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robthebarman
Reviews
Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
A Decent Sequel
A mostly enjoyable film. More of a family film than the original, with teen adventure vibes, a few jump scares and some humorous dialogue.
It does seem to lose its way in the final third somewhat and the final act feels rushed and jumbled, as if we've got to the point where we all know what's going to happen and they just want the film finished.
Definitely one to watch again and a decent addition to the franchise.
And there are TWO post credit scenes, DON'T leave until the very end.
Spree (2020)
Interesting and weird
Quirky, fun, slightly weird but well acted by Joe Keery. An interesting social commentary film that pokes fun at the ridiculous side of social media with a very dark undertone.
ARQ (2016)
Feels 3/4 finished.
Starts off as a pretty standard time looping story, adds in some interesting developments, then just as the big twist is revealed the film ends.
There is a gaping plot hole that doesn't get addressed, but it hardly matters as you're left wondering where the rest of the film, and explanations, have gone.
Fractured (2019)
Decent enough thriller, unsatisfactory ending
Leaves you with more questions than answers, and not in a good way. Did enjoy it until the final few minutes, kept you guessing, a couple of twists, highly unsatisfactory ending.
La nuée (2020)
Not a fantasy horror.
This is a slow family drama with mild thriller aspects as the mother of a French farming family struggles to cope with the suicide of her husband and throws herself - literally - into her work at the expense of her family and only friend.
Howl (2015)
Decent enough by the numbers horror
Standard horror film, doesn't do anything new or throw many surprises at you, but does do some small things well.
The first 20 minutes set the scene quite well showing a broad cross section of today's society, one Each of a different type of person On this doomed train, and how they treat each other when things are normal, and then when things go wrong. character choices are confusing at times, The standard horror "don't go over there alone!" cliches are plentiful, but I've spent worse 90 minutes on films than this.
Decent enough but ultimately not much to get excited about.
The Silence (2019)
Better than the similar films in the genre
There is an obvious comparison to A Quiet Place, being that was released first, but the book of The Silence came out long beforehand.
This is a slow, quiet thriller than gives you everything you would expect from this type of film. There are some bad decisions made by the family, but not so bad as to take away from the film - unlike A Quiet Place's catastrophe of errors.
This takes you in at the start of an apocalyptic event and plays it through fairly well - until the last 20 odd minutes, with a cult popping round to abduct the fertile female! Not great plot wise but is taken from the book and seems like they felt they had to include it in the film.
A decent film, much better than its siblings in the genre, and worth the time if you can give it the attention.
A Quiet Place (2018)
Don't believe the hype.
An interesting premise, but so full of bad choices and stupid decision making by the characters and unbelievable situations.
Coupled with little to no explanations as to the who, how and whys of the world they're in - sand paths everywhere? Seriously having a baby?!
It is not as good a film as a lot of people are making it out to be. I am genuinely baffled how it has won so many awards and nominations. It's a good idea, but poorly written and executed.
Money has a lot to do with the ratings for this one. The Silence and Bird Box are similar premises and done much better.
Dead Rising: Watchtower (2015)
Better than average zombie film
I've watched A LOT of zombie films, and this one holds its own.
Has some nice action sequences, enough humorous moments to not take itself too seriously, decent pacing and ending, and enough subtle nods to the original source material game to warrant the title.
Decent enough film without too much thought required. 7/10
Dead Rising: Endgame (2016)
Poor TV movie sequel
The original Dead Rising film wasn't too bad, a better than average zombie flick.
This sequel is a cheap, poorly scripted, made for late night horror channel Piece of garbage. Awful pacing with conspiracy side plot meetings on waterfronts and rooftops that add little to nothing, virtual no score to add to scenes of tension or dramatic reveal.
A couple of action sequences save this from being a 1, before the abrupt ending with no conclusion.
Serious waste of 90 minutes
The Invention of Lying (2009)
Interesting concept, uncomfortable film
What starts out as an interesting idea, which is quickly established in the opening scene, provides some thoughtful humour and fresh dialogue for the the first part of the film. Unfortunately the film abandons it's light hearted openings for religion bashing and mockery and finishes as just another romantic cliche complete with an interrupted wedding.