in this movie, everything else is fairly predictable. It ties itself to the first film pretty nicely, but that's about it. The "twist" in the middle of this film is a bit nutty, and it seemed to switch genres after that. Horror? Not so much. More like some suspense and even comedic moments.

He's Watching (2022)

If Blair Witch and David Lynch had a baby....sort of

[6/10 · 14 August 2022]

If Blair Witch and David Lynch had a baby....sort of. Lots of great filmmaking techniques here. The story is a bit confusing, and there are unanswered questions, but worth watching for the style alone.

Bullet Train (2022)

Tarantino's greatest hits??

[6/10 · 6 August 2022]

I kind of feel like this movie is half Pulp Fiction and half Kill Bill...with Aldo Raines in the lead. And without QT's dialogue, style and soundtrack (although the music here is decent). That being said I didn't hate this movie. It's very action filled, visually stimulating, and really pretty funny. Good to see at least once, preferably in the theater.

Watcher (I) (2022)

Would Hitchcock approve?

[7/10 · 21 June 2022]

Great filmmaking here, I think Hitchcock would approve. Lots of decent camera angles, shifts, etc. And lots of nods to Rear Window, The Birds, Psycho, Vertigo. The story is a slow burn but does have a decent payoff.

Ozark (2017–2022)

I will definitely miss this one!

[8/10 · 1 May 2022]

Wow....end of series.... I will definitely miss this one! Ruth and the Byrdes characters were complex and likable. The series as a whole had so many twists, turns and great moments. The cinematography in the last season was outstanding, as were the episodes directed by Jason Bateman and Laura Linney. Were there some disappointing moments? Yes, some harder to take than others, but all it all the series felt wrapped up nicely and with a purpose that made sense. Thoroughly enjoyed, I will absolutely re-watch this series again.

Last Night in Soho (2021)

Soft 8....I would definitely have to see it again with subtitles

[8/10 · 31 October 2021]

Upon first viewing, I loved this film. The 60s London setting was enjoyable....music, fashions, etc. I definitely have to watch this again with subtitles because I'm afraid I may have missed some dialogue underneath the music. Very interesting plot, I love a good mystery (preferably one with a twist you don't see coming). Soho has so many great qualities. Visually and audibly it's a vibrant film. Casting and characters are interesting. I recommend viewing in the theater.

Malignant (I) (2021)

Hard for me to give it a 4 as a James Wan fan

[4/10 · 11 September 2021]

Ugh where do I begin? This wasn't the worst movie I ever saw, but it wasn't nearly James Wan's masterpiece. It started out sketchy, got interesting, then ended completely off the rails. It has elements of 1970s DePalma horror, combined with Wan's Dead Silence and Saw, some Shyamalan, a splash of Lynch's Eraserhead, and maybe (unbelievably!) a bit of Tarantino. The trailer was great, although misleading, since it sold this as something completely different. I want to say what's lacking here is the Wan/Whannel magic ingredient. For me it was disappointing, with a few decent scenes, but not much more.

Old (2021)

Depressing? Sorta...

[5/10 · 25 July 2021]

I admit I always anticipate M. Night's work. I know many don't, but I grew up on the Twilight Zone twists. I love mystery, twists, unreliable narrators, etc....as long as they are worthy. Old was a bit of a disappointment for me. Usually after a second viewing of M. Night's films, I catch more and feel differently. This one, not so much. Aging and death are tough subjects for many, and this film is filled with both. After the first hour, I found it depressing and long. I was also disappointed in the lack of a twist, unless there wasn't one intended. SPOILERS..... When the Mom mentioned how she found the resort, she said it was advertised on the bottom of her pharmacy receipt. Well maybe that was supposed to be the twist? That you knew it was a going to be a medical experiment? There could have been a better payoff. It wasn't a horrible film. Visually it was really nice, camera angles worked well. Story wise it was just lacking. Go into it not expecting much, and maybe you will enjoy it.

A Classic Horror Story (2021)

Ari Aster meets Eli Roth...with a touch of Tarantino

[6/10 · 18 July 2021]

Pretty enjoyable watch it you go into it expecting nothing. Parts were somewhat frightening and suspenseful, other parts were predictable and slightly comical. I am not a fan of horror-comedy, but this was different. Obviously inspired by Ari Aster, Eli Roth and even a bit of Tarantino. Worth checking out.

A Quiet Place Part II (2020)

What a power couple! Spoiler included

[9/10 · 18 June 2021]

What a power couple Emily Blunt and John Krasinski are! Not only are they great together, but their talent exceeds expectations. I really liked the first movie, aside from the fact that *SPOILER*......John Krasinski's character doesn't make it. It was good, well done and it held my interest, but I just LOVED part two! The story just seemed more developed, both previous to the first movie, and leaving it open for a future sequel. Nods to some points in the first movie were nice to see also. Emily Blunt is such an amazing actress, and their children in this film did not disappoint. John Krasinski is a force as a director....hope he keeps them coming!

Promising Young Woman (2020)

This generation's Fatal Attraction?

[8/10 · 17 January 2021]

Promising Young Woman is an all around well done film with an important message. I would classify it as more of a black comedy/thriller, but reminiscent of Easy A, Election, and possibly this generation's Fatal Attraction. Well worth watching.

Tiny Pretty Things (2020)

Gossip Girl meets Pretty Little Liars meets.....Suspira??

[7/10 · 30 December 2020]

It is definitely by no means Suspira, other than ballet, but has that often elegant and sometimes creepy feel. It has more of a Gossip Girl/Pretty Little Lies vibe. The characters are interesting and likable and you really do care about them. The storyline is mostly fast paced and interesting. The mystery continues through the last episode, which makes it easy to binge and easy to get hooked.

The Wilds (2020– )

LOST storytelling with strong millennial female vibe

[7/10 · 24 December 2020]

Definitely worth a watch. The writer(s) were obviously influenced by the LOST storytelling structure. Decent flashbacks introduce the characters more deeply. The season 1 cliffhanger leads you to believe there is something more sinister planned. Looking forward to season 2.

Shameless (2011–2021)

Series with a big heart and even bigger talent

[9/10 · 8 December 2020]

I've been watching faithfully since season 1 and really hate to see this series end, although some seasons were better than others, so it's most likely time for it to close. The kids totally carry this series, not William H. Macy as expected. So many great and talented young actors, they are definitely the heart of the series. I'm hoping for a satisfying and well deserved happy ending for the loveable Gallagher family.

The Undoing (2020)

I really wanted to like it more

[7/10 · 30 November 2020]

After the first couple really decent episodes, the story split in way too many directions with random scenes that ended up meaning nothing at all. With 6 weeks invested, the biggest disappointment for me was the abrupt ending.

The Host (2020)

I liked it better when it was..... (spoiler)

[5/10 · 23 October 2020]

This moves a little slow, but it eventually takes a different turn. Totally been done before....spoilers follow: I liked it better when it was Psycho. This is basically a retelling of Psycho....even down to the stolen money. Some of the scenes are reminiscent. This time it's a female psycho and "mother" is now "father." It does get more twisted, even lending a nod to Hostel.

Pool Boy Nightmare (2020 TV Movie)

Nothing new but it's got something

[7/10 · 22 October 2020]

I actually really enjoyed this one, granted it's totally predictable and nothing brand new. There's something about Lifetime movies that just suck me right in.

Let's Scare Julie (2019)

Suspenseful but no payoff

[4/10 · 4 October 2020]

This one is hard to rate. Cinematically it looks good, supposedly shot in one take. The sound/music work well and is pretty effective. The story is what is lacking here. If you can get past the almost unnecessary mean girl dialogue, this story is suspenseful, but with little or no payoff. Tension does build throughout, but then the story suddenly ends.

Knives and Skin (2019)

Definitely 1980s inspired

[8/10 · 21 June 2020]

I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this film. It had so many underlying themes/issues wrapped around the mystery of a missing teen. The story touches on family dynamics, coming of age, and the choices characters make. For me it was a combination Twin Peaks/American Beauty/Donnie Darko, but also refreshingly new at the same time. The Lynchian inspiration is obvious in many scenes. The use of the 1980s soundtrack was perfection, transporting you back to an earlier time, but while remaining very present. It may not be for everyone, but I think it's definitely worth a watch.