Walled In (2009)
Fairly disappointed in this one (though, honestly, I'm not sure what I was expecting) - I think I can probably handle my critique in two nice, brief, bulleted lists.
Pros:- Fantastic setting - Delightfully creepy house of horrors much like a living, breathing Pandora's box
- Some legitimately atmospheric scenes that made me jump
- Deborah Kara Unger plays a very believable, VERY creepy matron
Cons:- Mischa Barton can't bloody act.
- While the setting is very very cool, it's a bit unbelievable
- An extension of the above, there's a lot in this movie, particularly in the final act, that makes it hard to suspend disbelief
- Mischa Barton can't bloody act.
While I think that this movie legitimately had quite a bit going for it, it ultimately wound up going in a direction that I found silly and unbelievable. Which is a shame because the creepy fortress that we find ourselves in is truly horrifying.
2/5
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Cronos (1993)
Ok. I'm not sure whether or not I should take a crack at reviewing this film because, to be honest, I was really REALLY bored with it and I can't tell whether or not it was the movie or if it was the mood that I was in. I know for a fact that Psycho D loved this, and I do think that others like V, MissMacabre, Fortunato, and Roshiq, to name a few, will truly enjoy it, but I was bored, bored, booooooooooooored.
Here's some good news, though:
- Utterly fantastic and convincing acting. Federico Luppi is our superb tragic hero and Ron Perlman is a delightful over-the-top villain.
- Great direction - But that's not too surprising. It IS Guillermo del Toro that we're working with here.
- Interesting take on the Vampire/walking dead mythos
If you're looking for something that's different, character-driven, and is more of a drama than a horror movie, then this is your flick. I do think that a lot of people would enjoy it. I, personally, got bored. Therefore, I don't really think it would be fair of me to give it a star rating as I don't think I was really in the mood for it.
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Netherbeast Incorporated (2007)
Ahhh.
Netherbeast Incorporated is what I like to label a "Solid 3," meaning that it is a solid 3-Star movie. It's clever, well-acted, well-written, and definitely worth the hour and a half if you're looking for something to entertain you. Simple and subtle, it's just pure fun. Not anything that you NEED TO GO RUN OUT AND SEE, but if you and your beau are in for the evening and looking for a good little watch, this is your movie. It's cute, harmless, and fun. It won't blow your mind or anything, but it's a fun diversion.
3/5
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The Possession of David O'Reilly (2010)
This is one of those films that has quite a bit going for it on the one hand, but on the other hand, the director makes some really odd choices that really make you wonder, "Did he
mean to do that?" Plus, the suspend-your-disbelief factor really does run thin at certain parts.
The Pros- Good acting
- Good direction, though at times it's a little odd (See 'Cons')
- There are some legitimately suspenseful and scary scenes
The Cons- As I mentioned, the acting is very good. I am totally on board with the idea that David O'Reilly is being haunted. However, friend or not, I have NO idea why they just didn't ship him off to the loony bin...
- This movie, much like Paranormal Activity is the story of characters being haunted by demons. And, just like Paranormal Activity, I am increasingly annoyed with the fact that THEY WON'T LEAVE THE GODDAMN HOUSE. I mean, come on. You want to make me TRULY believe that these people are being haunted?! Get them out of the house and THEN attack 'em. Sigh.
- Inability to suspend disbelief - See points 1 and 2 above. If my friend came into my home like that, I would be quick to get him into a straight jacket and out of my happy little XBox-playing life
- The direction, while good at times, seems a bit over-ambitious and gets distracting - But not in a good way
- The writing - There is a whole character who is completely wasted. Which is a HUGE PROBLEM since there are THREE CHARACTERS. Lame.
Wow - So now that I've laid out the points like that, it makes the movie seem really bad. The fact is, I honestly enjoyed it. There were some fantastic visuals and truly scary parts. Just try not to let the nit-picking get to you, I guess.
3.5/5